Baby's Bedtime Routine

Singing the same song to your baby every night during their bedtime routine is a great way to signal that it’s time to start winding down. They will learn to recognize that sweet song as something relaxing and comforting. I have been singing the same few songs to my boys every night since they were born. At night I make the routine longer, but at naptime I shorten it down to one song. 

This also transfers really well when you’re traveling! It’s hard to put babies to sleep in a new house or a hotel room that they’re not familiar with. But if you can keep the routine consistent, you can at least ease the situation a little by comforting them with the music! 

Here are some tips:

• I sing through the song one time with words, then one time just humming. This simplifies it for baby, which means less distractions for them as they’re getting sleepy.

• I start as low in my register as I can while holding my baby against my chest.

• As opposed to high notes, which mostly reverberate within the hearing system, the vibrations from your “chest voice” (low notes) are perceived throughout the entire body. They travel to your baby via flesh and bone, thus making your connection during this special routine even stronger!

Do you sing to your babies at bedtime? If so, what songs do you sing?