*This article may have affiliate links, which means we may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through links we provide (at no extra cost to you). For more details, please read our privacy policy/affiliate disclosure. Thank you for supporting the work we put into this blog!
baby bedtime routine l how to set a baby bedtime routine l good baby bedtime routine l Start a Bedtime Routine for a Baby l how to shift baby bedtime routine
Did you know that studies indicate that as many as 90 percent of all parents would change something about their baby’s nighttime routine if they could? Feel better now? Obviously, many parents are going through the same challenging issues you’re facing with your baby at bedtime, so don’t feel so alone and stress too much! Still, it’s tough when you feel like your baby is never going to sleep through the night – we know. That’s especially true for first-time parents, many of whom become convinced that everything they do is wrong and that their baby is paying the price by becoming sleep deprived. But in all likelihood, you’re doing almost everything right, because what your baby needs most of all is unconditional love and devotion, and you’re giving them that in spades, right? A few tweaks to your baby’s nighttime routine will make them sleep soundly and for longer and longer stretches. Once you’ve instituted these steps for a few weeks, you’ll find that your baby is sleeping better, longer and more comfortably than you ever thought possible. And if the baby sleeps soundly, the mom has a chance to sleep soundly too. That means everyone is happier and more well-rested!baby bedtime routine l how to set a baby bedtime routine l good baby bedtime routine l Start a Bedtime Routine for a Baby l how to shift baby bedtime routine
1- Careful How Long You Let Daytime Naps Run
It’s tempting to allow your baby to sleep as long as they like during the day, particularly if you’re sleep deprived as a new mom. But the more they sleep during the day, the less well they sleep at night, so don’t let naps go longer than two and a half hours, at most! This depends in part on how old your infant is, of course – newborn babies sleep almost right through the day, except when they wake for feedings. But by the time they are three or four months old, starting rousing them to play when they’ve been asleep for over two hours, and they’ll be more ready for bed when the time comes.2- Develop a Structured Routine At Bedtime
Babies need order; it helps them cope with a wildly stimulating world that constantly comes at them from all directions. Be sure they’ve got a fresh diaper on before bed, turn down the lights, and swaddle them in a cozy onesie and snug blanket. Then cradle them in your arms and sing – any song will do, providing your voice is calm and quiet. Turn on a white noise machine (we’ll get to this step!) and gently put your baby in the crib. Pause for a few moments if you wish to make sure the baby is comfortable. You shouldn’t stand there staring until your baby falls asleep, no matter how tempted you are! Babies are drowsy before bedtime, and they will fall asleep quickly and easily once you’re out of the room.baby bedtime routine l how to set a baby bedtime routine l good baby bedtime routine l Start a Bedtime Routine for a Baby l how to shift baby bedtime routine
3- Consider Getting a White Noise Machine

4- Resist Rushing In At the Slightest Sound
It isn’t easy to keep from running into your baby’s room at the first sound of them waking, we know! But wait outside the nursery door for 60 seconds or so before going in and picking the baby up for a cuddle. Many babies actually make soft noises while they are still asleep, and others rouse for a moment, then fall straight back to sleep when we let them. This practice encourages babies to fall asleep on their own sometimes, and that’s the goal as they get older.5- Careful Where You Let Them Fall Asleep
