Bedtime and naptime routines for young infants: Associations with family sleep outcomes.

Objectives: A bedtime routine is associated with better sleep and well-being in young children. The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of bedtime and naptime routines in young infants and their association with sleep outcomes in both the babies and parents.

Methods: Parents (67% mothers, 33% fathers) of 135 young infants (1-15weeks; M = 8.2weeks) completed an online questionnaire about infant sleep routines and patterns (Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire-Revised), as well as parent sleep (PROMIS Sleep Disturbance Scale; Sleep-related Impairment Scale).

Results: Overall, 62% reported having a bedtime routine and 20% a naptime routine for their young infant. Babies with a bedtime routine were less likely to be held to sleep, slept for longer stretches overnight, and had shorter nighttime awakenings, with those parents having decreased sleep disturbance. Parents with a bedtime routine for their baby believed the routine helped their baby fall and stay asleep more than those without, and were more likely to believe it helped them bond with their baby. Parents with a naptime routine for their baby reported liking it and believed what they did helped their baby sleep more than those without, without any other associations with daytime sleep patterns.

Conclusions: Sleep routines were well-liked, easy to implement, and perceived as helpful for sleep and bonding. Bedtime routines were also associated with better baby sleep consolidation, and fewer sleep disturbances in parents. A simple recommendation of instituting sleep routines for young infants by pediatricians may result in improved family sleep outcomes.