Three Simple Steps to a Better Night's Sleep for Infants

Infant sleep problems are an issue for many parents

  • Studies indicate that 20% to 30% of infants experience some type of sleep problem1
  • Sleep problems are one of the most common concerns discussed with pediatricians by parents of infants2

A clinically proven 3-Step Before-Bed Routine can help infants sleep better through the night3

Step 1. Bath

  • Start baby’s before-bed routine with a warm, soothing bath (90ºF to 100ºF). A 3-step before-bed routine starting with a warm bath using JOHNSON’S® BEDTIME BATH® with NATURALCALM™ essences was clinically proven to significantly decrease the time it took for babies to fall asleep3
  • It’s also a perfect way to create a separation between “busy time” and “time for bed,” while giving mother and baby a chance to bond
  • Parenting Tip: NEVER leave an infant alone in a tub

Step 2. Massage

  • Continue baby’s before-bed routine with a soothing, gentle massage. A 3-step before-bed routine including infant massage using JOHNSON’S® BEDTIME LOTION® with NATURALCALM™ essences was clinically proven to significantly reduce the number and duration of nighttime wakings3
  • Infant massage has been shown to help calm and relax and has also been reported to improve infant sleep4
  • Parenting Tip: Follow baby’s cues to tell you if your touch is soothing

Step 3. Quietly off to sleep

  • Follow infant massage with quiet activities like reading, cuddling, and singing lullabies. A 3-step before-bed routine ending with quiet time after bath and massage using JOHNSON’S® BEDTIME BATH® and JOHNSON’S® BEDTIME LOTION® with NATURALCALM™ essences was clinically proven to significantly reduce sleep problems3
  • Mothers using this routine with their babies felt significantly less tense and less tired themselves
  • To help develop the ability to self-soothe, babies should be placed in their cribs drowsy but still awake
  • Parenting Tip: ALWAYS place baby on his or her back to sleep

More tips for parents

  • Swirl water in tub to ensure there are no hot spots, checking with the inside of your wrist
  • Crib slats should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart
  • Comforters, bumpers, pillows, quilts, sheepskins, stuffed animals, and toys should be removed from the crib
  • Mobiles and toys that hang above a crib or playpen should be out of baby’s reach and removed when child begins to push up
  • The crib should not be placed near a window or draperies

Refer parents to www.johnsonsbaby.com/sleep to create a customized sleep report and for tips to improve baby’s sleep.

References: 1. Mindell JA, Kuhn B, Lewin DS, Meltzer LJ, Sadeh A. Behavioral treatment of bedtime problems and night wakings in infants and young children. Sleep. 2006;29:1263-1276. 2. Mindell JA, Moline ML, Zendell SM, Brown LW, Fry JM. Pediatricians and sleep disorders: training and practice. Pediatrics. 1994;194-200. 3. Data on file. Johnson & Johnson, Consumer Products Company, Division of Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc. 4. National Sleep Foundation, Sleep in America Poll. 2004.