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We all need a little Zen in our lives after a busy day, and live it habit it helps us get there. This is why the habit of sleeping it is often recommended for newborns. Let’s just say, babies need a little Zen too!
If you are new to sleep habits in newbornsI have provided some helpful information on finding ways to make bedtime easier.
Why Is Sleep Important For Newborn Babies?
Having a regular bedtime routine for your baby can help them fall asleep faster and sleep longer. What’s next? Rest child and rest you!
Bedtime is a great way to bond with your baby after a busy day. We could all use a little time at the end of the day, right?
The Best Time to Set a Bedtime Time Is…
Establishing a bedtime routine is great. Some parents try from day 1 (this can be difficult), while others wait a few weeks. The eight week mark is when most parents start, but you have to do what works best for you.
Remember, if your child starts developing bad sleeping habits now, it will be difficult for him to break down the road. This is why the sooner the better the better. It will take time for your child to get used to the routine, so be patient. It’s a marathon, not a run.
How Can I Establish a Good Bedtime Routine for My Baby?
Although all babies follow a different rhythm, there are a few things you can do to try to ensure a good bedtime routine for your baby. Remember, not all children will have the same results with the same methods. You may need a little tweaking and a little trial and error to develop a good habit for your newborn.
Try this…
Start in the Early Afternoon
Bedtime is a routine, no sugar coating. No matter what you include in your routine, start early at night so you have enough time for everything. Once you decide which things should be part of your routine, you can have a better idea of the long term and plan accordingly.
Bath Time Is the Best Time (Mostly)
Bathing is not so relaxing? Being in water can be soothing, so it’s part of many newborns’ bedtime routines. But, not all moisturizers are successful. If your child really hates taking a bath and is causing a lot of trouble or excitement and wants to party like it’s 1999, maybe taking a bath before bed isn’t the best idea. For young children who enjoy bathing, this can be a good time for them to relax.
Last Call to Feed (At least Here)
You feel sleepy after a good meal and babies are no different. Including the last feeding before bed can be a good idea. Whether you’re bottle-feeding or breast-feeding, having one last meal before bed helps babies sleep longer before they wake up in the middle of the night craving a little snack.
Take care of Business
Before putting your baby to bed, you want to take care of the basics like giving them a clean diaper, wiping their mouth or brushing their teeth, and getting them into a nice pair of pjs. When you do these things every night as part of bedtime, your baby starts to know what’s coming…sleep!
Read a Bedtime Story
Many adults find that reading before bed is calming and listening to a story has the same effect on babies. Reading a bedtime story is a favorite bedtime activity. Not only does your child get to spend some quiet time with you, but it also helps them learn and recognize new words. Reading your child it improves their listening, memory, and vocabulary skills. Even a small child receives every word you say. Looking for book ideas? See I love the bedtime story series for children of all ages. You will find the best there!
Sing a Soothing Lullaby
Just as reading a bedtime story soothes a baby, so does loud music. This one is an oldie but a goodie. Hearing their favorite voice, aka your voice, with soothing music, can be the magic combination to help them drift away. You don’t have to be a great singer, just play a few words and see how your child reacts. After a while, you will start to know which songs get the job done and which ones you should throw away. “Hush, Little Baby” and “You’re My Sunshine” are a couple of favorites.
Play Some Jams for Kids
If you don’t want to call, ask someone else to do it for you. Although you may not want to be rocked (or maybe your baby will), classical music or classical music is a good way to help lull your baby to sleep. Put them down to help them transition from waking to sleeping. You can also sing this relaxing song after singing to them. Sound systems can also help them stay awake while drowning out any background noise.
Be Consistent
Once you have a bedtime routine that works, stick with it! If you start changing things, your child will be confused, and you can’t expect the routine to work. After all, it can’t be routine if you’re constantly changing things. Keep it simple, keep it brief, and stay calm.
💤 Example of Newborn Sleep Time
(Time): ~25–30 minutes)
1. Turn off the lights & quiet the place (3 mins)
Start by lowering the lights and reducing the stimulation to make sure the time is up. This helps to determine the production of melatonin and prepare the child for sleep.
2. Diaper change & new pajamas (4 mins)
Change into a clean diaper and comfortable PJs. Consider a sleep sack or swaddle if your baby is still on the move.
3. Feeding (12–15 min)
Give enough food (breast or bottle). A slow, leisurely meal can help a child relax and fall asleep more easily. Try to prevent the child from falling asleep at mealtime so that he can start learning to sleep on his own.
4. Gentle hugs, rocking, or singing (4–5 minutes)
Hold the baby upright for a few minutes to let him sleep, then gently hug or rock him. You can hum or play soft white noise to create a positive atmosphere.
5. Brief introduction to the ground (2 mins)
Say important words such as “It’s time for bed now” in a calm voice. Repeating the same words every night builds sleep associations over time.
6. Put it in the bassinet while you are asleep with your eyes open (2 mins)
Lay the baby down when he is calm and sleepy (not enough sleep). This helps with independent sleeping skills.
Tips:
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Consistency is important, even if bedtime varies slightly.
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Don’t worry if it doesn’t go “perfectly” – the goal is to create comfort zones.
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Respond to your child’s needs with flexibility; Babies wake up frequently.
✨ Hi, I’m Violet ✨
-New Sleep Specialist, Registered Nurse, and Director of one of the world’s leading sleep specialists 
programs.
When I’m not training the sleep professionals of the future, I work one-on-one with families like yours to solve sleep problems with peace, confidence, and care.
But more than that, I am a mother who has been exactly where you are. When my son did not sleep, I was full of energy and running on the tribe. I remember thinking, “Why is this so difficult?”
Since then, I’ve helped more than 10,000 families get the rest they need using gentle, science-backed methods—with nearly 100% success.
If sleep isn’t possible right now, I promise—it doesn’t have to be.
Check out my sleep aid tips here and let your whole family sleep again.🩷
Best Sleep Time for Newborn Babies
Now that you’ve researched what to include in your routine, take a moment to choose a few things that you think are good. yours child. You know them best—and even small changes can make a big difference. And if you don’t know where to start, I can help you create a sleep habits in newborns which works yours special little one.
Just reach out—I really like hearing from parents like you, and I usually get back the same day. I know what it’s like to have a newborn all night, and you don’t have to go through this alone.