How to get a baby to sleep with gentle routines and safe soothing tips for tired parents

It is the middle of the night. Your baby has been fed, changed and cuddled, but those little eyes are still wide open. If you have been searching for how to get infant to sleep, you are not alone.

Sleep can feel unpredictable in the early months, while you and your little one are still finding your rhythm. There is no magic formula, but gentle routines, a calm sleep space and realistic expectations can help make bedtime feel more peaceful for you both.

In this guide, we share practical, reassuring tips to get infant to sleep, while always keeping safe sleep at the heart of bedtime.*

Understanding your baby’s sleep

When parents search for how to get a baby to sleep, the most helpful starting point is understanding that every baby has their own sleep pattern, and it is normal for that pattern to change as they grow. Knowing what is typical at each age can help you understand how to get infant to sleep without expecting too much, too soon.

Newborn (0–3 months)

Newborn sleep comes in all shapes and sizes. Some newborns may sleep for around 8 hours across a full day, while others may sleep for up to 18 hours, in short stretches of 2 to 3 hours. Frequent waking for feeds is completely normal, and many newborns haven't yet developed a clear difference between day and night.

Around 3–6 months

As your baby grows, longer stretches of sleep may begin to emerge - some babies may sleep for 8 hours or longer at night, but not all will. A gentle, familiar bedtime routine may start to become more meaningful at this stage, even if every night does not go to plan.

Around 6–12 months

Some babies may sleep for up to 12 hours at night. Others will continue to wake, particularly when they are hungry or teething. A more unsettled night does not mean you have lost your routine, rather it may simply be another stage in your little one’s development.

Create a calm, safe sleep environment

A calm, familiar sleep space can help your baby recognise when it is time to wind down.

Keep the room quiet, softly lit and free from unnecessary stimulation. Aim for a temperature between 16°C and 20°C, with around 18°C often considered ideal. Dress your baby for the room temperature rather than using loose blankets, and check that they do not feel too warm.

For every sleep, place your baby on their back on a firm, flat mattress. Keep their sleep space clear, with no pillows, loose bedding, soft toys or bumpers.

For your baby’s first six months, safer sleep guidance recommends keeping their sleep space in the same room as you. A Maxi-Cosi co-sleeper keeps your little one close while giving them their own safe place to rest. This can make night feeds and check-ins easier during those early months. If the room air feels dry, particularly when the heating is on, a Maxi-Cosi Humidifier can help create a more comfortable room environment.

 

Watch for sleepy cues

One of the simplest tips to get infant to sleep is to begin settling your baby before they become overtired.

Sleepy cues can include yawning, rubbing their eyes, looking away, becoming quieter, moving more slowly or starting to fuss.

Keeping your baby awake for longer does not necessarily mean they will sleep better. When you notice their early sleepy signs, try lowering the lights, reducing stimulation and beginning your usual bedtime routine. As you get to know your little one, recognising their natural rhythm will become easier.

How to get baby into sleep routine

If you are wondering how to get baby into sleep routine, start small. Babies do not need a rigid schedule; familiar, repeated steps are what make bedtime feel reassuring.

A gentle routine could include a feed, a fresh nappy, a cuddle, a lullaby or quiet song, followed by settling your baby into their co-sleeper.

Repeating the same calm sequence each evening helps your little one recognise that bedtime is approaching. Some nights will go more smoothly than others, and that is completely normal. Focus on creating a familiar rhythm rather than a perfect routine.

Gentle ways to help your baby settle

There are many gentle ways to soothe your baby. The best approach is the one that feels safe, calm and right for your family.

Drowsy but awake

You may have heard the advice to put your baby down “drowsy but awake”. This can work well for some families, as it gives babies a chance to become familiar with falling asleep in their own sleep space.

But it is not a rule. If you are learning how to get infant to sleep, think of “drowsy but awake” as one option to try rather than a goal for every bedtime. It is also normal for babies to want a cuddle or a parent close by while they settle.

Swaddling

Swaddling may help some young babies feel snug and secure. If you choose to swaddle, always place your baby on their back, use a lightweight material, leave room for their hips to move naturally and check that they are not becoming too warm.

Stop swaddling as soon as your baby shows signs of trying to roll. Once they begin rolling, their arms need to be free so they do not become stuck on their tummy.

White noise

Some families use white noise to soften everyday household sounds and create a familiar cue for bedtime. Use it safely by keeping the lowest useful volume (aim for around 50 dB or lower) and placing the device well away from your baby’s sleep space, never inside or attached to the bedside crib. 

The Maxi-Cosi Soothe Pro brings adjustable white noise, lullabies and soft light together in one device. It can help make bedtime feel calm and familiar.

A dummy or pacifier

Some babies find sucking naturally soothing, so a dummy or pacifier can be a gentle part of their bedtime routine. If you are breastfeeding, you might want to wait until feeding is well established—usually at around four weeks—before introducing one. Never force your little one to take a dummy, and if it falls out once they are asleep, there is no need to put it back in. For safe sleep, never attach it to cords, ribbons, straps or clips.

What if your newborn will not settle at night?

If your newborn will not settle at night, try not to panic. Many newborns have unsettled evenings or wake frequently overnight. Their day-night rhythm is still developing. You can gently support this by keeping days bright and active, and nights calm and quiet. 

During nighttime feeds or changes, use low lighting, speak softly and avoid playful stimulation. With the Connected Home app, you can adjust compatible Maxi-Cosi Connected Home products from your phone, such as soothing sounds or lighting, helping you maintain a calm environment while responding to your baby’s needs.

Babies may wriggle, twitch or make little noises as they move through normal sleep cycles, then become settled again without fully waking. Having a baby monitor, like the Maxi-Cosi See2 Pro, can offer extra reassurance when you briefly step out to make a cup of tea or use the bathroom. A quick look at the monitor can help you see whether your little one is simply stirring or is awake and needs comfort, without entering the room too quickly and unintentionally disturbing them.

Support yourself too

When you are exhausted, sleep advice can feel overwhelming. Start small. Choose one or two changes, such as creating a simple routine or watching for sleepy cues, and build from there.

Some nights will be easier than others. A safe sleep space, familiar cues and plenty of reassurance can support your baby as their sleep develops. Share nighttime care when possible, accept practical help and be kind to yourself when bedtime does not go to plan.

*To help you feel more confident at bedtime, this article draws on current infant-sleep and safer-sleep guidance from the NHS, The Lullaby Trust and the American Academy of Pediatrics. If you are concerned about your little one’s sleep, feeding or health, speak to a healthcare professional.