In the first few weeks, unless you are fortunate and have a snoozy baby, you are probably going to reach a whole new level of exhaustion. Finding your new rhythm as a family, working out when baby wants to eat, and sleep. Those weigh-ins and health visitor arrivals, family, and friends visiting – they make it much harder to get into some sort of routine.
And the truth is a routine doesn’t work for everyone. However, babies can learn over time what happens and when. It is important for you as a parent to have a routine too. So let’s take a look at a few things that can help you get a sleep routine for you and baby.
Why is it important?
In the early days, your little one might have baby day and night confusion, which will make your job a lot about creating cues for the evening to show this is the time for longer sleep. A routine will typically help your baby begin to relax and become much calmer. It should be something that is consistent and predictable. A routine will also help you hit certain markers during the evening so that you can unwind too. You will both know what is coming next, and begin to relax into the evening. A bedtime routine is also one of the ways in which you can bond with your baby. There are some periods where there will be some sleep disturbances because they are growing and learning all the time.
You should, however, remember that it is totally normal for a baby to wake during the night for comfort and/or food for up to 3 years. Consistency is key.
When?
In the first few weeks, it is much more about you and your baby getting to know each other. After all, you’ve had this tiny life in your body, or in your thoughts for around 40 weeks. And it would be a shame to miss out on all of those extra snuggles. In general, a great routine can be put into action around 6 weeks old. When you are in the learning phase, you will probably notice a lot of things that get them to sleep. Being rocked, a bath, baby massage, or fresh air. It could be a number of things.
Once your baby is around 6 weeks, they can absorb a pattern and a routine – like a bedtime routine, or getting ready to go out.
How?
By 6 weeks, you probably have a pretty solid routine anyway; it can happen quite naturally. However, here are some steps you can take to really cement that bedtime routine.
Learn your baby’s cues. There will be actions and behaviors that signify they are tired or hungry. Once you know the one for sleep, you should aim to have the routine complete within about 1.5hrs. It helps if you can keep it around the same time every day too.
Remember that things like visitors or lack of naps in the day can change the bedtime routine, so approach the whole thing as calmy as you can, and prepare for the fact that they might not be ready when you are.
1.5 hrs Before Bed
Here is where you can fit in a warm, soothing bath. Although you don’t need to use soap and lotion, lavender and chamomile are both wonderful scents that help create a calm atmosphere.
1hr Before Bed
Spend some time learning about baby massage and how to perform it to help your baby unwind – or take a class with your little one. Once you have the basics down, make sure the room is full. Talk to your baby in hushed tones and give them a massage. This is great for bonding and for the baby’s skin too. You can even create a playlist of calming music to play at the same time.
30 minutes Before Bed
Baby will be a warm bundle of sweet-smelling snuggles around now. With means, it is the perfect time to head somewhere quiet and feed your little one. Telling them stories at this point is a great idea, or you can use the Calm app to tell the stories for you – they have a section for kids.
15 minutes Before Bed
Now is the time to head to their room if you aren’t already there. And you can get in those last-minute snuggles and burp them just to ensure there is no wind left.
5 minutes before Bed
They are likely rubbing their eyes and yawning at this point, which makes it the ideal time to place them in the crib – just before they fall asleep.
Those last 5 minutes might be a sticking point. Often they do prefer to be asleep before being put in their crib – this is a personal choice for you.
Good night – for both you and baby!