How to Establish a Routine for Your Baby

As a parent, you've likely heard how important it is to have a routine for your baby—but getting started can feel overwhelming, especially when you're running on little sleep yourself. The good news? Establishing a routine doesn’t have to be complicated, and the rewards for both you and your baby are well worth it. A consistent routine can help your baby feel more secure, improve their sleep, and give you more predictability throughout the day. Here’s how to get started:

1. Start Small and Be Consistent

When it comes to creating a routine, simplicity is key. Babies thrive on consistency, so choose a few core activities that will happen at the same time each day—feeding, naps, and bedtime are great places to start. By doing these things in the same order at roughly the same time every day, your baby will start to recognise the pattern and understand what’s coming next. For example, after a feed, you might do some floor time, and after play, wind down for a nap.

2. Build a Bedtime Routine

A bedtime routine is a great way to signal to your baby that it's time for sleep. Start winding down about 10-20 minutes before bed, doing calming activities that help them relax. A typical bedtime routine might include a warm bath, putting on pyjamas, reading a book, or singing a lullaby. The key is to repeat the same steps every night so your baby associates these actions with getting ready to sleep.

3. Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment

A comfortable and calming sleep environment is essential for helping your baby sleep well and stay asleep longer. Babies are sensitive to their surroundings, so creating an ideal space can make a huge difference in how easily they drift off and how well they sleep throughout the night. Keep the room where they sleep dark, cool but cozy, and free from distractions.

4. Be Flexible

While routines are helpful, it’s important to remain flexible. Use your schedule as a guide but be open to adjusting it when needed. Some days might simply not go to plan or you may have appointments or other commitments that just don't sync with your usual routine. That’s okay! The goal is consistency over time, not daily perfection.

5. Encourage Independent Sleep

Part of establishing a routine is helping your baby learn to fall asleep independently. After your bedtime routine, try putting your baby down awake but calm and ready for sleep. This gives them the opportunity to practice falling asleep on their own, without relying on feeding, rocking, or other sleep associations. While it may take time for your baby to adjust, this practice will make it easier for them to resettle during the night without needing your help as well.

6. Be Mindful of Age-Appropriate Awake Windows

Knowing how long your baby can tolerate staying awake between naps is a helpful tool when establishing a routine. For newborns, this might be as short as 45 minutes, while older babies can stay awake for a couple of hours. Keeping awake windows in mind ensures your baby isn’t over or under tired by nap or bedtime, which can make falling asleep harder.

7. Stay Patient and Give It Time

It’s important to remember that routines take time to develop, and there will be bumps along the way. Try not to get discouraged if things don’t go perfectly every day. As long as you’re consistent in your approach, your baby will start to understand the routine and settle into it over time. Trust the process, and celebrate the small wins along the way!

Establishing a routine for your baby can be so beneficial for both their well-being and your own sanity. With a little patience and consistency, you’ll soon find that your baby responds positively to the predictability of a routine, and you’ll enjoy a calmer, more organised day. Remember, routines aren’t about being rigid—they’re about giving your baby (and you!) the structure needed to thrive.

ROUTINE ROADMAP - carefully curated routines that grow with your baby!