When it comes time to start solids, your baby deserves only the best. A good highchair should be safe, ergonomic, and built to last — not just through the puree phase, but right through toddlerhood and beyond.
One key feature to look for? A footrest. It might seem minor, but it plays a big role in supporting healthy hip development. Paediatricians note that having stable foot support helps babies build motor skills, which leads to better eating, improved concentration, and less fidgeting at mealtimes (win-win).
At Dimples, we offer a carefully chosen range of highchairs that are beautifully designed and built with your baby’s comfort in mind. Here are some of our favourites:
Stokke Tripp Trapp
A timeless classic that grows with your child. The Stokke Tripp Trapp is fully adjustable, with height and depth settings on both the seat and footrest, so you can tailor the fit as your little one grows. The Tripp Trapp has two attachments available (see more on these below), so you can use the chair from birth - all the way through to adulthood!
Designed to sit right up at the table, the Tripp Trapp helps make mealtimes feel like a family occasion, right from the start. It comes in a beautiful range of colours to match any home.
Age range: From birth with newborn set; from 6 months with the baby set
Weight limit: Up to 136 kg
Tripp Trapp Newborn Set
Suitable from birth up to 9 kg, the Newborn Set lifts your baby up to table height and surrounds them in a soft, nest-like seat. With two adjustable angles, great leg support, and a secure five-point harness, it’s perfect for safe and cozy bonding during mealtimes or family chats.
Age range: 0–6 months (approx.)
Weight limit: 9 kg
Tripp Trapp Baby Set
Once baby is ready to start solids, the Baby Set provides the right amount of support with a high backrest and secure harness. Add the Tripp Trapp Tray and Cushion for a complete mealtime setup that’s both practical and stylish. The cushions come in a range of lovely patterns to complement your kitchen décor.
Age range: From 6–36 months (when baby can sit unaided)
Weight limit: Up to 15 kg
Stokke Nomi Highchair
Designed by the same creator as the Tripp Trapp, the Stokke Nomi brings a modern twist to ergonomic seating. Lightweight yet incredibly sturdy, this highchair supports your baby from newborn through to adulthood.
The flowing design offers excellent freedom of movement and encourages active sitting — important for developing posture and coordination. The footrest is easily adjustable without tools, and the chair's curved edges and organic shape make it a standout in any dining space.
Age range: From birth with the Nomi Baby Set; from 6 months as a highchair
Weight limit: Up to 150 kg
Stokke Clikk Highchair
Minimalist, modern, and made to make life easier. The Stokke Clikk arrives in one compact box and clicks together in minutes — no tools required.
It includes everything you need: seat, tray, footrest, and harness. The ergonomic design supports your baby’s hips and posture, and the tray is dishwasher-safe for fuss-free clean-up.
Add the Clikk Cushion for extra comfort, or get the Travel Bag if you’re heading away. Light, durable, and practical — this one’s a winner for home or holidays.
Age range: 6 months to 3 years
Weight limit: Up to 15 kg
Nuna Bryn Highchair
Sleek, sturdy, and thoughtfully designed — the Nuna Bryn is all about making mealtimes smoother. This highchair features an easy-to-adjust recline, a secure five-point harness, and a smooth seat surface that wipes clean in seconds.
The tray is removable so baby can be brought closer to the table. With its clean lines and high-end materials, the Bryn blends beautifully into any home.
Age range: 6 months to approximately 3 years
Weight limit: Up to 15 kg
Find Your Perfect Fit at Dimples
Whether you’re after a highchair that grows with your child, fits your décor, or travels easily, Dimples has a range of safe, stylish, and practical options to suit your family’s lifestyle.
Shop onlineor visit us in-store — we’re here to help you find the perfect seat for your little one’s next stage.
Clever Bowls make mealtimes a breeze! Designed with a convenient lid, these bowls allow you to store leftovers, reheat without mess, or take food on the go. With a larger-than-average size, they're perfect for growing kids—from baby to toddler to school age—ensuring there's always enough room for a hearty meal or a big bowl of cereal!
Designed with your child's safety in mind. With a high back support and rail with an integrated crotch strap, The Stokke Tripp Trapp® Baby Set™ in White colour offers extra support and protection for your growing baby. At around six to nine months, your baby will be able to sit upright unaided. The Baby Set™ allows your baby to sit securely and comfortably at the table while still offering perfect side and back support.
