Build a 5 star naptime routine for your baby
Why do babies need routines?
Did you know that babies as young as 8 weeks old can recognize a routine and what it means? This is why it's important to use a routine at bedtime and naptime to signal to their little bodies that it's time to go to sleep! Routines help all of us prepare for what activity is coming next and are great cues for sleep.
A few things we don’t want to include in any bedtime or naptime routine: lots of stimulating activities, loud noises, or screen time. These should all be wrapped up at least 45 minutes to an hour before bed as they can inhibit natural melatonin production and stimulate our brain too much for sleep!
What makes a great baby bedtime routine?
Routines don't have to be complicated, these are our recommendations:
🌟 Swaddle or Sleep sack - use whichever your baby wears at night. This keeps them cozy and is a great signal for what is about to happen - sleep!
🌟 Story or Song - some snuggle time with your little one is soothing, builds attachment, and it's a great time to build their language and establish a love for reading!
🌟 White Noise - we are huge fans of white noise to help baby sleep, block out ambient sounds, and signal that it's time to rest. Keep it turned up!
🌟 Darkness - we want that room dark, even at naptime. Darkness helps signal to their brain that it's time to sleep and helps keep baby asleep too!
🌟 Not too Long - a naptime routine should be 5-10 minutes, just enough to help baby unwind and switch their brain to sleep mode. We don't want them getting drowsy or falling asleep during the routine!
Notice anything missing from the routine? Feeding - naptime routines should not include a feed, these happen when they wake up! We do not want to build in any sleep props for your baby that they won’t be able to replicate themselves later.
How to start an infant bedtime routine
Do you need help creating the perfect bedtime routine for your baby? Are you stuck using sleep props that you can’t seem to shake? The Sleep Baby Team is here for you! Our incredible sleep consultants are ready to coach you and your baby with a custom plan to help you get the sleep your whole family needs.
Email us today to learn how we can help you stop short naps and teach your baby how to sleep all night. Or, check out our baby sleep consulting packages.
Looking for a local sleep consultant? We have certified sleep consultants in Charlotte, NC; Atlanta, GA; Denver, CO; and Jacksonville, FL. If you’re located somewhere else, we can still help! We do custom 1-on-1 consultations virtually with clients all around the world. With years of experience working with 1000s of babies, we’re the sleep team you’ve been looking for!