Baby’s Bedtime Routine

Here’s what a bedtime might look like with little ones of different ages; you can even see this family’s version with two parents or only one. I’d also love to show you a bedtime routine with twins!

Is it best to give a baby a bath at night?#

I love a bath as part of the bedtime routine! Science actually supports that a bath before bed can help promote sleep! Here’s why: During a warm bath, blood comes to the surface of the skin. This is called vasodilation. When we get out of the tub, blood vessels are still open, so our body temperature drops a bit. This slight drop in core body temp promotes sleep for us and our babies! A bath at the end of the day (followed by a bedtime routine) helps cue a baby’s brain that bedtime is near. This can be an excellent way to prepare babies for night sleep.  

But does that mean I need to give a bath EVERY night? You can, but you don’t have to.  Some families enjoy bath time every night, and for other families, this just doesn’t work best. It’s up to you! Taking the bath out of the sequence won’t ruin your bedtime routine. It’s the consistency after the bath that helps!

This is what a bedtime routine could look like on bath night:

• bath

• lotion

• pajamas

• feeding

• sleep sack/swaddle

• rocking

• prayers

• bed

On non-bath nights the routine might be: 

• wipe baby’s face

• lotion

• pajamas

• feeding

• sleep sack/swaddle

• rocking

• prayers

• bed

When should bedtime be?#

Most babies (older than 4 months) come to a natural lull between 7:00-8:00 pm. This time is typically when little ones fall asleep the easiest and stay asleep the longest. Now, some babies may need earlier, and some newborns may do better with later bedtimes, but 7:00-8:00 pm is often that sweet spot.

We also want to make sure that your baby has a good wake window before bed. An overtired baby at bedtime can cause huge bedtime battles. Likewise, not being tired enough can make falling asleep difficult. If you need help finding the right wake windows for your baby, this can help.