- Try to read and respond to signs that your baby’s tired like yawning, rubbing their eyes, flicking their ear, crying, and whining.
- Show your baby the difference between daytime (active, light, noise, excitement) and nighttime (calm, dark, quiet) so they can recognise the cues for bedtime.
- Build in a calm, quiet half hour before you start your baby’s sleep routine and include a feed if possible—hungry babies don’t sleep well.
- Try giving baby a warm bath followed by a gentle massage.
- Change them into their sleep clothes and a fresh nappy.
- Read a bedtime story and maybe sing a lullaby.
- Say good night to everyone (including teddy) and give them a kiss goodnight.
- Say the same night-night phrase as you put them down to establish a familiar sleep cue.
- Put baby down when you notice she is becoming drowsy, rather than fully asleep.
- Remember the secret to a good routine is consistency, not perfection.