If you are reading this at 3 a.m. with a baby who will not settle, you are not alone. Almost every parent goes through weeks of short naps, early wake-ups and night feeds that seem to last forever. The good news: a few simple, consistent habits can make bedtime calmer for your baby and for you. This guide walks you through a practical bedtime routine, how to set up the nursery, and a handful of tools that can help.
Why a bedtime routine helps babies sleep
Babies love predictability. When the same calm steps happen in the same order every evening, your baby slowly learns that these signals mean "sleep is coming". A routine does not have to be long or complicated. Twenty to thirty minutes is usually enough, and most parents can start a simple version from around six to eight weeks old.
The key is consistency, not perfection. Some nights will still be hard, especially during growth spurts, teething or illness. But a familiar routine gives your baby something steady to hold on to.
A simple 30-minute bedtime routine
- Dim the lights (5 minutes). Lower the lights in the house and switch off the TV. Darkness helps your baby's body prepare for sleep.
- Bath or wash (5–10 minutes). A warm bath is relaxing for many babies. On busy nights, a quick wash of face and hands works too.
- Pyjamas and sleeping bag (5 minutes). Change into a clean nappy and comfortable sleepwear, then zip or wrap your baby into a sleeping bag.
- Feed (10 minutes). Offer a calm, quiet feed in low light. Try to keep eye contact gentle and talk softly.
- Song, story or cuddle (5 minutes). The same short lullaby or book every night becomes a strong sleep cue.
- Into the cot, drowsy but awake. Placing your baby down while still slightly awake helps them learn to fall asleep on their own over time.
Set up a calm, safe sleep space
Where your baby sleeps matters as much as how. Follow these basic safe-sleep guidelines:
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep, for naps and at night.
- Use a firm, flat mattress with a fitted sheet.
- Keep the cot clear: no pillows, loose blankets, bumpers or soft toys for babies under 12 months.
- Keep the room at a comfortable temperature, roughly 16–20 °C, and avoid overdressing.
- Room-sharing (your baby's own cot in your room) is recommended for the first six months.
Always follow the advice of your midwife, Kind en Gezin or your paediatrician if your baby has specific needs.
Use a sleeping bag instead of loose blankets
A baby sleeping bag keeps your little one warm without loose bedding that can cover their face. It also becomes part of the routine: once the sleeping bag goes on, it is time to sleep. Our Bear Print Baby Sleeping Bag (0–10 months) has soft adjustable wings for a snug fit and lightweight, breathable fabric to help prevent overheating. It comes in 3, 6 and 9 month sizes. Tip: leave the removable pillow out for babies under 12 months, and stop using swaddle wings once your baby starts trying to roll.
Try gentle white noise
Inside the womb, babies hear a constant whooshing sound. That is why many newborns settle faster with soft, steady background noise. White noise can also mask sudden sounds like a doorbell, traffic or older siblings.
The Portable White Noise Machine offers 9 soothing sounds, including rain, sea, wind and running water, with a 15, 30 or 60-minute auto-off timer and a soft indicator light. It is light enough to take on holiday or to grandma's, so your baby hears the same familiar sound everywhere.
Safe use: keep the volume low (about the level of a quiet shower) and place the machine at least 2 metres away from the cot, never inside it.
Make night feeds quicker and calmer
The longer a night feed takes, the more awake everyone becomes. Have everything ready before you go to bed: a clean bottle, measured formula or expressed milk, and a dim light. A portable warmer saves trips to the kitchen. The USB Rechargeable Baby Bottle Warmer has a 2000 mAh battery, so you can warm a bottle right next to the cot or on the go, without a socket. Always check the milk temperature on your wrist before feeding.
Keep an eye on your baby, from any room
Once your baby is asleep, you still need time to eat, shower or simply sit down. A video monitor gives you peace of mind without opening the nursery door and risking a wake-up. The Wireless Video Baby Monitor lets you check on your baby during naps and at night from another room, and it is easy to move around the house.
Daytime habits that improve night sleep
- Light in the morning. Open the curtains and get outside during the day. Natural light helps set your baby's body clock.
- Regular naps. An overtired baby often sleeps worse, not better. Watch for sleepy cues like rubbing eyes, yawning or staring into space.
- Active, bright days; quiet, dark nights. Play and chat during the day, and keep night feeds boring and low-key.
- Same wake-up time. A similar start to the day makes bedtime more predictable.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Changing the routine every few nights. Give a new routine at least one to two weeks.
- Bright screens or lively play right before bed.
- Rushing in at every small noise. Babies are noisy sleepers; wait a moment to see if they settle by themselves.
- Comparing with other babies. Every baby is different, and sleep changes a lot in the first year.
Quick checklist for tonight
- Dim lights 30 minutes before bed
- Bath, pyjamas and sleeping bag
- Calm feed in low light
- Same song or story
- White noise on low, away from the cot
- Down drowsy but awake, on their back, in a clear cot
Better baby sleep rarely happens overnight, but small, steady steps add up. Start with one or two changes this week and build from there. Looking for more help? Browse our baby essentials. Shipping is free, and every order is tracked and delivered within 15 business days. New here? Sign up to our newsletter for 10% off your first order.