Important Note: Tripp Trapp 5 Point Harness is included with Baby set
Introducing the Clever Mat—a thoughtfully designed solution for independent little learners. This mat not only helps your child set the table with ease but also ensures your suction dinnerware sticks securely, eliminating sideways slides. If your plates or bowls aren’t sticking to certain surfaces due to grooves or holes, the Clever Mat creates the perfect friction surface for optimal suction. Plus, it’s versatile—flip it over, and you can bake on it too!
For use only with the Tripp Trapp® Baby Set, this White Tray transforms your Tripp Trapp® into a stand-alone highchair. It is the perfect accessory for quick feeds or crowded tables. The clean crisp lines and Scandinavian design compliments your Tripp Trapp® perfectly to create a unique, versatile seat.
The Stokke Tripp Trapp Chair is more than just a highchair - it’s a lifelong seat designed to grow with your child and bring them right to the heart of family life. From baby’s first meals to schoolwork and beyond, this intelligent, ergonomic design supports your child at every stage. Crafted to fit neatly at your dining table, it encourages your little one to eat, learn, play and connect alongside you. With its solid build, adjustable features, and timeless design, the Tripp Trapp isn’t just a piece of furniture - it’s a family essential built to last for generations.
Note - To use this chair with a newborn (0–6 months), the Tripp Trapp Newborn Set is required and sold separately. For babies and toddlers (6–36 months), the Tripp Trapp Baby Set is required and sold separately.
Designed with your child's safety in mind. With a high back support and rail with an integrated crotch strap, The Stokke Tripp Trapp® Baby Set™ in Black colour offers extra support and protection for your growing baby. At around six to nine months, your baby will be able to sit upright unaided. The Baby Set™ allows your baby to sit securely and comfortably at the table while still offering perfect side and back support.
Important Note: Tripp Trapp 5 Point Harness is included with Baby set
Introducing Clever Spoons, designed by a Speech and Language Therapist for the perfect fit in a child's mouth. Ideal for starting solids and beyond, these spoons feature a textured handle and a wide neck to prevent little hands from slipping down. The clever notch allows them to hook onto plates and bowls, and when dropped, the scoop stays off the floor. Meticulously sized for babies, these spoons make self-feeding easier and cleaner—your baby will thank you!
Clever Cutlery is thoughtfully designed for little hands, making mealtime easier from 11 months onward. Unlike adult-sized cutlery, these utensils feature textured handles for a secure grip and a wide neck to prevent hands from sliding onto the stainless steel. The knife is sharp, just like adult cutlery, the fork’s prongs are perfect for picking up food, and the spoon fits comfortably in small mouths. Practical and safe, it’s the ideal cutlery set for growing independence at mealtimes!
The BIBS Bandana Bib in Classic Ivory is made from 100% GOTS certified organic muslin cotton and designed with multiple layers to handle dribbles with ease. Soft, breathable, and highly absorbent, it keeps your baby dry and comfortable throughout the day without feeling bulky against the skin.
Beyond mealtimes, it doubles as a stylish neck warmer under jackets or knitwear, helping keep your baby’s neck cosy in cooler weather. Designed to coordinate perfectly with the BIBS pacifiers, it comes in matching colours so you can mix and match with ease, or use on their own! A sweet front pocket adds a practical touch, holding a pacifier close at hand so it is always within reach when your little one needs it most.
The BIBS Bandana Bib in Sage is made from 100% GOTS certified organic muslin cotton and designed with multiple layers to handle dribbles with ease. Soft, breathable, and highly absorbent, it keeps your baby dry and comfortable throughout the day without feeling bulky against the skin.
Beyond mealtimes, it doubles as a stylish neck warmer under jackets or knitwear, helping keep your baby’s neck cosy in cooler weather. Designed to coordinate perfectly with the BIBS pacifiers, it comes in matching colours so you can mix and match with ease, or use on their own! A sweet front pocket adds a practical touch, holding a pacifier close at hand so it is always within reach when your little one needs it most.
The Béaba® Stainless Steel Meal Set makes mealtimes easier, cleaner, and healthier for your little one.
Designed for durability and everyday practicality, this set includes an ergonomic plate, bowl, and drinking cup made from premium 304 stainless steel. Naturally resistant to bacteria and free from chemicals, stainless steel offers a smooth, non porous surface that won’t absorb food odors or stains.
