How to Establish a Baby Bedtime Routine

One thing that new parents often miss most after bringing home their new baby is a full night̵7;s sleep. Sleep is vital for a child̵7;s physical and mental development, so helping your baby establish a bedtime routine is beneficial for the whole family. Though your little bundle of joy may resist separating from you at night, a regular routine can help her learn how to fall asleep and comfort herself.

Instructions

    • 1

      Create a routine and stick to it, including the weekends and when you are away from home, if possible. Get your partner on board and work together to ensure that your plan goes smoothly. Start your baby̵7;s bedtime routine when your infant is as young as 6 to 8 weeks old to create a familiar, predictable pattern each night.

    • 2

      Repeat the same routine every evening with activities such as giving your baby a warm bath, offering a bottle or breastfeeding and then placing her into her crib. Note that the warm bath is relaxing and can help your young one transition into bedtime. Repeat the chosen activities each night to teach your child when it's time to sleep and to give her a feeling of security. Keep the bedtime routine to less than 30 minutes.

    • 3

      Introduce a security object to your baby to help ease into a bedtime routine, as long as she is old enough to have one. Offer her a stuffed animal, soft blanket or a pacifier to help her relax while you are sitting together in a rocking chair or snuggling on the couch after bath time.

    • 4

      Reassure your baby during her bedtime routine by offering extra cuddling while you read her a story or sing a song. Note that listening to your voice while reading is soothing, it also expands her language abilities. Sing a final tune as you gently place her in her crib for the night.

    • 5

      Speak with your pediatrician if you think your baby has any sleep issues, such as difficulty breathing while sleeping, snoring or heavy breathing. Sleep issues can be related to other problems like sleep apnea or tonsils that are too large.

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