Step 1 is Bathtime – an enjoyable and relaxing experience for you and your baby. It’s the perfect way to start your baby’s pre-bedtime routine.

There are lots of ways to help build confidence and make bath time a success. Remember, very young babies need constant support in water, so never take your hands off them and never leave them alone in the bath.

Prepare the bath
Have everything ready before you start. Keep the water shallow - up to 13cm (5in). Check the temperature with your elbow before putting your baby in, the water should be warm, but not hot. Pour a bath product like JOHNSON'S^® Baby Bedtime Bath^® into the warm water. Swirl the product through the water using your hand to mix evenly and to make sure there are no 'hot spots'.

Prepare your baby
Remove the towel and gently put your baby into the bath.

Wash
Use your hand to gently splash water over your baby's body. Most babies enjoy stretching out their arms and kicking their legs during cleansing and rinsing, so take your time washing your baby.

Dry
Lift your baby out of the bath, wrap her in a warm towel and dry her thoroughly.

Now you’re ready for Step 2!

The second step is a wonderful way to make your baby feel secure, loved and ready for sleep - a soothing massage.

Massage can help you recognise and respond to your baby's body language and it's a great way to make your little one feel safe and secure. In fact, research has shown that there are significant health benefits to baby massage, and it's also a perfect time to bond with your baby.

There's no one way to massage your baby - follow your intuition along with the sequence suggested in the how-to massage guide below and you'll soon discover what works best for you and your little one.

Before you dress your baby for bed, apply a small amount of baby lotion like JOHNSON'S^® Baby Bedtime Lotion™ to the palm of your hand and then softly massage it into your baby's skin.

It's always worth remembering that massage is something you do with, rather than to your baby.

The how-to massage guide below will help you develop a successful method, so that you and your baby can enjoy the benefits of massage, while strengthening the bonds between you.

For a how-to massage guide, visit our how to massage guide

Now you’re ready for Step 3!

After giving your baby a warm bath and a relaxing massage, it's time to send her off to sleep with a little quiet time together.

Make sure you keep the atmosphere calm and cosy, avoiding active play. You can help your baby wind down further by reading, singing softly or offering a feed. Choose a lullaby

It's best to avoid active play at this time, so baby goes to bed sleepy but still awake. This will help her learn how to self-soothe and get back to sleep on her own if she wakes up during the night.

Try our soothing bedtime lullabies to help your baby drift quietly off to sleep…