When you think about the first year of your baby’s life, you probably picture all the big moments: Learning to walk, saying “mama” for the first time and getting her first tooth. However, it’s the smaller details that help your child grow into a healthy and happy toddler. Establishing a bedtime routine is one of those small details that can have a big impact on your baby's development. 

If you have other children or are caring for an infant after work, it might be easy to forget about establishing a set bedtime routine for your new little addition to the family. But this routine is essential for helping your baby learn what to expect from their environment at night so they can get ready for sleep faster and easier over time.

What Is a Bedtime Routine and When Should You Start It?

A bedtime routine is a series of steps that you perform each evening before you prepare for bed. The purpose of the routine is to let your baby know it's time for sleep by helping them relax and prepare for bed. It also helps your infant learn to fall asleep on their own, which can be extremely difficult when they're still very young and nursing or rocking is the only way they know how to fall asleep.

There's no specific age when you should start a bedtime routine, but many parents begin establishing it around 6 to 8 weeks. This is typically when your infant starts sleeping through the night and waking up at more regular intervals throughout the day. And while some infants might not be too interested in having a set routine at this age, it's a good time to start establishing it because your baby is getting used to the idea of a schedule and will be more receptive at this point.

Why Is a Bedtime Routine Important for Babies?

There are many benefits associated with having a bedtime routine. One of the biggest benefits is that it gives your baby a healthy sleep schedule. Since sleep is so important for development and mental health, having a regular sleep schedule is important. 

It also helps you to know what to expect each day since your baby’s sleep will be consistent. Another reason to have a bedtime routine is to help your baby learn how to self-soothe and fall asleep on their own. When you establish a bedtime routine for your baby, you are sending the message that it’s time to go to bed and begin winding down for the day. It helps to create a consistent environment for your baby, which helps them respond better to sleep cues.

Tips for Creating Your Baby’s Bedtime Routine

If you’re just starting out with a bedtime routine, it may be helpful to write down your ideas. You can jot down a quick outline of what you’d like to include in your routine or create a detailed checklist that you can refer to each day. 

• Choose a time. The bedtime hour can vary depending on your baby’s age and awake windows day to day, but most experts recommend having your baby in bed between 6 and 8 p.m. This allows for at least 11 hours of sleep for your baby. 
• Create an environment that’s conducive to sleep. This includes having a dark and quiet room for your baby. This may mean using a sound machine or wearing earplugs if your home is noisy, like if you live near a busy road, flight path or even have pets or more than one child. 
• Use a consistent approach. Try to follow the same bedtime routine every night. This will help your baby learn how to fall asleep easier and sleep longer. 
• Be flexible. You may find that you need to change your bedtime routine as your baby grows or if you have other kids at home. If your baby needs more or less time to get ready for bed, accommodate them as best as you can.