Baby Bedtime Routine

Most parents are anxious to set up a baby bedtime routine. This is mainly because establishing a baby bedtime routine helps the baby to settle down for the night. Also, the baby feels comforted because she will face the same set of activities every day. A baby usually likes to know what activities come when.

Initially you may find yourself following the schedule that your baby has set up for you. You can however work out a baby bedtime routine that is comfortable for both of you. Remember that the most important part of setting up a baby bedtime routine is to abide by it without deviation. Otherwise, setting up a baby bedtime routine will have no effect. Try to end the steps in setting up a baby bedtime routine inside the bedroom. This helps the baby to associate the series of activities with sleeping.

You may consider setting up a baby bedtime routine for your little one's activities during the day time. If all feeds and sleeps during the day happen at the same time every day, her night bedtime activities will also most likely follow a regular pattern. You may find setting up a regular daytime pattern impossible in the beginning. But, your baby will soon start following the baby bedtime routine you have set up for her.

Tips to Set Up a Baby Bedtime Routine

• Treat your little one to a warm bath before you decide to put her to bed. Usually, babies find warm baths very relaxing.
• Dry her well and slip her into her bedtime clothes.
• Feed her the last feed of breast milk for the day. If you are giving her the feeding bottle, fill it up with warm milk. Remember that babies tend to prefer everything warm.
• As you feed her, you may consider putting off the lights around you or at least dimming the lights. This is done to stimulate the sleeping time.
• Fondle her and talk to her as she continues feeding.
• Put her down on the bed or inside the cradle very slowly without a jerk.
• Slowly move away from her if she starts fussing so that she does not see you. She will usually fall asleep by herself.
• If your baby starts crying, do not lift her. Instead, gently stroke her with your hand which helps the baby in drifting to sleep slowly. Once you are sure of this, leave her side quietly.

When your baby grows older and is about three months old, you can establish separate routines for her feeding, sleep and play time. This helps in making the baby go to bed at night an easier process. This also helps in establishing her sleeping patterns for many years during her early childhood.