Sleep is essential for both adults and children, as it supports growth, mental health, and cognitive development. Babies need an average of 16 to 17 hours of sleep per day to develop properly.

Bedtime is often one of the most delicate moments for new parents. Between fatigue, tears, restlessness, or difficulties falling asleep, establishing a bedtime ritual can transform this moment into a gentle and reassuring routine.

For it to be effective, it must be SIMPLE, REPETITIVE, and CONSISTENT. It usually lasts between 10 and 30 minutes, depending on the child’s age.

....

Why a bedtime ritual?

Babies and young children need clear cues. A bedtime ritual allows them to:

• understand that the day is coming to an end

• feel safe

• fall asleep more peacefully

• sleep better throughout the night

It is a reassuring anchor point for the child… and for the parents.

Studies show that children with a bedtime ritual fall asleep faster and wake less frequently during the night. This secure framework reduces anxiety linked to nighttime separation.

---

When to start a bedtime ritual?

Around 6 to 8 weeks, babies start to distinguish day from night. This is a good time to introduce gentle signals: dimming the lights, reducing stimulation, singing a lullaby, etc.

From 4 to 6 months, the ritual takes on its full meaning and can become more structured.

@kelly-sikkema

---

The key steps of a bedtime ritual

Consistency is the most important factor.

Here are elements it may include:

🛁 Bath time

Not essential, but often very soothing.

🧴 Changing + pajamas

A quiet moment dedicated to care and comfort.

🍼 The evening feed

Bottle, breastfeeding or a light dinner depending on age.

🤗 Tender gestures

Massage, cuddles, gentle rocking, slow breathing.

📖 The bedtime story

Often a child’s favorite moment.
It nurtures imagination and calms the mind.

🌟 Goodnight words

Always the same: the reassurance is immediate.
“Goodnight, see you tomorrow”, “I’m here, you’re safe.”
These cues carry a lot of emotional weight.

---

After the ritual, place the baby in bed while still awake so they can learn to fall asleep independently.

....

The baby’s bed

Whether the baby sleeps in the parents’ room or in their own, a few rules ensure safety and comfort.

Your baby will feel secure in a bed suited to their size, such as a KUMI crib, a KUKO bassinet, or any small-sized bed. Babies enjoy the feeling of contact with the sides of the bed. You may also choose a Kodo bedside crib, which reduces parental stress and soothes babies.

Use a firm mattress adapted to the bed, without pillows or duvets. Prefer a sleep sack or wearable blanket, or swaddling for the youngest (up to 3 months). Always place your baby on their back.

Mistakes to avoid at bedtime

To keep the ritual effective, avoid:

❌ Too much stimulation
❌ Changing the routine every night
❌ Putting the child to bed too late or too early
❌ Screens before bedtime (disrupt melatonin)
❌ Always falling asleep in arms if autonomy is the goal

---

When should babies go to bed?

A child’s biological rhythm develops gradually. Here are some guidelines:

🕖 0–3 months: irregular rhythm
🕣 4–12 months: bedtime between 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm
🕗 1–3 years: bedtime between 7:00 pm and 8:30 pm
🕘 3–6 years: bedtime between 7:30 pm and 9:00 pm

Watch for signs of fatigue (rubbing eyes, yawning, irritability) to avoid the “second wind”.

---

A ritual that evolves over time

As children grow, the ritual becomes more interactive and playful: longer stories, conversations about the day, breathing exercises, a nightlight, etc.
It remains a precious moment of emotional connection before nighttime.

---

Encouraging independent sleep

The goal is not to make the child sleep alone at all costs, but to slowly help them acquire the ability to fall back asleep without major assistance.

To support this:

✔ establish a stable ritual
✔ encourage sleeping in their own bed
✔ accompany without overstimulating
✔ introduce transition objects (comforters, sleep sacks, etc.)

@minnie-zhou

---

🛋 The role of the environment

At Charlie Crane, we design furniture made for these moments: cribs, baby rockers, chairs, beds — objects that accompany children through their first routines, with beauty and softness.

A calm, harmonious, and reassuring environment helps transform bedtime into a moment children look forward to… rather than one they resist.

---

Conclusion

The bedtime ritual is not a constraint, but a simple and powerful tool to support peaceful sleep. Every child is unique: what matters is consistency, calm, and gentleness.

 

Goodnight!