How Can I Get My Baby to Sleep Earlier at Night?

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When my daughter was small, I remember trying my best to establish a solid bedtime routine. I’d read all the advice about how babies thrive on sleep schedules, but no matter how hard I tried, it just didn’t work for us. Instead of forcing a set bedtime, I decided to follow her cues and adapt to her natural rhythms. It turns out, some babies do well with a strict routine, but others—like mine—need a more flexible approach.

As I open my heart to the possibility of another baby, I find myself diving back into the world of baby sleep, and I’m always excited to learn new things. Whether you’re a first-time parent or a seasoned one like me, this post is for you! Let’s explore some practical, gentle ways to help your baby get to bed earlier and ensure a good night’s sleep for the whole family.

Understanding Your Baby’s Sleep Patterns

The first thing to know about baby sleep is that every baby is different. What works for one may not work for another, and that’s okay! But there are some general sleep patterns that can help guide you. Newborns and young children don’t follow the same circadian rhythm as adults.

Their internal clocks are still developing, which is why you may experience those “middle of the night” wakeups that leave you wondering if your baby will ever sleep through the night. One of the first things I learned was to expose the baby to sunlight/daylight as much as possible so they stay active during the day and by night time, they should be tired and their body clock will follow.

Babies in their first months of age need 11-14 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period. However, when it comes to creating an early bedtime for your baby, it’s important to pay attention to nap times, awake windows, and sleep cues. Sometimes, that last nap of the day can interfere with nighttime sleep, leading to a later bedtime or false starts, where your baby wakes up soon after falling asleep. This is often because their body hasn’t built up enough sleep pressure to get them through their longest stretch of sleep.

Creating a Bedtime Routine

While my daughter didn’t take to a strict sleep schedule, having some consistency in our evenings did help. Creating a bedtime routine signals to your baby’s brain that it’s time to start winding down. This routine can include a warm bath, some gentle rocking, a bedtime feeding, or even white noise in the background. These little rituals help your baby’s body recognize that nighttime sleep is coming.

Bedtime struggles can often arise if a baby’s awake times are too long during the day. While it may seem counterintuitive, making sure your baby gets enough daytime naps can actually help them sleep better at night. Sleep experts suggest that babies experience their most restorative sleep during the first half of the night, so setting up your baby’s bedtime for the right time of day is key. This may be an earlier bedtime than you’re used to, but it could lead to longer stretches of quality sleep.

Adjusting to Your Baby’s Natural Rhythm

One of the biggest takeaways I had with my daughter’s sleep journey was learning to adjust to her natural rhythms. Some babies just need a later bedtime, and pushing them to sleep earlier may result in night waking or early rising. Watching for sleep cues—like rubbing eyes, yawning, or fussiness—can help you figure out your baby’s ideal bedtime. If your baby gets a second wind at the end of the day, it might be a sign that they’re overtired and their internal clock needs some adjustment.

If your baby is going through a growth spurt or experiencing sleep regressions, their awake windows and nap times might need to shift. These changes can cause nighttime sleep to be disrupted, but it’s often temporary. Babies’ sleep patterns can change frequently, especially in the first year.

Healthy Sleep Habits for the Whole Family

Getting your baby to sleep earlier at night isn’t just about creating a routine for them—it’s about creating a restful environment for everyone. Make sure your baby’s room is conducive to sleep. Ideal room temperature, blackout curtains, and using white noise can help drown out any household noise that might disturb your little one. You also want to keep an eye on safety.

If bedtime feels like a constant battle, know that you’re not alone. Sometimes, it’s a process of trial and error. You might find that moving your baby’s bedtime to an earlier time works, or you may discover that a later bedtime actually results in better sleep. Either way, the important thing is that your baby is getting enough rest across the 24-hour period.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to baby sleep, but finding the balance between your baby’s natural patterns and a consistent bedtime routine can make a big difference. Whether you decide to stick to a sleep schedule or take a more free-flow approach like I did, the goal is to ensure your baby gets enough sleep for healthy development. Remember, it’s a learning journey for both of you, and with patience and persistence, you’ll find what works best.