How do I keep a bedtime routine consistent?
Short answer: Do the same steps in the same order each night. The Lullaby Trust says consistency matters, because changing how your baby is usually put down can be unsafe.
Here is the detail behind that answer, taken from current UK guidance from the NHS and the Lullaby Trust.
Things to check
- Choose the right size for your baby's weight so the neck and arm holes are snug and they cannot slip down inside.
- Pick a tog for your room temperature and adjust the clothing underneath.
- Avoid weighted sleeping bags, and do not use a hood or extra blankets on top.
What the guidance says
- Keep the routine consistent. Babies who usually sleep on their backs but are sometimes put on their fronts are at higher risk.
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep, in the feet-to-foot position (feet at the bottom of the cot, Moses basket or pram).
Related questions
What is a baby sleeping bag?
A wearable bag that replaces loose blankets, so your baby cannot wriggle under covers.
Shop at Baby Kingdom
- Muslin Swaddle Blanket - Ocean
- Sleeping Bag, New Born to Six Months - Ocean Stripe
- 1.0 Tog Baby Sleep Bag 0-6 Months
- Sleeping Bag, New Born to Six Months - Berry Stripe
Check each product page for its exact dimensions, mattress size, age and weight limits and safety standards.
More advice
Is 19C OK for a baby's room?Do I need a baby sleeping bag?Can a 1 year old sleep in a sleeping bag?Is a cot sheet right for you? Quick quizGuide to swaddles & blankets: what to look forGuide to cot bedding sets: what to look forAll baby bedding and sleeping bags advice →
Sources
- The Lullaby Trust: Safer sleep advice (accessed 2026-10-21)
- NHS: Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) (accessed 2026-10-21)
General information only, not medical advice. Always follow your product's instructions. If you are worried about your baby, contact your GP, health visitor or 111. In an emergency, call 999.