When and how to implement a consistent bedtime routine for babies and toddlers

Consistent Bedtime Routines:

When implementing a consistent bedtime routine, your child’s brain is able to receive cues that sleep is imminent, which sets the pathway for a successful night’s sleep.
You can begin implementing a bedtime routine from the very first day you bring your Newborn home. Because your new baby cannot differentiate between day and night, a consistent routine is a great activity to transition them from the hustle bustle of day to a calm and quiet night.
Your bedtime routine should not exceed thirty minutes and depending on your little ones age it should include the following activities in this order;

Babies 0-12 weeks:
● Bath (does not have to happen daily) OR
● Massage (especially on no-bath days)
● Diaper/pajamas
● Read three books OR
● Sing/hum nursery rhymes
● Swaddle/sleep sack
● Feed
● Place baby in bassinet/crib

Children 4 months and up:
● Bath (does not have to happen daily) OR
● Massage (especially on no-bath days)
● Diaper/pajamas
● Feed
● Sleep sack
● Read three books OR
● Sign/hum nursery rhymes
● Quick kiss/hug
● Place child in their crib/bassinet AWAKE

The order of the bedtime routine changes around 4 months of age; around the same time your little one is going through the 4 month sleep regression. During this change they are more likely to associate certain supports with sleeping and rely on those to fall asleep and stay asleep.
The feed to sleep association is the biggest sleep prop for children and that's why as they age, I recommend the feed taking place in a different room from where your child sleeps, at the beginning of the bedtime routine, (by at least 20 minutes) so your child can practice independent soothing skills during sleep times.
Ensure the environment is calm and conducive to sleep; dim lighting and if music is in your routine it should be on a low volume. Keep in mind any external stressors in the routine can delay your child from falling asleep or staying asleep, so it’s best to put your devices and meetings on hold and be present with your child!! The separation between a child and guardian at bedtime is stress provoking and they require more comfort and attention at this time.
I do not recommend pushing bedtime later to accommodate a caregiver’s late work schedule. Did you know that the last three minutes before your child goes to bed make up three of the nine most important minutes of your child's whole day? A child’s need for a consistent and age-appropriate bedtime should be respected, and if the only time you’ve spent with your child is the thirty minutes before bed, make those minutes count. The time you spend with your child is about quality, not quantity, and their little bodies rely heavily on healthy and restorative sleep.

About the author

Christin Stephan works full time as an Early Childhood educator, a certified pediatric sleep consultant, owner of All in a Row Sleep Consulting and most importantly, a Mom