Your biggest goal as a parent these days is to get your little one to sleep. You know it’s important for their development, and you wouldn’t mind getting some yourself. But what’s the best newborn bedtime routine to set for the newest member of your family?
In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about setting up your baby’s sleep routine. We’ll also give you some tips to help your baby get the most restful sleep they can.
Key Takeaways
Table of contents
- What is a newborn bedtime routine?
- Why is a newborn bedtime routine important?
- Best bedtime routine for baby
- Tips for helping your newborn sleep well
What is a newborn bedtime routine?
A newborn bedtime routine is a step-by-step plan of what you do with your baby before you put them to bed. It’s short and strategic: 15 to 20 minutes of activities that will soothe your little one and prepare them for the main event: getting their sleep.
Although no single sleep routine works for everyone, keep reading to find out what steps can go into your baby’s bespoke bedtime routine.
Why is a newborn bedtime routine important?
Before we dive into the routine itself, let’s talk a little about why the routine is important.
It helps baby fall and stay asleep.
A bedtime routine helps your baby fall asleep and stay asleep. A routine resets their internal clock and helps to begin developing their Circadian rhythm, which usually happens around six to 12 weeks.
It supports baby’s physical and mental development.
Your baby’s bedtime routine provides stability, which itself is a foundation for a newborn’s physical and mental growth. It both enhances their cognitive abilities and physical health and helps them regulate their emotions.
It allows you to bond with your baby.
The time before bed is some of the most precious of the day. Spending it with your baby one-on-one, whether you’re feeding them, giving them a bath, or just reading a favorite bedtime story, helps to create a bond between you.
Sample bedtime routine for your newborn
Here are some steps that we suggest incorporating into your newborn’s bedtime routine. Although you don’t have to do this exact routine, it will give you a good jumping-off point for designing your own.
1) Prepare the room for sleep.
Before you put baby down for the night, you’ll want to be sure their room is just right. This might mean the thermostat is set between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit, the white noise machine is on, and the shades are drawn so it’s nice and dark.
In addition, if the nursery is dry, you’ll want to plug in a cool mist humidifier.
2) Feed your baby.
Give your baby one last feeding before bed so they can nod off with a full tummy. This way, they’ll sleep a bit longer because they’re less likely to wake up hungry. Think about feeding your baby about fifteen minutes before they’re put down to sleep.
3) Change their diaper.
Another key step in your baby’s routine is changing their diaper. Make sure the changing table is stocked and ready with fresh diapers and soothing creams.
4) Give your baby a bath.
Bathing your baby before bed is a sure-fire way to help them relax because the water reminds them of their time in the womb. In addition, once the bath is done, baby’s core temperature will drop, which signals to their body that it’s time to catch some zzz’s.
With that said, keep in mind that too-frequent baths could end up drying out your little one’s skin. If you’re worried about that, consider adding a bath before the routine a couple nights a week instead.
5) Give them an infant massage.
You can also massage your little one with baby-safe lotion or oil before bed. This not only helps with sleep but also allows you to bond more deeply with your baby. Gently stroke your baby’s skin, starting with their legs and working up to their chest and arms.
Note: Always check with your pediatrician before applying any lotions or oils to your baby’s skin.
6) Dress your baby for sleep.
Before putting your baby to bed, you’ll want to make sure they’re dressed in a fresh onesie or romper. Including their sleepsack or swaddle, they should wear one more layer than you would find comfortable in their room.
7) Read a favorite book.
Reading a book to your little one will help your baby slow down and focus on your voice. In fact, listening to books at a young age can even build their language skills.
8) Sing a lullaby.
A sweet lullaby might be a nice way to sign off for the night. If you’re not musically inclined, put on some soft music and hum along.
Tips for helping your newborn sleep well
Here are some extra tips to help your little one get the best sleep they can.
Watch for sleep cues.
Knowing when to start the bedtime routine is key. Don’t let your baby get overtired — watch for their sleep cues, including yawning or rubbing their eyes.
Put your baby to bed drowsy but not asleep.
It’s always best to put your baby to bed drowsy but not already asleep. This is because if they’re sleepy when they’re placed in their crib, they’ll associate that feeling with falling asleep.
Always put your baby to bed in the same place.
Like with the routine, consistency is key. Putting your baby to bed in the same place (crib, bassinet, or travel crib) each night will help them associate that place with sleep so they fall asleep faster.
Ensure your baby’s nursery is safe.
Making sure your baby’s nursery is safe starts with the crib. The crib should be empty except for a mattress and a fitted sheet (and, of course, your baby). The mattress should be firm and breathable.
The Newton Original Mattress is not only firm and breathable — with 97% more airflow than the leading organic mattress — but is also washable, cover to core.
Stay consistent.
The most important thing when it comes to your newborn's bedtime routine is to keep it as consistent as possible. Decide the steps you plan to take each and every night, and then go for it!
Adjust as necessary.
If you find there’s a step in your baby’s routine that’s not working, don’t be afraid to ditch it. The routine has to be doable for both of you, and it shouldn’t take too much time or cause stress.
Nighty night, baby!
The best newborn bedtime routine is one that’s soothing and calming for your little one, and achievable for you. If your baby is getting a good night’s sleep, then you probably have a great routine.
Your baby’s mattress is key to getting a restful sleep. At Newton, our GREENGUARD-Gold certified mattresses are breathable and firm, keeping your baby both safe and comfortable.
Trust Newton for your baby’s secure sleep. Sweet dreams!
Frequently asked questions
1) At what age should I start a bedtime routine for my baby?
It’s never too early to begin a bedtime routine, but keep in mind your little one will not have a sleep schedule for the first few weeks and won’t be able to tell daytime from nighttime. At the beginning, this routine is simply to provide comfort and consistency.
2) Should my baby’s naptime routine be the same as their bedtime routine?
Since your infant is napping so many times a day, it’s best to create a similar yet shorter version of the bedtime routine for naps. This gives your baby more consistency which will not only relax them but also help them understand sleep cues better.
3) What’s the 20-minute rule for babies?
The 20-minute rule isn’t really a rule; it’s more of an observation that newborns are prone to take very short naps — only 20 minutes long in some cases. This can be because they’re overtired, overstimulated, or have incomplete sleep cycles.
Focusing on a consistent newborn bedtime routine will help them sleep better in time.
