I still remember the nights when bedtime felt like a battle. My baby would fight sleep with everything she had - tiny fists rubbing tired eyes, little legs kicking against the crib, and that exhausted but determined cry that told me she was just not ready to give in. I’d rock, nurse, bounce, and repeat, only to have her wake up the second I put her down. Sound familiar?

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve Googled “how to get my baby to sleep” more times than you can count. And I get it. Sleep deprivation is real, and when you’re running on fumes, you’ll do anything for a few more hours of rest.

The good news? A consistent bedtime routine can work wonders. Babies thrive on predictability, and a calming routine helps them transition from the chaos of the day to the peacefulness of sleep. Here’s what worked for me (and so many other moms) when creating a bedtime routine that actually works.

Start With the Right Timing

One of the biggest game-changers for us was watching for sleepy cues instead of the clock. Babies have a sweet spot for sleep—wait too long, and you’ll have an overtired, wired baby who fights sleep even harder. Watch for signs like:

• Rubbing eyes

• Yawning

• Turning their head away from stimulation

• Sudden fussiness

Most babies do best with a bedtime between 6:30-8:00 PM, but every baby is different. The key is consistency—once you find a time that works, stick to it.

Create a Wind-Down Ritual

Think of bedtime as a process, not an event. Babies (just like us!) need time to shift from activity mode to sleep mode. Start a predictable wind-down routine 30-45 minutes before bed to signal that sleep is coming. Here’s a routine that many moms swear by:

1. Dim the Lights – Soft lighting helps signal to your baby’s brain that it’s time to wind down.

2. Calm Playtime – Swap out loud toys and screen time for quiet activities like reading, gentle music, or snuggles.

3. Bath Time (Optional) – Some babies love a warm bath before bed, while others get too excited. Follow your baby’s lead!

4. Lotion & Pajamas – A gentle baby massage with lotion can be soothing and signal bedtime is near.

5. Feeding Time – Whether it’s breastfeeding or a bottle, a full tummy can help your baby sleep longer.

6. Story or Lullaby – A simple bedtime book or lullaby can create a strong sleep association.

7. Final Snuggles & Lights Out – Place your baby in their sleep space while they’re drowsy but awake (more on this below).

Drowsy But Awake: Does It Really Work?

You’ve probably heard the advice to put your baby down “drowsy but awake.” I used to roll my eyes at this—because let’s be real, how do you even do that?

The key is helping your baby learn to settle themselves to sleep. Instead of rocking or nursing them until they’re fully out, try laying them down when they’re relaxed but still slightly awake. It may take some practice (and patience!), but over time, they’ll learn to connect their sleep cycles more smoothly—meaning longer stretches of sleep for both of you.

What If Baby Still Fights Sleep?

Even with the best bedtime routine, some nights will be harder than others. Here are a few things to check if bedtime isn’t going smoothly:

• Is baby overtired? Try adjusting bedtime earlier by 15-30 minutes.

• Is baby undertired? If they seem full of energy, they might need a bit more awake time before bed.

• Is baby too stimulated? Avoid bright lights, loud sounds, or rough play right before bed.

• Is baby going through a sleep regression? Growth spurts and developmental leaps can temporarily disrupt sleep. Stick to your routine, and it will pass!

Give Yourself Grace

Here’s the truth - no bedtime routine is perfect, and no two babies are the same. Some nights will be easy, others will be hard, and that’s okay. What matters most is consistency, patience, and giving yourself grace.

You’re doing an amazing job, mama. Those long nights won’t last forever, but the love and comfort you give your baby will.

And if you’re looking for a way to hold onto those fleeting moments - those long, sleepy cuddles, the quiet nursing sessions, the bond you’ve built - Mama Milk Fairy can turn your breastfeeding journey into a cherished keepsake. Because one day, you’ll look back and realize just how much these little moments meant. 💛