As Ottawa baby sleep consultants, we often get asked, "What is the perfect bedtime routine?" The answer is simple: the perfect bedtime routine is whatever your family can consistently do before bed. Its purpose is to signal to your child that sleep is coming, and this consistency helps establish healthy sleep habits. It does not have to be very long and drawn out - as we know this can be hard to maintain especially with multiple children.
While there is no one-size-fits-all formula, here are some of our recommendations:
Feeding For parents of independent sleepers who are still bottle-feeding or nursing, begin the bedtime routine with a soothing feed. Ideally, this would be the last feed before your little one goes to bed. If you're still feeding your baby to sleep, don't worry—this is a common practice, and we offer support for those looking to transition to independent sleep.
Bathtime A warm bath followed by a gentle lotion massage can help calm your baby before bed. Bathtime can also be an excellent bonding activity with older siblings. Always remember to keep a close eye on your baby during bath time—never leave them unattended, as slips and falls can happen quickly. If you're short on time, a warm washcloth will do just fine for a quick cleanup. Don't forget behind the ears! Once dry, dress your baby in their PJs and sleep sack.
Reading Time Opt for a book over screen time, as screens can interfere with melatonin production and make it harder for your baby to wind down. Reading a book to your baby creates a calming atmosphere and signals that bedtime is near. For older children, let them choose the book, but set clear limits on how many books you'll read each night.
Room Environment Creating the perfect sleep environment is key. Dim the lights, turn on a sound machine, and make sure the room is cool. A consistent and peaceful sleep space will support your baby in falling asleep and staying asleep.
Managing Multiple Bedtime Routines If you're expecting a newborn and already have an older child, juggling bedtime routines can be overwhelming. Earlier this year, Mahtab shared on our Instagram how she managed bedtime with three kids—one of whom was a newborn.
Here are some tips:
Safety First: Always keep an eye on your children, especially in the bath. Use a bouncer or portable bassinet to keep your newborn safe and nearby while you tend to older siblings. Never place your newborn on any high surface without full supervision. It's okay to place your baby in their crib while you supervise your other children in the bath, as the crib is a safe space.
Coordinate Timing: Try timing your older children's bath with your newborn's nap. When your newborn is resting, you can use that time to bathe the older kids. Your newborn will likely have a late nap which will coincide with your older child's bedtime.
Stagger Bedtimes: It can be difficult to get all of your children to bed at the same time, especially when you have a newborn. It's okay to stagger their bedtimes—this can help you manage the bedtime routine more smoothly. Set your older children up with a book while you tend to the newborn.
In the end, the "perfect" bedtime routine is one that works for your family. Consistency is key to creating a sense of security and predictability for your little one. Whether you're starting a bedtime routine with your newborn or managing multiple routines with older children, take it one step at a time. And remember, it's okay to adjust the routine to fit your needs and circumstances—what matters most is that you're creating a nurturing environment where your child can relax and settle into sleep.
The Good Snooze
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