Go-To Bedtime Routine for Babies Under 6 Months
- Veronica Ordonez / Psychologist & Gentle Sleep Coach
- May 12
- 3 min read
If there’s one thing I highly recommend you start doing during those first few months of parenthood—it’s having a bedtime routine.
I remember those early days so clearly... they felt so long. My baby would be in pajamas all day (and sometimes, so would I). Honestly, there was no real difference between day and night. Someone once told me to try a simple bedtime routine, so I did. And what I realized? A bedtime routine when you have a young baby often helps parents even more than it helps the baby.
I loved the predictability of it. Knowing that at a certain time of the day I was going to give my baby a bath, put on pajamas, and lay him down in the bassinet meant that I also knew what came next for me—dinner, my own pajamas, and some much-needed alone time.
I’ve been doing bedtime routines with my kids since they were just a few weeks old, and honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing.
Why Have a Bedtime Routine?
For babies under 6 months, it doesn’t need to be long or complicated. Even 1–2 steps can do the trick—as long as it’s consistent.
Bedtime routines help your baby wind down and prepare for the longest stretch of sleep. It’s your baby’s signal that:
➡️ The day is done
➡️ It’s time to relax
➡️ No more play or stimulation
➡️ Sleep is coming next
Here's a Simple Bedtime Routine to Try
You don’t have to do every single step every night, but here’s a guide that works beautifully for many families with babies under 6 months:
Bathtime – Even just a warm rinse can be soothing and help mark the end of the day.
Diaper + Pajamas – Fresh diaper and cozy jammies to help them feel clean and comfy.
Dim the Lights – Begin signaling to your baby’s body that it’s time to slow down.
Last Feeding of the Day – Ideally, do this before the very last step to avoid strong feeding-to-sleep associations.
Book or Song – Keep it calm and short. One book or a soft lullaby is enough.
Sleep Sack or Swaddle – Helps them feel secure and signals that sleep is next.
White Noise On + Lights Out – Set the stage for good sleep with a consistent environment.
Cuddles or Light Rocking – Just a few sweet moments to help baby settle.
Lay Baby Down – Drowsy but awake is the goal—but don’t stress, just aim for consistency.
A Few More Tips for Success
Try to feed earlier in the routine, not right before sleep. This helps avoid needing to nurse or bottle-feed to sleep every time.
Be 100% present. Leave your phone outside the room. Use this time to connect and bond.
After the last step, keep interactions low-key—this is the nighttime version of you: quiet, calm, and efficient.
Let this be a grounding ritual for you, too. In the chaos of newborn life, this routine gives you a little structure, a little peace, and a chance to say, “We made it through another day.”
Bedtime routines don’t have to be Pinterest-perfect. What matters most is that you’re showing up with love, presence, and consistency. That’s what your baby will remember—and that’s what helps you both rest easier.
Tell me in the comments—what’s your current bedtime routine like? Or come share with me over on Instagram!
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