BABY
The Simple Baby Bedtime Routine That Really Works
The best bedtime rituals remind your baby of life in the womb.
Written by
Dr. Harvey Karp
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BABY
Written by
Dr. Harvey Karp
SHARE THIS ARTICLE
Bestsellers
Let’s face it, we are all creatures of habit! This is especially the case when it comes to sleep. We all have our own bedtime routines. We have our special sheets and favorite pillow. Some of us like our feet tucked in, and some like the blankets loose. Others want a pitch dark room.
However, some parents worry about using comforting sleep cues for their infants. They have heard that using swaddling or a white noise CD will create a bad baby sleep habit, or even an 'addiction,' that their baby will never be able to shake.
In truth, rocking your baby to sleep each night (or feeding her into slumber) delays her learning to self-soothe and put herself to sleep. But, on the other hand, these rituals remind her of life in the womb. They comfort and calm her! She, like the rest of us, drifts off more easily with familiar and favorite cues. So there is definitely an upside. Your goal is to get her sleeping, right?
How can you tell a good sleep cue from a bad one? It is this simple:
For example, if your baby needs 30 minutes of bottom-patting each time he rouses, or demands that only Mummy can put him to sleep (and screams if Daddy, Grandma, or anyone else steps in), it is pretty clear you are looking at a bad bedtime routine.
During the first few months, I recommend using the following cues to signal it is time for some shut-eye:
Most babies are receptive and able to start a bedtime routine at around 6 to 8 weeks. Having a newborn bedtime routine helps to calm your baby and eases them to a good night’s sleep. Keep in mind that starting a bedtime routine for your newborn and helping your child get a good night’s sleep are vital to both your little lovebug’s happiness and your own!
Getting your newborn into a bedtime routine is all about consistency. Wake up at consistent times, feed your baby at the same time each day, and pretty soon, your baby will be on a consistent schedule.
As you can see, the above baby bedtime routine has fairly undemanding steps that will not lead you down the road to disaster. You can also begin teaching your baby to put herself to sleep by learning my “wake and sleep” technique. Be consistent with the routines, and your baby will be on a great path for good sleep!
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SNOO Smart Sleeper responds to your baby’s needs (just like a parent would) and automatically weans her off swaddling and motion. Learn more.
Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider. Breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for babies. It is important that, in preparation for and during breastfeeding, mothers eat a healthy, balanced diet. Combined breast- and bottle-feeding in the first weeks of life may reduce the supply of a mother's breastmilk and reversing the decision not to breastfeed is difficult. If you do decide to use infant formula, you should follow instructions carefully.
