Sleep

Some parents dread it, others look forward to it like they do a beach vacation. How we feel about bedtime has largely to do with whether or not it actually means sleep. For some parents… baby bedtime is a battle easier left for later. But a good bedtime is important for everyone! For baby, and for YOU!

Baby Bedtime Routine

Babies are creatures of habit. Learning the world by the routines and patterns around them. Bedtime is just another example of how creating a routine helps baby adapt to the expectations of this new life. Establishing a routine around bedtime is a key factor in helping baby prepare for—and then get enough—sleep. Which, in turn, leads to better sleep for you! What tired parent isn’t looking for that?

Now, I will be the first to tell you that routine does not mean “strict schedule”. Having a general timeframe and order of events is important. Being uptight because it’s 5:45, and bath time was supposed to start 15 minutes ago, but SOMEBODY is still eating their peas one… at… a… time. That isn’t the point here. What routine does is establish an expected order of operations, which can be adjusted and adapted to fit the day-to-day needs of a baby AND their family.

How to Create a Bedtime Routine

When it comes to creating a bedtime routine, start backward. Identify what time your baby usually wakes up. As a general rule, 6:00–6:30 is about as early as they should wake up.

Let’s use 6:30 a.m. for this example.

So, counting backward, baby should be getting about 11–12 hours of sleep at night after they are older than 3 months.

6:30 PM — Baby should be in bed, working toward falling asleep.

6:00 PM — Baby should be winding down.

5:30 PM — Bath time.

5:00 PM — Dinner time.

So, you see the routine starts about 1.5 hours before the baby is in bed. Putting the baby in bed around 6:30 means that within about 15 minutes they should be asleep. Read my post about Getting your Baby to Sleep through the night. Lets say it’s a later day and dinner doesn’t start until 5:30. No biggie! Eat, bathe quick, and try to get into bed as close between 6:30 and 7:00 as you can.

Some of the best advice that I ever got was to use windows of time instead of exact times. For example, a 30 minute window changes a strict schedule into a reasonable routine!

What NOT to do at Bedtime

Tickle time? Probably not your best choice. Avoid things that stimulate baby and wake them up more. This can be hard if one parent was gone at work all day and wants to play. Just determine when wind down time starts and try to stick to calmer games and toys.

In our house, bath time helps indicate that it’s time to wind down, get snuggly, and head to bed. Some babies wake up with bath time and are better off leaving it out of the nighttime routine altogether. Know your kid, and get to know what works for them and for you.

When Bedtime Goes Wrong

Some days are just like that. As we all know far too well, imperfect days happen. Sickness, teething, vacation, or any numbers of things can throw off bedtime. Just remember one bad night does not ruin everything. Get through it, and then try to get back on track tomorrow.

If bedtime isn’t working consistently though, look to adjust. “Not working” can mean baby isn’t falling asleep or the timing isn’t working for the family. Take a closer look at what may be off, and try to adjust back into a routine that works. Remember, everyone will be happier if baby sleeps enough. Staying up later doesn’t necessarily mean they will sleep in. In fact it RARELY does. So, do your best to get baby to bed early enough for them to get the sleep they need, even if it means adapting the family schedule to protect baby sleep.

Why Bedtime Matters for Baby

A few reasons (all good ones). Bedtime matters for your baby because they need sleep!

• Early bedtime helps babies fall into a better sleep rhythm and consequently leads to better quality of sleep.
• Kids naturally wake earlier. Early to bed early to rise is the name of the game!
• Once a baby becomes overtired, they are more likely to wake during the night and sleep WORSE. Trust me. Not worth it!

Why Baby’s Bedtime Matters for YOU!

This list could get really long… but just think about it for one moment. Employees are not required to work 24/7 FOR A REASON. People need to rest up to be prepared for another day on the job. Parents often don’t have that luxury. But it is just as important! When your kid is sleeping well, you are getting a break that you NEED!

So why does bedtime matter for you?

• It allows you to sleep enough, thus regulating your emotions and reducing stress and anxiety.
• Sleeping enough improves cognitive health and physical health.
• Aside from sleeping, once baby is asleep, you can focus on other tasks you have. Or, even better, restorative and relaxing hobbies.
• Time with a spouse uninterrupted by baby’s needs is important for your relationship.

Routine helps bedtime become a blessing rather than a battle. Take the time to implement one now. Stay consistent. And then watch as the whole family begins to enjoy the benefits—for many baby bedtimes to come!