5 Free Bedtime Routines for Babies from a Professional Doula
Before we get into the various bedtime routines you can try for your baby, let's talk about why routines may be helpful. In addition to preserving a portion of your sanity as a parent, bedtime routines help babies to decompress from the day. We often forget that babies are simply tiny humans. After a jam-packed, activity-filled day, jumping in bed, closing your eyes and instantly falling asleep is next to impossible for us. Why would it be any different for a baby? We all need a little time to calm our bodies and minds to prepare for a good night's sleep. Here are 5 routines you can try with your little one:
One
7:00 diaper and pajamas
7:15 read a book
7:30 lights out snuggle time
7:40 settle baby into crib/bed/etc
Two
6:00 bathtime
6:20 diaper and pajamas
6:30 playtime
6:50 bedtime story
7:10 Settle baby into crib/bed/etc
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Three
6:00 No screen time
6:30 read a book
6:50 put on pajamas and have a bottle
7:00 pm cuddle time lights off, settle baby in for sleep
Four
1 hour before bedtime - Bath Time
10 min Diapering and pajamas
15 min Baby massage
15 min Bottle and Cuddling
Move baby into the room for sleeping
Five
5:00 bathtime and pajamas
5:30 Evening movie / TV show / snack
6:30 Screens off
6:40 Bottle / cuddle / read
7:00 settle baby in for bed
These are simply a few examples you can try. Feel free to mix and match times and activities as you see fit for your family. Don’t forget that establishing any new routine is a process and may take some adjustment time and trial and error. Establishing a bedtime routine will not only help baby but it will help you as a parent as well!
