When your baby takes a long time to settle, it can feel like the day never really ends. The good news is that falling asleep is a skill babies learn over time, and small, consistent changes often help most.
Start with the basics: safe sleep first
A safe, consistent sleep set-up can make bedtime feel more predictable for your baby (and for you). Follow trusted safer sleep advice, such as placing your baby on their back, in their own clear sleep space, on a firm, flat mattress with no loose bedding or soft items.
1) Keep a simple bedtime routine
A bedtime routine does not need to be long to work. Repeating the same few steps in the same order helps your baby recognise that sleep is coming.
A simple routine could be:
- feed
- nappy change
- sleepsuit / sleeping bag
- cuddle
- into cot
2) Make the sleep environment calm
A quiet, dark room can help your child switch into sleep mode. Keep lights low, reduce noise, and aim for a calm atmosphere.
3) Put your baby down awake (or drowsy but awake)
This can be a real game-changer for some families because it helps babies get used to falling asleep in the same place they will wake up.
From around 3 months, you can try placing your baby into their cot drowsy but awake. If they wake up where they fell asleep, they are often more likely to settle again quickly.
If this feels too hard right now, that is okay. Try it gradually, even once a day.
4) Avoid bedtime distractions
Some things meant to “help” can actually keep babies alert. Consider skipping stimulating sleep props like music, mobiles, or light-up toys during the settling stage.
5) Catch the early sleep cues
Babies often settle faster when you start bedtime before they become overtired. Early cues can include yawning, eye rubbing, turning away, or getting quieter. It can take a little practice, and you will learn your baby’s patterns.
6) Be mindful of sleep associations
Sleep associations are things your baby learns to rely on to fall asleep, such as rocking, feeding to sleep, or needing you nearby every time. These often start to develop from around 6 months.
If you want to reduce night waking linked to associations, gently moving towards your baby falling asleep in their cot without ongoing input can help.
A gentle option: gradual retreat
If your baby is 6 months or older, a gradual retreat approach can help them feel secure while slowly learning to fall asleep with less help. This involves staying close at first, then gradually reducing your presence over time.
7) A calming bedtime step: gentle massage
A soothing, predictable sensory cue can be a lovely part of bedtime, especially after a bath. For babies 3+ months, a short massage can help signal “it’s time to wind down”.
Colief Botanical Baby Rub fits naturally into this step. It is made with lavender and pine oils, balanced with almond and coconut oils, and is free from artificial fragrances, petroleum, and preservatives.
How to use it in a bedtime routine:
- Bath (if it suits your baby)
- Dry and dress
- Glide the rub onto chest, tummy, or back and massage gently
- Quiet cuddle, then into cot
For older children: a calmer environment cue
For children aged 3+ years, Colief Botanical Scented Patches can be placed on clothing or bedding (not skin) to release a gentle fragrance for up to 8 hours, helping you keep bedtime cues familiar when routines change (like travel or late evenings).
When to seek extra support
If sleep suddenly changes, your baby seems unwell, or you are worried about persistent distress, speak to your GP or health visitor. And if you are exhausted, it is always okay to ask a partner, friend, or family member to step in so you can regroup.
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