7 Steps to a Peaceful Bedtime

Okay mamas… if there’s one thing I highly recommend and couldn’t go without when it comes to sleep, it’s having a bedtime routine! A bedtime routine is a game changer. It can turn bedtime from something stressful into something enjoyable for both you and your baby/toddler. A bedtime routine helps your baby/toddler transition into what I like to call a “wind-down period” from all the noise and stimulation the day tends to bring.

A bedtime routine doesn’t have to be complicated or long! It can be as simple as following these 7 steps, with some optional touches of my own!

1. Starting with a bath!

Baths are such a great way to begin your bedtime routine because they can be fun and something your baby/toddler gets excited for! Bath time is a great opportunity to bond and fully focus on your child with no distractions. This is a great time to unplug from everything else and just enjoy each other’s company. Toys are fun to incorporate too and can help make it a positive experience! Baths signal to your child’s brain that bedtime is approaching. This is especially helpful for toddlers as they get older, since transitions are so important! Even though baths can be fun and exciting, they are also scientifically proven to promote relaxation. They raise body temperature and then allow it to cool down afterward, which can induce drowsiness. Think about it… have you ever taken a bath and felt ready for bed after? Your baby/toddler can benefit from this too! We never go a day without one!

2. PJs and room temperature

Ever put on fancy clothes to sleep in and called it a day? Probably not. Just like you dress comfortably for bed, your child should too! Comfortable pajamas go a long way in keeping them cozy throughout the night. For babies, I always loved two-way zipper sleepers for easy diaper access. This cuts down time instead of dealing with a bunch of snaps! Bamboo zip onesies were always our go-to for middle-of-the-night changes. If you haven’t tried them, Little Sleepies, Amazon, and other places have great options! Target and Walmart also have great sleepers. Two-piece sets from Old Navy or Carter's are perfect too—long sleeve for winter and short sleeve for warmer months. Always think, “Would I wear this to sleep?” If the answer is no, then they shouldn’t have to either!

Temperature is HUGE when it comes to sleep! Imagine waking up in a hot room, wrapped in a swaddle or sleep sack, and not being able to take it off. Sounds awful, right? That’s why keeping your baby’s room between 68–72 degrees is key. If your home has uneven temperatures, I highly recommend a temperature gauge that connects to your phone so you’re not guessing or disturbing your baby by going in to check.

3. Dim lighting in the nursery/bedtime area

Setting up the perfect sleep environment right after a bath can be a game changer! Dim lighting promotes melatonin production and helps regulate the circadian rhythm, signaling that it’s time for sleep. Even something as simple as a small lamp or night light can make a big difference.

4. Feed/bottle

Topping your baby/toddler off before bed is key to making sure they’re not going to sleep hungry. There’s nothing worse than going to bed hungry and waking up because of it! While younger babies may still need night feeds, most babies developmentally drop feeds around 4–6 months. A full feed before bed also helps you rule out hunger if they have trouble falling asleep. One important tip—try not to let your baby fall asleep while feeding, as this can create a sleep association that’s hard to break later.

5. Reading a book

Reading before bed is one of my FAVORITE parts of our routine! It allows us to share childhood favorites and create new memories together. Starting early helps make it an expectation and builds vocabulary as they grow. Both of my kids (ages 1 and 3) LOVE books, even if it’s just flipping through pictures, and I truly believe it’s because we started early! Board books are our go-to since they’re durable, safe, and easy for little hands to manage. It’s one of the easiest things you can do that can make a lasting impact.

6. Swaddles/sleep sacks

A good swaddle is amazing for babies under 5–6 months. It helps with the Moro reflex (that involuntary startle reflex that can wake them up). This reflex usually fades around 4–5 months, but until then, swaddling can really improve sleep! Once your baby starts rolling, the swaddle must go for safety reasons.

Sleep sacks are a great transition option—they’re basically a wearable blanket that keeps your baby warm without safety concerns. Some favorites include Kyte Baby, Purcomfy, Zipadee-Zip (great for transitions), and the Merlin Magic Sleep Suit. All of these help cue your baby that it’s time for sleep.

7. Turn on the sound machine

A sound machine is one of the BEST purchases we’ve ever made! It cues your baby that it’s time for sleep and mimics the sound of the womb, helping them settle. It also blocks out household noise so they can connect sleep cycles without being disturbed. Honestly, my husband and I now use one too because it has improved our sleep so much! We’ve had friends over, hosted dinners, and our kids never wake up thanks to the sound machine. I highly recommend one like the Hatch—it can be controlled from your phone and has so many features you can set up!

MY OPTIONALS BUT ABSOLUTE GAME CHANGERS!!!

Towel warmers

This was a must-have for us! My second child hated getting out of the bath because she’d get cold, and it would throw off the rest of the routine. Once we started warming her towel and clothes, bedtime became so much smoother! Now, my almost 4-year-old asks for warm towels too. It’s not a must, but it can make a big difference!

At the end of the day, having about 20–30 minutes to go through this routine sets bedtime up for success. You never want to rush—kids can sense that energy and it can backfire. Give yourself enough time to move through each step calmly. No matter what order you choose, consistency is KEY! A predictable routine helps with behavior, reduces meltdowns, and creates smoother transitions into sleep.

And remember—life happens! Some nights you may need to skip a bath or a book, and that’s okay. As long as you keep the core steps (diaper, PJs, feed, sleep sack, sound machine), your child will still recognize bedtime and settle well.

Do what works for YOUR family, stay consistent, and if you’re still struggling with bedtime or night wakes, I’m always happy to help with sleep support tailored to your baby/toddler and your family’s needs!