Thoughtfully created to support toddlers as they learn to eat and drink independently, the set combines safe materials, clever design, and long lasting quality.
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the chair that grows with the child™
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the iconic Tripp Trapp® chair that so many families love! Designed in Norway by Peter Opsvik, and launched in 1972, millions of children around the world have since enjoyed a seat at the table.
When Tripp Trapp® was first introduced, it revolutionized the entire children´s seating category. No one had seen anything like it. Brilliant in its simplicity, it could be comfortably used at every stage of childhood and beyond. Truly one-of-a-kind, the Tripp Trapp® chair can be used for a lifetime and for generations to come. This is longevity in its purest form.
Award-Winning
Now one of Scandinavia’s most iconic designs, this legendary Norwegian chair has become a worldwide favourite, with over 13 million sold in more than 80 countries. Loved by families everywhere, it has also earned numerous prestigious design awards, including:
German Design Award
GOLD" in 2020 as the "best highchair" by the National Parenting Product Awards
Selected as one of Fortune Magazine´s top 100 greatest designs of modern times
Tripp Trapp® regularly appears in international media. In fact, its innovative looks and function also secure Tripp Trapp® a prominent position in interior exhibitions in museums such as MoMa in New York and V&A, the Victoria and Albert Museum London.
Philosophy
The key to its success is timeless, quality design and the ability to grow with your child, enabling them to sit together with the rest of the family around the table to take part in life around the table which is crucial to children´s development, creativity, as well as language and motor skills.
The Design Story
50 years ago, when Peter Opsvik´s son Tor was two years old, Opsvik discovered that Tor had outgrown his high chair and could not find one which allowed Tor to sit comfortably at table height with the rest of the family. From this observation, Opsvik changed the way we look at children´s seating by creating a chair that would truly give children of all ages a comfortable, ergonomic seat at the table. Tripp Trapp® was invented.
Celebrating a Milestone
Today, as then, the adjustable design allows freedom of movement with both depth- and height adjustable seat- and footplates. When adjusted correctly, your child is ensured a correct seating position at any age.
Though times have changed, the mystery of being a new parent hasn't. By sitting together at the table with their families, children have been able to connect with the people that care about them most. It´s this connection that allows parent and child to get close, communicate and figure it out together.
About Stokke
Founded in Ålesund Norway in 1932, Stokke began life as a manufacturer of high-quality furniture. The first product for children was launched in 1972 –the iconic Tripp Trapp® chair, which has sold more than 13 million units and remains a core product in the Stokke collection. Since 2006 Stokke has focused exclusively on designing premium children ́s furniture and equipment within the highchair, stroller, baby carrier, home textiles and nursery segments. The products promote bonding between parent and child and ensure healthy development for young children. Owned and operated by three generations of the Stokke family until 2014, Stokke was acquired by Belgium based NXMH, wholly owned by NXC in South Korea. Stokke has worldwide distribution in over 70 countries, as well as its own subsidiaries in Europe, the United States and Asia.
Family Dinners are more important than you think.
How eating together makes your baby smarter and healthier:
There’s no denying it, the dinner table is the heart of family life. Research has also shown the critical role it plays in strengthening your bonds, and in helping your child’s development.
Studies have shown that
dinnertime chat is even more important for boosting your child's vocabulary
than reading aloud. Young children learn 1,000 rare words at the dinner table, compared to only 143 from books. This increased vocabulary means your kids will read earlier and more easily.
If your kids are school-aged, having them join you at the dinner table is possibly more
important for their grades
than making sure they get enough time in school, doing homework, playing sports or making art.
There’s also a connection between family dinners and a bunch of health benefits – your
kids will eat more fruit and veg
, which may be why young adults who ate with their families as teens often have
healthier eating habits and are less likely to be obese
. Studies have also found that family dinners make kids
happier
, and less likely to suffer from
depression
or engage in
risky behaviours
.
Embed family dinner habits early
While you and your partner may have preferred to eat in front of the TV, your new baby should begin to change all that. The sooner you can establish the ritual of family dinners the better – ideally from infancy when they’re busy learning rules, words and habits.
That can be easier said than done if you don’t have the right equipment. Highchairs are generally designed for older babies, and with little thought to facilitating family dinners. With bulky construction and a tray in the way, it’s almost impossible to get your baby close enough to the table to be part of the family dynamic. It’s why many parents end up feeding their babies separately and away from the table.
