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THE IDEAL BEDTIME ROUTINE




As an Infant Sleep Consultant I talk to my clients about the importance of a good bedtime routine at all ages. It is key that there are consistent, predictable steps before bedtime to help little ones sleep through the night and prepare them to wind down and feel safe and secure. You can start the routine as early on after your little one’s arrival as you would like!


A routine that allows time for connection between you and yo



ur baby provides reassurance and encourages secure attachment. The routine needs to work for your family and lifestyle and doesn’t need to be long or complicated, examples of what to include and think about are:


1. Milk feed before bedtime for babies.

2. Bath or baby massage.

3. Timing  - same time each night (this can be adjusted based on wake up time from last nap).

4. Activities – calming e.g. lullabies, bedtime story.

5. How to dress your baby for sleep – correct tog sleepsuits & blankets/duvets for room temperature.

6. The sleep environment – dim lighting for the bedtime routine & darkness for sleep time. If you use white noise it needs to be on all night long so that if they wake the environment is the same as when they fell asleep.


Keep in mind that your baby’s bedtime should be the time that they fall asleep so start the routine 20 – 30 minutes before this time. The 'sweet spot' for most little ones to fall asleep at night is between 6.30pm - 7.30pm.

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