A soothing, consistent bedtime routine can help your baby relax and fall asleep more easily. Bedtime rituals are often good for parents, too. It's a special time set aside for you to spend with your baby, something you can plan on.

Stick to your routine as best you can even when you're not home – it can make it easier for your baby to settle down in unfamiliar surroundings.

For young babies especially, you may find that it's best to keep it short and simple: washing up, diaper and jammies, nursing or bottle, and a story or song.

Things to include in the routine

Let off some steam

Sometimes it helps to let your baby get any pent-up energy out of his or her system before settling down for the night. So feel free to dance around together to a favorite song, give a "horsey" ride, or have a bounce in the bouncer if he or she is in the mood. As long as you follow up any rowdy play with something calmer and quieter – like a bath and bedtime story – it can be the first step toward bedtime.

Have a soak

One of the most popular parts of many bedtime rituals is a bath. Sitting in warm water is a soothing experience, and getting your baby warm and clean and dry is a great way to ease into bedtime. A bath is also a wonderful way for your partner to spend some special time with the baby, especially if you're breastfeeding and he can't help as much with meals.

If your baby gets excited during baths or doesn't enjoy them, though, it's probably better to leave them out of the nighttime ritual. Babies don't need a bath more than once or twice a week, so don't feel bad about skipping it if it's not pleasurable for you both.

Take care of business

Your baby's getting-ready-for-bed routine can include washing his or her face and hands, wiping gums or brushing teeth, a diaper change, and getting into pajamas. Start the habit of brushing teeth at a young age so your baby gets used to it.

Have a chat

Bedtime is a nice chance to spend some time talking to your baby. Review the day's events, tell your baby about your favorite parts, and see if he or she babbles or coos back at you.

Say "Goodnight Moon"

Many babies enjoy being carried around the room or the house and saying good night to favorite toys, people, and other objects, much as the baby rabbit and his mother do in Goodnight Moon.

Read a bedtime story

Rivaling the bath as an all-time favorite nighttime ritual is reading a bedtime story. Not only will your baby learn to recognize new words – studies have shown that language skills and even intelligence can depend on a baby's daily exposure to a large vocabulary – but he or she will also benefit from time spent with you.

Sing a song

Singing a lullaby is a time-tested way to help a sleepy baby drift off. Your baby loves hearing your voice and the soft, soothing melody may calm him or her.

Play some music

Playing lullabies, classical music, or kids' favorites while you settle your baby to sleep – and then leaving the music on at low volume – can help ease the transition from being awake to falling asleep. A sound machine is another good soother, with the added benefit of drowning out outside noise.

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