A bedtime routine is a short series of calm activities, such as a bath, pyjamas, a book and a lullaby, done in the same order every evening. Repeating the same steps helps a baby's body and brain wind down for sleep.
Key takeaways
- Routines can start from birth.
- Keep it short, about 20-30 minutes.
- Consistency matters more than the exact activities.
What you can do
- Dim the lights and turn off screens during the routine.
- Keep the steps in the same order every night.
- Put your baby down drowsy but awake if you are working towards self-settling.
Frequently asked questions
No; any calming activity works as long as it is repeated.