😴 Sleep · From 3–4 months
🧸 Setting up a bedtime routine
A familiar sequence can help your baby wind down, but it will not prevent every waking. Dad and other caregivers can share a gentle routine that fits feeding needs, family life and the baby's cues.
What you'll need
- A dim light, if useful.
- A short story or song in your preferred language.
- A separate crib or bassinet with a firm, flat mattress and fitted sheet.
Build a simple routine
1. Choose a flexible starting point
Begin when your baby seems ready for rest rather than insisting on an exact time. Keep the general sequence familiar.
2. Meet practical needs
Feed responsively and change the diaper as needed. Choose light clothing for the room temperature; a correctly fitted, non-weighted sleep sack is optional.
3. Make a quiet connection
Dim the lights, cuddle, then sing or read briefly. Ask other household members to help keep this time calm.
4. Settle safely
Place baby on their back in their own clear crib or bassinet in your room for at least the first 6 months. No pillows, loose blankets or toys. You can try putting them down calm and awake, but it is fine if they need more help.
5. Respond when needed
Offer comfort or feeding when baby needs it. If you are getting sleepy while holding them, put them in their own sleep space; a shared bed or sofa is not a safe alternative.
Classic mistakes
- ❌ Treating the routine as a deadline There is no universal minute limit. Keep it manageable and shorten or adjust it when baby is tired, hungry or unwell.
- ❌ Expecting identical nights Caregiver changes, illness and development can affect sleep. Share the routine without blaming anyone when settling takes longer.
A local detail, or your own experience with this guide? Write to the team
Same topic
- Paternity Leave Act
- Maternity leave allocation
- Birth registration
- Family Code
- Emergency services
- Newborn screening
- Infant feeding
When in doubt, contact your doctor or midwife. For a life-threatening emergency, call 911.