The First Bedtime Routine: Simple Steps for Babies Under 6 Months

I still remember the first time I tried to “start a routine” with my baby. It felt almost silly—she was only a few weeks old, and her sleep seemed more like a guessing game than anything I could predict. I wasn’t sure if anything I did really mattered at that age.

But over time, I noticed something: I felt calmer when we had a predictable flow to our evenings. And slowly, so did she.

That’s when I realized—bedtime routines for young babies aren’t about setting strict rules. They’re about creating comfort, connection, and gentle cues that help baby (and parent) wind down together.

So if you’re holding a little one under 6 months and wondering if you’re “doing it right,” take a breath. You’re already doing so much. And this post will walk you through how to start a simple, stress-free bedtime routine that supports your baby’s natural rhythms—and your own peace of mind.

Why a Bedtime Routine Matters (Even in the Newborn Stage)

Let’s be honest: no baby under 6 months is going to follow a rigid schedule. Their sleep is still driven mostly by biological needs—feeding, growth, and adjusting to life outside the womb.

But routines aren’t the same thing as schedules.

A routine is a sequence of calming events that happen in the same order each night. It signals to your baby’s developing brain, “This is what we do before we sleep.” It builds trust and helps baby learn what to expect—even if sleep itself still feels unpredictable.

Here’s what a bedtime routine can do, even for tiny babies:

• Helps regulate their internal clock by showing the difference between day and night

• Creates a sense of safety and comfort through repetition and calm interactions

• Supports bonding through snuggles, songs, and quiet time together

• Prepares baby—and you—for rest, which is so needed in these early months

When Can You Start a Bedtime Routine?

You can start whenever you’re ready, but many families begin introducing one around 6 to 8 weeks. At that point, your baby may be starting to show longer stretches of alertness during the day, and you might notice that evening fussiness starts to hit like clockwork.

Even if your baby’s “bedtime” floats around between 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. right now, the routine itself can stay consistent. That’s the magic of it—it’s not about the clock, it’s about the flow.

So if your baby is fussy in the evenings or you’re craving a little more structure, introducing a simple routine can be a game-changer.

A Simple Bedtime Routine for Babies Under 6 Months

This routine doesn’t need to be long or fancy. In fact, the best early routines are just 10–20 minutes and focus on calming baby down, reducing stimulation, and creating predictability.

Here's a sample routine you can try or adapt:

1. Dim the Lights

Turn off overhead lights and switch to soft lighting or a warm lamp. This simple change helps baby’s body start producing melatonin—the sleepy hormone. It also signals that daytime is over, and we’re heading into the quiet part of the day.

Even if your baby isn’t falling asleep right away, this cue helps support their circadian rhythm over time.

2. Diaper Change and Pajamas

This is a practical step, but it’s also part of the winding-down process. Put baby in a clean diaper and soft pajamas or a sleep sack (whichever is your preference and safe for baby’s age and room temperature).

The act of changing clothes marks a transition—kind of like how we might wash our face and change into PJs before bed.

3. Calming Activities (Pick 1–2)

Here’s where you get to choose what feels most natural for your family. A calming activity helps shift baby from alert to relaxed, which makes falling asleep easier.

Options include:

• A short, soothing lullaby

• Gentle rocking or swaying in your arms or a chair

• Reading a simple board book with a calm tone

• Baby massage with a bit of lotion (many babies love this)

• Turning on white noise to drown out background distractions

These moments aren’t just functional—they’re bonding. And over time, they’ll become a cue that signals to your baby, “We’re getting ready to sleep.”

4. Feed (If Part of Your Evening Routine)

Most babies under 6 months still need a feeding before bed, and that’s completely expected. But even in the newborn stage, it’s important to focus on keeping your baby awake enough to get a full feeding—not just snacking or drifting off mid-feed.

While it's common for young babies to get drowsy while eating, I always recommend gently working to keep baby alert during feeds. Tickle their feet, switch sides, or pause to burp if needed. This not only ensures they’re getting enough to eat, but also helps them learn that feeding and sleeping are two separate activities.

As your baby approaches 4 to 6 months, you’ll want to be especially mindful of this. One of the biggest sleep challenges I see is when babies associate feeding with falling asleep. If every bedtime ends with your baby dozing off at the breast or bottle, it can make it harder for them to connect sleep cycles or fall asleep on their own later on.

Instead, aim to feed earlier in your bedtime routine, followed by a calm but wakeful activity like a song, book, or diaper change. The goal is for your baby to go into their crib fully awake, so they can begin learning to settle independently in a way that’s gentle and age-appropriate.

5. Snuggle and Say Goodnight

The final step of your routine should be consistent and gentle. Whether you place baby down drowsy-but-awake or completely awake, a loving phrase like, “It’s bedtime now. I love you. Goodnight,” can offer comfort and familiarity over time.

This is where your routine ends—no matter what happens after. Even if baby needs help settling, the routine itself stays the same.

Tips for Making It Work (Without Stress)

1. Stay flexible.
There’s no perfect time or formula. Bedtime might vary night to night in the early months—and that’s okay. Focus more on the order and tone of your routine than the exact timing.

2. Keep it short.
Don’t overcomplicate it. 3–5 steps is plenty. You can always add or change things later as your baby grows.

3. Observe your baby.
If they seem overstimulated by a book or massage, skip it. If they love lullabies, sing two instead of one. Your routine should serve you and your baby—not the other way around.

4. Don’t panic if it “doesn’t work.”
Sometimes you’ll go through the whole routine, and your baby still won’t settle. That doesn’t mean it’s not working—it just means your baby is still learning. Routines are about rhythm, not results.

What If Bedtime Feels Chaotic?

You’re not alone if evenings feel more like survival mode than a peaceful wind-down. Many babies experience evening fussiness (sometimes called the “witching hour”), especially in the first few months.

Here’s what you can try:

• Start your routine before the fussiness peaks, even if it feels early

• Use motion (rocking, walking, bouncing) as part of the routine

• Keep the environment calm and dim—TVs off, sounds low

• Let go of the idea that the routine must “fix” the evening—sometimes, it’s just about anchoring you both

Over time, even if bedtime isn’t picture-perfect, your consistent actions will begin to make a difference.

Final Thoughts: It’s About Connection, Not Perfection

Starting a bedtime routine with a young baby isn’t about control or creating a perfect sleeper overnight. It’s about gently helping your baby learn the rhythms of rest, while giving yourself a few calm, predictable moments in a season that often feels anything but.

So whether your routine is lullabies and lavender lotion or just a quick feed and a sleepy snuggle, trust that it matters. Your baby won’t remember every step—but they will remember the feeling of being safe, soothed, and loved.

And honestly, that’s what bedtime is all about.

Looking for more support with newborn or baby sleep? I’d love to help you find a routine that fits your family. You can always reach out or explore more sleep tips at tayloredtosleep.com.