The Importance of a Bedtime Routine

What is a bedtime routine and why is it important?

A sleep routine is doing the same thing every time to cue your little one that it is time to sleep. The goal is to relax and soothe your little one. This is just a cue that it is time to sleep and not a means of sleep.

When should I start a bedtime routine and how long should it be?

Although sleep does not become organized until 4 months of age, you can start a soothing sleep routine from the very beginning! This will help create a healthy sleep foundation for your little one. Nighttime routines should be kept around 30 minutes in length and you will want to start with the routine 30 minutes prior to bedtime. Naptime routines should be a condensed version of the nighttime routine and be kept to around 15 minutes. You will want to start with the routine 15 minutes prior to naptime.

What are some things that I can incorporate into my little ones bedtime routine?

Rocking, singing, reading, praying, nursing, and bottle feeding are a few ideas of things you can incorporate into your bedtime routine. Once you decide on what routine you are going to implement make sure you keep it consistent. If you are going to incorporate a bath into the bedtime routine, be mindful of the clock.

Don’t have one?

Get one! It’s never too late to implement a consistent bedtime routine to promote healthy sleep for your little one.

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