By a mum who’s lived through the sleepless nights, and survived to tell the tale.
Welcome (and a big exhale)
If you’re reading this, you probably already know that bedtime with a baby can feel… unpredictable. Some nights are smooth and peaceful. Other nights? Chaos, tears, and a strong coffee at 11pm.
Here’s the thing: bedtime doesn’t have to be perfect to be calm. This isn’t about setting military-style schedules or following complicated parenting books. It’s about creating simple, gentle rituals that help your baby (and you) feel soothed and settled.
Think of it as creating spa vibes for your little one — minus the cucumber water.
Setting the Scene
Before bedtime even starts, your environment is doing half the work for you. Here’s your calm bedtime checklist:
✅ Dim the lights an hour before bed (think warm glow, not spotlight interrogation).
✅ Check the room temperature (18–20°C is the sweet spot).
✅ Use white noise or soft music to drown out background chaos.
✅ Make sure baby’s sleep space is calm and safe (no toys, no clutter).
Tip: Avoid overstimulation right before bed. That means no loud TV, flashing toys, or chase-the-dog games. Save the wild fun for the morning.
The Magic of Ritual
Babies thrive on repetition. Doing the same steps each night helps them recognise that bedtime is coming. A simple bedtime routine might look like this:
1. Bath or gentle wipe-down
2. Lotion and cosy pyjamas
3. A short story or song
4. A feed and cuddles
5. Into bed, sleepy but still awake
Don’t stress if you miss steps some nights. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s predictability.
Gentle Transitions
Bedtime starts before bedtime. Begin winding things down at least 30 minutes before you actually want baby in bed.
👉 Switch off big lights and use lamps.
👉 Swap noisy toys for books or quiet play.
👉 Lower your own energy — babies pick up on your vibe. If you’re buzzing around tidying, they’ll feel the buzz too.
Think of this as the “calm runway” before the “sleepy take-off.”
The Bath Debate
Some parents swear by a nightly bath, others find it too much faff. Here’s the truth: you don’t have to bath your baby every evening.
- If it works for you: make bath time short, calm, and warm.
- If it doesn’t: try a warm flannel wipe-down or a gentle baby massage with lotion.
It’s not about bubbles and rubber ducks — it’s about a soothing signal that the day is ending.
Feeding & Comfort
Most babies like a feed before bed. Just try not to let them fully fall asleep mid-feed, or you’ll become the human dummy all night long.
Tips:
- Keep feeding in a calm, dimly lit space.
- Burp them gently afterwards so they don’t wake uncomfortable.
- Add in a cuddle — not too bouncy, just enough to feel snug.
This is one of the most bonding parts of the routine, so soak it up.
Stories & Songs
This is the sweetest bit. Reading a book or singing a lullaby doesn’t just calm your baby, it creates a little moment of connection you’ll both remember.
📖 Books: Keep it short and soothing. Board books are your best friend.
🎵 Songs: Don’t overthink it. Baby loves your voice. Even if you sing off-key, you’re basically Beyoncé to them.
These little rituals become the “sleepy signals” your baby will come to love.
Including Siblings or Pets
If you’ve got an older sibling or even a pet, bedtime can be a family thing.
- Let big brother/sister “help” by choosing the bedtime book or saying goodnight.
- Give pets their own bedtime cue (like settling in their bed), so baby sees everyone winding down together.
It helps siblings feel involved instead of left out — a huge win if you’ve just welcomed a new baby.
Real Mum Hacks for Survival
- Some nights will flop. That’s okay. Tomorrow is another night.
- Skip steps if needed. If baby’s overtired, fast-track the routine.
- Consistency beats perfection. Even if your “routine” is just PJs, book, bed — it’s still a win.
- You matter too. Once baby’s asleep, try to wind down yourself. (Netflix + snacks counts as self-care).
Remember: calm is contagious. If you’re relaxed, baby will sense it.
Final Words
There’s no “right” way to do bedtime. The only rule? Do what works for your family. Whether it’s a full spa-style routine or a quick story and cuddle, you’re building memories as much as you’re building habits.
So take the pressure off, breathe, and know that bedtime will get easier with time.
💡 Want to celebrate baby’s milestones (like their first proper night’s sleep)? Check out our custom nursery wall art and keepsakes. They’re made to last, so you’ll always have something to remember these early days — even when they’re a blur of coffee and cuddles.