Our Go-to Baby Bedtime Routine: Plus Our Favorite Sleep Tools

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6 minute read

Struggling to get your little one to sleep? We’ve been there! 

Thankfully, creating a calming bedtime routine can help your baby or toddler drift off into dreamland with ease. 

If you’re wondering what to include in your baby’s bedtime routine, when’s the best time to start, and how you can set yourself up for success with the right sleep tools, you’re in the right place. 

Let’s take a look at our favorite bedtime routine along with our go-to sleep items. So that you can create the perfect bedtime routine that you and your baby will love. 

Why a Bedtime Routine is Important for Baby

When you stop to think about it — you probably follow a familiar bedtime routine to help yourself unwind from a busy day and prepare to go to sleep… 

This could look like putting on some comfy jammies, brushing your teeth, and snuggling under the covers to read a few pages of your favorite book…

Your baby is the same way! 

Babies are learning so much about the world around them — including how to sleep! That’s why it can be helpful to start a bedtime routine for your baby to let them know sleep is around the corner. 

A consistent predictable bedtime routine will help your little one transition from “awake time” to “sleep time.” Plus — a baby bedtime routine can actually help little ones fall asleep more quickly (which means more “me” time for you at the end of a long day!) 

When to Start a Bedtime Routine for Baby

The best time to start a bedtime routine for your baby is…whenever you’re ready! It’s never too early — or too late! — to start a bedtime routine for a baby or toddler. 

Most families start a bedtime routine when they’re able to consistently follow the same routine each and every night.

But if you’re still in the newborn haze…your partner is working odd hours…or you have a big family trip coming up… You may want to wait until you have a little more freedom in your schedule. 

Because getting started with a bedtime routine may take a little effort and planning on your part — like eating dinner a bit earlier than usual or making sure you’re home by a certain time. 

The good news is that your baby’s bedtime routine doesn’t have to be complicated or super long. In fact, our go-to bedtime routine is SUPER simple! Let’s take a look. 

Our Go-To Bedtime Routine

Here is our favorite bedtime routine for babies and toddlers! This routine is really easy to follow and will help your little one fall asleep with ease:

  • Bath time
  • Pajamas
  • Sleep sack/swaddle (older kiddos can cuddle their lovey)
  • Bedtime story
  • Optional feeding
  • Lullaby
  • Bed 
  • White noise 

The great thing about this bedtime routine is that it can take as little as 15 minutes! 

But remember — this time with your little one is also a great bonding opportunity for you both. Feel free to take your time with each step — you can let your baby splash around in the tub for a few extra minutes or read an another story or two…

Just make sure you start with the end in mind! Begin your bedtime routine with plenty of time to meet your baby’s ideal bedtime. (For example — if your baby likes to go to bed at 7 p.m. and you think it’ll take 30 minutes to do your preferred bedtime routine…Try to start your routine at 6:30 p.m.) 

Our Favorite Sleep Tools to Make Your Baby’s Bedtime Routine a Breeze:

We meet so many parents in the Babies in Bloom Boutique looking for the perfect sleep items/tools to make their baby’s bedtime…well a dream! Because even if you diligently check off all the steps on the most perfect bedtime routine, sometimes you need the right things to help your baby drift off into dreamland.  

Whether it’s the perfect swaddle, pacifier, or sound machine…You want to find the items that your baby will love. But we know how hard it can be to weed through the hundreds of options out there (not to mention all those Instagram ads!). 

That’s why we put together a list of our favorite sleep items that we actually use in our bedtime routines at home. We recommend these products because they WORK! Get ready to have a happy little sleeper. 

The Best Bathtub for Baby

Photo of foldable Stokke Flexi Bath with Newborn Support

“Splish splash, I was takin’ a bath…” 

A nice, warm bubble bath is the perfect way to kick off your baby’s bedtime routine. Not only is warm water so relaxing for little ones, it can actually promote a good night of sleep! 

You’ll be ready to scrub-a-dub-dub your sweet baby in the tub with THIS amazing foldable baby bath. We love it because it’s so convenient to use at home or while traveling. Plus it grows with your little one — use the Newborn Support for babies up to 8 months — and then enjoy the tub until your child is age 4. 

