5 Simple Baby Bedtime Routines That Actually Work
Because a well-rested baby = a happy family
As any new parent knows, bedtime can feel like a full-contact sport — one minute your baby’s cooing peacefully, and the next, they’re wide-eyed at 10 p.m. But establishing a gentle, predictable routine helps your baby feel calm and secure while signaling it’s time to sleep.
Below are five simple, soothing bedtime routines that actually work — tested by thousands of parents and backed by pediatric sleep experts.
1. Create a Consistent Wind-Down Routine
Babies thrive on consistency. Aim to start your bedtime routine at the same time every night, give or take 15 minutes.
Try this simple 4-step sequence:
- Bath time or a gentle wipe-down
- Lotion and a cozy pair of pajamas
- Soft lighting and a feeding
- Short lullaby or bedtime story
Pro tip: Keep the environment calm and dim. Avoid bright lights and screens after 6:30 p.m.
2. Use a Sleep Cue (Like a Sound or Smell)
Babies respond to consistent sensory cues. Play white noise, hum the same lullaby, or diffuse a gentle lavender baby-safe scent each night. Over time, your baby will associate that sound or smell with sleep.
Try a white noise machine like the Hatch Rest — it doubles as a nightlight and sound machine, and can grow with your baby.
3. Swaddle or Transition to a Sleep Sack
During the first few months, a swaddle mimics the snug comfort of the womb. Y. Once your baby starts rolling, switch to a sleep sack – it provides warmth and comfort without loose blankets.
Our favorites:
- Halo Swaddle for newborns (hands-down)
- Love to Dream Swaddle for newborns (hands-up)
- Kyte Baby Sleep Sack (super soft bamboo fabric)
Both keep your baby cozy while allowing safe, unrestricted movement.
4. Set the Room for Sleep Success
Environment matters. Babies sleep best when it’s cool, dark, and quiet.
Checklist for the perfect nursery setup:
- Temperature: 68–72°F
- Darkness: blackout curtains or shades
- Sound: consistent white noise (to mask sudden noises)
If your baby wakes easily at dawn, adding a light blocking curtain can make a huge difference.
5. Keep Nights Calm and Predictable
Middle-of-the-night wakings are inevitable — but how you respond matters. Keep feedings low-light, quiet, and calm. Avoid eye contact, play, or talking. This signals that nighttime is for sleeping, not socializing.
You’ll be amazed how quickly babies catch on once every nighttime cue says “sleep.”
The Takeaway
A consistent bedtime routine is one of the simplest — and most powerful — things you can do for your baby (and your sanity). Start small, stay consistent, and remember: progress beats perfection.
Before long, your little one will start recognizing those cues — and you’ll both be sleeping better.