Create a consistent bedtime routine

Establish a short, predictable sequence of calming activities before every sleep. A typical bedtime routine for an infant lasts 20-30 minutes and might include a warm bath, a fresh diaper and pajamas, a feeding, a book or lullaby, and then placing baby in the crib drowsy but awake. Repeat the same steps in the same order every night.

Why It Works

A consistent routine signals to the baby's brain that sleep is coming, triggering the body's natural wind-down process. The AAP and pediatric sleep researchers recommend a predictable bedtime routine as a foundational strategy for healthy infant sleep. Babies thrive on predictability, and routine repetition builds a strong sleep association over time.

Tips

• Keep the routine calm and low-stimulation: dim the lights, speak softly, avoid screens
• Start the routine at roughly the same time each evening to reinforce the circadian rhythm
• A bedtime between 6:30 and 8:00 PM works well for most infants
• The routine can be simplified for naps to just 5-10 minutes (e.g., diaper change, sleep sack, short song)
• Any caregiver can follow the routine; consistency matters more than which specific adult performs it
• If bath time is stimulating rather than calming for your baby, move it earlier in the evening and start the bedtime routine after