Pro Tip: Make sure to have these bath time essentials for a smooth (and fun!) bath time experience:  

The Softest, Comfiest Pajamas for Bedtime

Photo of Magnetic Me Footies

After a relaxing bath, there’s nothing better than slipping into some cozy jammies! We’ve tried our fair share of jammies and have really honed in on our favorites. 

For us…the perfect footie pajamas need to have these two things: 

  1. Silky soft snuggly fabrics
  2. Super simple closures

Because we know how important it is to have breathable fabrics that are not only gentle on your little one’s sensitive skin…but help regulate their temperature throughout the night. 

And what could be easier than magnetic closures for getting a wiggly baby ready for bedtime…Or a two-way zipper for easy night-time diaper changes. 

Trust us — you’ll love these jammies (and your baby will too!). 

Our Favorite Swaddles for the Most Dreamy Sleep 

Photo of Embe 2-Way Swaddles

For newborns who are used to the snug, cozy feel of the womb…a swaddle can be just the thing to mimic a “womb-like” environment. In fact, the practice of swaddling has been used for 4,000+ years to help calm and comfort babies as they drift off into dreamland. 

A lot of parents like to use a simple swaddling blanket that gives you the freedom to customize how you bundle your little burrito. But if you find your baby’s arms keep popping out — you may prefer a swaddle to help keep your little one nice and snug all night long. 

And for older kiddos that are already rolling over — try a comfy sleep sack! A sleep sack gives your baby the ability to stay nice and warm as they explore their favorite sleeping positions.

Bedtime Books for Babies and Toddlers

Reading a bedtime story may quickly become your little one’s favorite part of their bedtime routine! Because even though your child may not be able to talk or read yet, there’s something magical about diving into the colorful, imaginative world of books. 

By reading a book or two as part of your child’s bedtime routine, you will expose your little one to hundreds of words each day. This is so great for their language development and can also boost other skills like recognizing objects, pointing, and opening and closing.

We are always adding to our amazing collection of books in the boutique. Browse around to find your childhood favorites or a new story to explore!

The Sweetest Sound of a Soothing Bedtime Lullaby

Photo of Tonies Sleepy Friends: Sleepy Sheep Night Light 

At the end of an exciting day it can be challenging for little ones to wind down. That’s why singing your child’s favorite lullaby or nursery rhyme is the perfect way to bring a dreamy mood to your bedtime routine.

Believe it or not, one of your child’s favorite sounds is your voice! So even if you’re not the best singer — your little one will love snuggling in your arms or in bed while they listen to the soothing sound of you singing to them. 

For a special treat, sing along with one of the Tonies bedtime playlists — perfect for helping your baby fall asleep peacefully! 

The Magic of White Noise

Photo of Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen with Battery

Did you know that soothing white noise can help your child fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer?

If your little one is having a hard time falling asleep — try using a white noise machine to gently lull your child to sleep at bedtime or naptime. White noise provides an ambient environment that can help calm and soothe little ones as they learn to sleep on their own. 

Help your child sleep anywhere with an on-the-go sound machine… Perfect for car naps, stroller naps, or sleeping in new environments. 

Photo of ergoPouch Drift Away White Noise Machine

Pro Tip: Blackout Curtains

Photo of ergoPouch Window Blockouts

We are always game for a good pro tip… and this one has really helped our babies to sleep soundly for naps and at night… 

Use a set of window blackouts in your little one’s nursery! This will create a comfortable, dark environment for your baby — no matter the time of day. 

A completely dark room can be really comforting for your baby, and help prevent early wakings or late bedtimes during those long summer days. 

Need Help Picking Out the Perfect Sleep Tools to Help Your Child Drift Off to Dreamland?

We’d love to help! Come by the shop to chat with one of our experienced staff members or give us a call if you prefer to shop online.

Boutique Website: https://babies-in-bloom.myshopify.com/ 

Boutique Address: 127 Main Street, Vista, CA 92084

Boutique Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9 am – 4 pm (We are closed on Sunday!)

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