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Bedtime routines for babies and toddlers

The AAP's HealthyChildren.org suggests a calm, repeated wind-down such as stories, soft music or a bath, at the same bedtime every night, with no active play right before. The NHS describes a baby routine of a bath, night clothes, a story, dimmed lights and a cuddle. From about 4 months, the AAP says to put babies down drowsy, not asleep.

Checked October 29, 2026.

A routine for a baby

The NHS describes this order for a baby, in its own words a calm sequence:

  • A bath
  • Night clothes and a fresh diaper
  • Into bed
  • A story
  • Dimmed lights
  • A goodnight cuddle
  • Perhaps a lullaby or a musical mobile
  • Brushing teeth, if your baby has any

Drowsy, not asleep

For babies 4 months and older, the AAP says to put them to bed while drowsy, not after they have fallen asleep. Babies who are rocked or held to sleep may struggle to fall back asleep if they wake in the night.

For a toddler

The AAP's HealthyChildren.org gives these tips:

  • Use a consistent, quiet wind-down: stories, soft music or a bath.
  • Avoid active play right before bed.
  • Go to bed at the same time every night.
  • A comfort object such as a teddy bear or blanket can help; keep it free of choking hazards like buttons and loose ribbons.
  • Take care of requests such as a drink of water or a night light before bed, so they are not used to delay sleep.
  • Be patient: sleep changes take time.

Whatever the routine, sleep is safe

For babies under 1, the routine ends the same way every time: on the back, alone, in a crib or bassinet. The safe sleep page has the details.

Call your pediatrician if…

Your pediatrician knows your child. Call them if you have a worry about how or how much your child sleeps. These pages from the AAP and the NHS can also help you decide what to ask:

Peabody editors write these pages from the sources below. We are not doctors, and this is not medical advice for your child.

Sources