Every night can feel like a rollercoaster
Tired baby, exhausted mom, a thousand things still to do… and the idea of a “perfect routine” often feels more stressful than helpful.
At HONEST, we believe a good bedtime routine doesn’t have to be rigid.
It needs to be simple, repetitive, and realistic. Something that works for your family—not for Pinterest.
Why is a bedtime routine important?
A baby’s body and brain rely on signals.
A predictable routine helps them:
- Understand the day is coming to an end
- Slow down physically and mentally
- Enter a calm state that promotes sleep
It’s not about doing a lot of things—just about doing them in the same order.
What can a bedtime routine include?
Here’s a basic (and flexible) example:
- A short, relaxing bath or gentle wipe-down
- Pajamas + diaper change with dim lighting
- A calm moment together (massage, story, song)
- Last feed (breast or bottle)
- Sleep — with the support your baby needs
Repeating this sequence every night (around the same time) gives your baby a sense of safety.
They know what to expect.
They know that mom or dad is there.
And that alone is already soothing.
❌ What you DON’T need
- You don’t need a 10-step routine
- You don’t need total silence
- You don’t need to get it “perfect”
Sometimes there’s crying.
Sometimes the routine is interrupted.
Sometimes mom needs a breather too.
And all of that can still be part of the routine.
HONEST Tips to make it work (without stress)
- ???? Less is more
Choose 3 or 4 simple steps you can repeat—even on chaotic days. - ???? Dim lighting from the start
The environment tells the body it’s time to slow down. - ???? Put your phone away
Even if it’s your only moment to scroll, this time is also yours—be present, without distractions. - ???? No battles
It’s not about forcing sleep. It’s about preparing the body and mind so sleep can happen naturally.
A routine is not a method. It’s a bridge.
A soft bridge between day and night.
A way to say: “everything from today is over. Now it’s just you and me. And it’s time to rest.”
And that, with repetition and tenderness, becomes a signal your baby learns to recognize… and to be grateful for.
