Getting Back into a Routine After Christmas with Your Baby
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Time to read 4 min
Christmas is a magical time filled with celebrations, family gatherings, and plenty of cheer. However, the holiday season often brings a disruption to regular schedules -especially for families with young babies. Late nights, missed naps, and overstimulation can all contribute to erratic sleep patterns and overtired little ones.
As January rolls in, many parents look to re-establish a consistent routine for their babies. To help you and your little one ease back into a healthy rhythm this New Year, we’ve teamed up with sleep consultant Susan Wallace. With over two decades of experience working with families, Susan provides expert advice on resetting sleep schedules and promoting restful nights.
Here are four actionable tips to help your baby settle back into their routine after Christmas.
Getting Back into a Routine After Christmas with Your Baby
1. Re-establish Natural Day/Night Cycles
The excitement of the festive season can throw off your baby’s internal clock. Frequent car naps, late-night festivities, and irregular routines can blur the lines between day and night, making it harder for your baby to settle at bedtime.
Humans are biologically wired to follow natural light cues for sleep. Exposure to sunlight during the day triggers the production of serotonin, a hormone that regulates mood and prepares the body for sleep by aiding melatonin production at night. To help your baby get back on track, consider these steps:
- Start the day early: Wake your baby around 7 AM if they’re not already awake. Open the curtains and let natural light fill the room.
- Morning outdoor time: A short morning walk or some time spent outdoors can do wonders for resetting your baby’s circadian rhythm. Natural sunlight not only helps regulate sleep patterns but also boosts mood.
- Create a dark nighttime environment: Use blackout blinds or curtains to signal that it’s time for sleep. If you need a night light, opt for red-based lighting like the Rockit Zed. Red light doesn’t interfere with melatonin production, unlike blue or white light.
- Limit screen time: Avoid exposing your baby to screens 90 minutes before bedtime, as the blue light emitted by devices can delay melatonin release and disrupt sleep cycles.
By reinforcing natural day and night cycles, you can help your baby feel more alert during the day and drowsy when it’s time for bed.
2. Establish Predictable Sleep Cues
Babies thrive on routines, and a predictable bedtime sequence can help signal to your baby that it’s time to wind down. A consistent routine creates familiarity and comfort, making it easier for your baby to transition to sleep.
Here are some effective ways to establish sleep cues:
- Incorporate a bedtime routine: Start with a warm bath, followed by a gentle baby massage. Baby massage is not only soothing but also promotes the release of oxytocin, the “bonding hormone,” which can help both you and your baby relax.
- Use comforting noise: Many babies find comfort in the consistent hum of noise. It can drown out external sounds, such as household noise or street traffic, that might disrupt their sleep. The Rockit Wooshh comes with 8 built-in sounds with 4 volume settings, helping you find the best fit for your little one’s sleep environment.
3. Maintain the Ideal Sleep Temperature
Temperature plays a significant role in your baby’s sleep quality. Babies can wake up frequently if they’re too hot or too cold, and winter’s fluctuating temperatures can make it challenging to strike the right balance.
- Room temperature matters: The ideal room temperature for baby sleep is between 16 - 20°C. Use a room thermometer to monitor the temperature and adjust the environment as needed.
- Check your baby’s warmth: Avoid judging your baby’s temperature by their hands or feet, as these extremities are often cooler than the rest of their body. Instead, feel the back of their neck - if it’s warm, your baby is comfortable. If it’s too hot or too cold, adjust their layers.
- Seasonal sleepwear: Dress your baby in seasonally appropriate clothing, such as the Love to Dream Swaddle & Sleepwear range, which offers fabrics suited for different temperatures. This keeps your baby stays cozy and safe without overheating.
4. Minimise Disruptions from Illness
Winter often brings coughs, colds, and other seasonal illnesses, which can be particularly disruptive to baby sleep. Young babies are primarily nose breathers, so even mild congestion can cause discomfort and restless nights.
- Use a humidifier: A cold-mist humidifier can add moisture to the air and help alleviate dry or stuffy noses.
- Elevate the head: If your baby has a cold, slightly elevating the head of their mattress (using a safe, approved method) can help reduce congestion and make breathing easier.
- Aroma therapy: Essential oils can create a calming environment for both you and your baby.
Additional Tips for Success
While the above tips form the foundation of a good sleep routine, here are some bonus strategies to make the transition smoother:
- Be patient: Resetting a disrupted routine takes time. Stay consistent with your efforts, and don’t worry if it takes a few days for your baby to adjust.
- Limit overstimulation: As the holidays wind down, make sure your baby’s daytime activities don’t leave them overstimulated, which can make it harder to settle at night.
- Keep naps consistent: Make sure your baby gets regular naps during the day. Overtiredness can actually make it harder for them to fall asleep at bedtime.
Meet Our Expert: Susan Wallace
Susan Wallace, founder of Settled Petals, is a Certified Infant Sleep Consultant with over 20 years of experience. She holds an Education Degree from Cambridge University and is a registered Social Worker. Susan specialises in helping families create tailored solutions for better sleep, offering expert advice grounded in science and compassion.
The post-Christmas period can feel overwhelming, but re-establishing a routine doesn’t have to be stressful. By focusing on natural light exposure, creating predictable sleep cues, maintaining an ideal sleep environment, and managing seasonal illnesses, you can help your baby transition smoothly into a healthy sleep pattern for the New Year.
Author - Cheeky Rascals