When and how is a good time to start setting infant bedtime routines?

Question

I have a 7 week old that sleeps fairly well during the night, but won't fall asleep til well after 11:00. I'd eventually like to put her down by 9:00. How do you set routines for an infant that young?

Answer 1

I don't think it's too soon to start now as the longer you wait the set in their ways your baby gets and the harder it is to change behaviour leading to stress for all!  Two books to read: Gina Ford Contented Baby Sleep (too strict sometimes though!) and Dana Obleman (Sleep Sense Programme).  When you read them you think why didn't I think of that - it's commonsense!!

Answer 2

My six month old used to be up until around 10ish until he was about 2 months old.  What we did was just start a fairly structured routine that started after he got up from his last nap of the day (usually around 5pm) where i fed him off one breast, we gave him a bath, had some quiet playtime, fed him the other breast, swaddled him and then put him down to sleep.  For a while we had to be there to comfort him and pick him up if he got distressed but now he goes down at between 6.30 and 7.30 pm every night and sleeps until around 7 am in the morning (with two breastfeeds overnight).  It really didn't take a lot, and i think he likes it because he knows what to expect now.  

Answer 3

I agree with Ladyluck. They are growing so fast and their needs may change daily, weekly, until they are about 6 months old. Just love and nurture your baby right now.

One good resource is "The Happiest Baby" on the block, get the DVD not the book. We used this system for soothing both our babies and it really worked for helping them fall asleep faster and longer.

Answer 4

In my opinion setting routine is not important for the first 6 months or so.  I reckon it would be impossible anyway.  I tried because it seemed to be the general consensus that setting routines was the best thing for us and the baby - but it just wasn't.  After 6-7 months we started solids and he was more "predictable" so we set better routines.  Now though, routine is really important he's a toddler and is pretty good at diversion tactics at bedtime...

Answer 5

When my son was that small, I would try to make sure he didn't nap past 7 pm.  And when it was time for bed, we would give him a bath, then he would rock with my husband (if the baby was willing), nurse and then go to bed.  I always put his lullaby CD on while he was rocking and nursing -- so once it started playing he knew it was time for bed.  We started this routine around 6 weeks I think -- he's 14 months now