How to Establish a Baby Bedtime Routine That Works (Including the 3-3-3 Rule)

Let me walk you through how to establish a baby bedtime routine that works, including the popular 3-3-3 rule, calming strategies, and the best baby products that helped us transition from chaos to calm.

As a parent who once felt overwhelmed every night trying to settle my baby to sleep, I understand how draining bedtime can be. After weeks of trial and error, I finally found a baby bedtime routine that actually worked. If you’re struggling with sleepless nights, cranky evenings, or unpredictable nap schedules — this guide is for you.

What Is the 3-3-3 Rule for Baby Sleep?

The 3-3-3 rule is a simple but effective sleep scheduling framework. Here’s what it means:

3 naps during the day (adjust based on age)
3 hours of total daytime sleep
3 hours between last nap and bedtime

This rule helps ensure your baby isn’t overtired (or under-tired) by bedtime. It also creates predictable sleep-wake windows, so your little one’s body knows when it’s time to wind down.

Why a Bedtime Routine Matters

Babies thrive on predictability. A consistent bedtime routine:

Signals to your baby that sleep is coming
Reduces bedtime resistance
Promotes longer nighttime sleep
Supports healthy brain development and emotional regulation

I saw the difference almost immediately once we got consistent. It didn’t make bedtime perfect, but it made it manageable — and peaceful.

Step-by-Step: How to Establish a Baby Bedtime Routine That Works

Here’s what worked for us, and what many sleep consultants recommend:

🕕 1. Start at the Same Time Every Night

We chose 7:00 PM as our target bedtime and built everything around that. If your baby naps last at 3:30 PM, you have your 3-hour gap before bed (thanks, 3-3-3 rule!).

🕒 Tip: Use a sound machine and dim the lights 30 minutes before the routine starts to help set the mood.

Top Picks:

💤 Hatch Rest Baby Sound Machine – adjustable lighting and white noise in one sleek device.

🌙 Frida Baby 3-in-1 Humidifier with Nightlight – ideal for setting a calming atmosphere.

🛁 2. Begin with a Warm Bath

A bath isn’t just for cleanliness — it’s a sensory cue that tells your baby sleep is near. Keep it short and soothing.

Top Bath Time Brands:

Aveeno Baby Calming Comfort Bath – lightly scented and gentle.

The First Years Sure Comfort Deluxe Tub – fits sinks and bathtubs.

📖 3. Follow with Baby Massage and Pajamas

Post-bath baby massage helps relax muscles and release any built-up tension. Use a gentle lotion or baby oil.

Then it’s time for soft, breathable pajamas.

Best Choices:

Burt’s Bees Baby Organic Sleepers – soft, snug, and perfect for layering.

Earth Mama Calming Baby Lotion – lavender + chamomile = sleep in a bottle.

📚 4. Read or Sing — Keep It Predictable

We read the same 2 books every night. Yes, it gets repetitive, but that’s the point. Babies love knowing what comes next.

Or, if you prefer, sing the same lullaby while rocking them gently.

Our Favorites:

“Goodnight Moon” and “Wherever You Are, My Love Will Find You”

Fisher-Price Deluxe Glider – for comfortable, quiet rocking

🍼 5. Feed, Burp, and Wind Down

If your baby is still feeding before bed, this is the time. Keep the room dim, feed on one side (if nursing), burp, then the other. Try not to stimulate them too much — we want calm vibes only.

Use a sleep sack instead of a loose blanket for safety.

Top Sleep Sacks:

Halo Sleepsack Swaddle – ideal for newborns.

Nested Bean Zen Sack – gently weighted for comfort and longer sleep.

🛏 6. Lay Baby Down Drowsy, Not Fully Asleep

This was hard for us at first, but it paid off. Putting baby down when drowsy (not fast asleep) helps them learn to self-soothe.

You can stay close, rub their tummy, or gently shush until they drift off.

Tips That Helped Us Stay Consistent

✅ Use a bedtime routine chart – helps keep track and sets expectations
✅ No screen time 1 hour before bed – for everyone in the house
✅ Keep naps consistent – same time, same length daily
✅ Be flexible but don’t give up – your baby might resist at first, but they’ll adapt
✅ Track with a baby sleep app – like Huckleberry or Glow Baby

Bonus: Daytime Tips That Support Nighttime Sleep

Getting nighttime sleep on track starts during the day.

🌞 Morning sunlight helps regulate your baby’s circadian rhythm.
🤱 Active wake windows with tummy time, music, and play boost deeper sleep.
🕒 Avoid late naps – the last nap should end at least 3 hours before bedtime.

Final Thoughts: Routine Brings Relief (and Rest!)

I won’t lie — the first few nights we tried the bedtime routine were rough. But by night five, we saw real progress. Within two weeks, my baby expected bedtime and fell asleep faster, with fewer wakings.

You don’t need perfection. You just need consistency and tools that support your routine. Trust your instincts, follow the 3-3-3 rule, and find your family’s rhythm.

You’ve got this. 💛

🛍 Shop the Top Brands That Helped Us Sleep Better

Product	Why We Love It	Brand
Hatch Rest Sound Machine	Custom lighting, white noise, and app control	Hatch
Burt’s Bees Baby Pajamas	Organic, cozy, durable	Burt’s Bees
Halo SleepSack	Safe swaddling alternative	Halo
Fisher-Price Glider	Smooth, quiet motion	Fisher-Price
Aveeno Baby Bath	Calming and tear-free	Aveeno