Bedtime is often dreaded by many parents. Babies cry, wake up several times, refuse to go to sleep... However, with a good routine, it is possible to get babies to sleep more easily. In this article, we give you simple and effective tips for establishing a soothing and regular bedtime routine for babies.
Why is a bedtime routine important for babies?
Bedtime routines play an essential role in your baby's development. They provide:
- A sense of security: your baby understands that the day is coming to an end.
- A sense of time: habits help to give structure to their days.
- Better quality sleep: a calm baby falls asleep more quickly and sleeps for longer.
From the first few months, it is advisable to establish a bedtime routine tailored to your baby's age and needs.
At what age should you start an evening routine for your baby?
You can start establishing an evening routine around 6 to 8 weeks of age. At this age, the sleep-wake cycle begins to regulate itself. Of course, the routine should remain flexible and adaptable as your child develops.
From 3 months onwards, rituals can be a little more structured. Around 6 months, the routine becomes a real reference point for your baby.
What should a good bedtime routine for babies include?
A good bedtime ritual should be:
- Calm and soothing
- Predictable and repetitive
- Short (20 to 30 minutes maximum)
- Performed in the same order every night
Here are some elements you can incorporate into your routine:
1. Evening bath
Bath time is an excellent way to help your baby relax. The warm water soothes and relaxes the muscles and signals that it is almost time to sleep. The bath should not be too stimulating (no lively games). After the bath, take a moment to gently dry your baby and give them a massage if you wish.
💡 Tip: use soft lighting and a calm voice during bath time to set the mood.
2. Pyjamas and cuddle time
Once clean, your baby can be dressed in comfortable pyjamas. This can be an opportunity to give them a gentle massage or talk to them calmly. Getting dressed is one of the repetitive actions that mark the beginning of the ritual.
💡 A little cuddle or a soft song can help lull your baby to sleep.
3. The last bottle or feed
The evening meal allows your baby to sleep with a full tummy. This is often a quiet time, conducive to calm. Make sure that breastfeeding or bottle-feeding is not too close to bedtime, to avoid your baby associating milk too strongly with sleep.
💡 After the meal, remember to burp your baby to prevent them from waking up due to digestive discomfort.
4. A story or a lullaby
Reading a short story or singing a gentle lullaby can help calm your baby before bedtime. The sound of your voice is reassuring and creates a moment of tenderness.
💡 You can create a small library of bedtime books and alternate between stories to create a pleasant ritual.
5. A quiet moment in the bedroom
Before putting your baby to bed, spend a few minutes in their bedroom with the lights dimmed. This helps them associate this environment with rest. Avoid visual stimuli (screens, bright toys, etc.).
💡 A comfort blanket or night light can reassure your baby if you want them to fall asleep in their bed without crying.
What to avoid in a baby's bedtime routine
For a bedtime routine to be effective, there are certain mistakes to avoid:
- Screens (TV, tablet) before bedtime: they excite and disrupt sleep.
- Active games just before bedtime: your baby will find it difficult to wind down.
- Changing the order of the steps too often: this can disrupt your baby's routine.
- Putting your baby to bed too late: a baby who is too tired will find it harder to fall asleep.
Putting your baby to sleep: creating an environment conducive to sleep
To help your baby fall asleep, you also need to think about the environment in which they sleep. Here are some key points:
- Room temperature
The ideal temperature for sleeping is around 18 to 20°C. If it is too hot or too cold, your baby will have trouble falling asleep.
- Light
Use a soft night light or turn off the lights gradually. Darkness promotes the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone.
- Noise
White noise (such as a fan or white noise machine) can help babies fall asleep and not wake up at the slightest noise.
- Suitable bed
Make sure the bed is suitable for your baby's age, with a firm mattress and no clutter (no pillows or blankets before 12 months).
Examples of evening routines according to your baby's age
🍼 Bedtime routine for a 2-month-old baby
- Quick bath
- Feed or bottle
- Soft song
- Cuddle
- Put in cot
👶 Bedtime routine for a 6-month-old baby
- Bath
- Pyjamas
- Bottle or feed
- Short story
- Lullaby
- Cuddle, then put in bed
👧 Bedtime routine for a 12-month-old baby
- Brushing teeth
- Pyjamas
- Reading
- Cuddle with a comfort blanket
- Put to bed with a night light
What to do if your baby cries at bedtime?
It is normal for babies to cry a little before falling asleep, especially if they are used to being rocked or held in your arms.
Our advice:
- Don't rush in straight away: wait a few minutes before intervening.
- Reassure them with your voice without necessarily picking them up.
- Be consistent: a stable routine reassures babies in the long term.
💡 A baby may take a few days to adapt to a new ritual. Be patient and consistent.
The ‘5-10-15’ method: a technique for teaching babies to fall asleep on their own
Some parents choose the so-called ‘5-10-15’ method, which involves spacing out the moments when you go to comfort your baby when they cry:
- Let your baby cry for 5 minutes.
- Go and comfort them briefly (without picking them up).
- If they continue to cry, wait 10 minutes, then 15, and so on.
This method can be difficult at first, but it helps some babies fall asleep on their own. Use it sparingly and according to your emotional comfort level.
❓ FAQ – Baby bedtime routine & falling asleep
- What time should you put a baby to bed at night?
The ideal time varies depending on age, but in general, a baby should be in bed between 7pm and 8.30pm. Going to bed too late can lead to agitation and difficulty falling asleep. Watch for signs of tiredness in your baby: yawning, rubbing their eyes, crying.
- How long should a baby's bedtime routine last?
A good bedtime routine lasts an average of 20 to 30 minutes. It should be short enough not to tire your baby, but long enough to calm them down. The important thing is to stick to the same steps every night to create a reassuring routine.
- My baby cries as soon as I put them to bed. What should I do?
This is a common situation. Babies may cry because they are afraid of separation, tired or need contact. Try to reassure them with your voice without taking them out of their bed immediately. A regular routine, a soothing environment and lots of patience are essential to help babies fall asleep on their own.
- Should I put my baby to sleep in my arms or in their bed?
It's tempting to put your baby to sleep in your arms, especially when they're very young. But to help them fall asleep on their own, it's best to put them to bed while they're still awake but calm. This will help them learn to fall asleep without outside help.
- Can you change your bedtime routine as your baby grows?
Yes, your baby's bedtime routine should evolve as they get older. A newborn does not have the same needs as a 1-year-old. You can add a short story, brushing their teeth or some quiet playtime. The important thing is to maintain a consistent and soothing structure.
- Is a night light useful for helping babies fall asleep?
Yes, a soft night light can help babies feel safe, especially if they are afraid of the dark. It creates a reassuring atmosphere in the room without disrupting the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone.
Conclusion: a well-structured bedtime routine is the key to helping your baby sleep well
Creating a bedtime routine for your baby is an excellent way to ease evening tensions and promote peaceful sleep. There is no miracle solution, but a good routine that is consistent and reassuring will help your baby feel safe and secure.
At Bebe2Luxe, we know how important the early years are. That's why we offer suitable, comfortable and safe baby care products to support you through every stage of your baby's life, including sleep.
💤 In summary:
-
- Establish a calm and repetitive routine.
- Choose an environment that is conducive to sleep.
- Be patient: learning to sleep takes time.
- Listen to your baby; every child is unique.