For older children, adult chairs (even with boosters or cushions) can make dinner times just feel like hard work. Seated too low for their food, and with feet dangling, they can quickly become uncomfortable so they’re less able to concentrate on their meal, and on the family chit-chat going on around them.
While you can find solutions for all of these issues for each stage, there are highchair systems that can grow alongside your baby, from infancy all the way to adulthood.
Stokke® highchairs for easy family dinners from birth up
The
Tripp Trapp
® and
Steps
™ highchairs from Stokke are designed to do just that, with fully adjustable seats and footrests.
Clip on the safe, ergonomically designed Tripp Trapp or Steps Newborn Set and you can have your baby with you at the table right from the start. Perfect positioning and excellent leg support let your little one relax and enjoy the family time. It’s a great way to help your baby build strong relationships with the whole family – and means one parent isn’t absent from the dinner table.
Once your baby can sit up unsupported, it’s time for the baby set for Tripp Trapp or for Steps to keep them safe, supported and comfortable at the table. Cushions are available for both the Tripp Trapp and Steps systems, too.
Silicone EZPZ
™ mats for the Tripp Trapp and Steps chairs have built-in bowls to minimise spillage. They can be used with the Tripp Trapp or
Steps trays
or placed directly on your dinner table. Older children will also enjoy the
Tripp Trapp Table Top Tray
, with their suction bases and fun, educational motifs.
The Tripp Trapp’s timeless Scandinavian design was first produced in 1976 and hasn’t changed since. Steps is a newer addition to the Stokke family, with a look to complement a range of interior styles. Both chairs come in a range of colours to mix and match to your home décor and with a warranty when you register your new chair’s serial number - Tripp Trapp is 7 years and Steps is 3 years.
Get the best from your family meals
Do yourselves and your children a big favour – don’t let television horn in on precious and valuable family meal times. The dinner table has been shown to be the best place for all kinds of learning and development, including vocabulary, eating habits, relationships and life-long health.
Even when you understand the vital importance of family meals, it can be hard logistically to include your kids right from the start – tradition highchairs don’t help much! It’s good to know that Stokke® can provide a Tripp Trapp® or Steps™ seating system, allowing your kids to join the family meal right from newborn, and get the very best start possible.
Which is the right seat for your little one?
Choosing a car seat can feel overwhelming. Your choice is more than just a purchase; it's an investment in your child's safety and comfort. Are you looking for a capsule, a convertible, a booster seat or an all in one? And how do you know where to start?
Buckle up as we lay out the different types of seat to help you figure out what’s right for your whānau.
Capsule Car Seats
Best for: Newborns to approx. 12 months (up to 13kg depending on the brand)What they are: Rear-facing, portable infant car seats that easily lift in or out of the car. Most of the capsules we sell clip onto a base (sold separately) that stays installed in your car. Others have a baseless install either by Isofix or car seatbelt.
Why parents love them:
If you choose a capsule that's compatible with your stroller, you can transfer your sleeping baby for car to stroller without waking them
They're easy to carry with a handle
Most work with a base that stays in the car - simple click and go.
Things to consider:
You’ll likely only use it for the first year.
Weight matters – some are much easier to carry than others.
Great options to compare:
Nuna Pipa Next – lightweight (only 2.8kg) and super portable.
Nuna Arra Flex – features three recline positions - including a near-flat 157° recline.
Maxi Cosi Pebble 360 Pro – ergonomic recline, 360° base for easy loading.
Nuna Pipa Urbn – ideal for swapping between cars or rideshares, it has built-in Isofix, no base required.
Nuna Cari Next – this one is in a category all of its own - both a carrycot and car seat. The Cari has a three-point harness and connects to the Nuna Next Base in the car. Baby can lie peacefully at a full recline - the best position for a developing spine. The Cari can also connect to your stroller so you can move from home to car to pushchair without interrupting their sleep.
Convertible Car Seats
Best for: Birth to approx. 4 years (or longer depending on the seat)What they are: Seats that start rear-facing and convert to forward-facing as your child grows.
Why parents love them:
Cost-effective – you’ll use it for several years.
Often more spacious and padded than a capsule.
Things to consider:
Not portable – it stays installed in the car.
Some seats rotate on a base, so you can turn them towards the door to make buckling in easier
Check your car - do you have Isofix points or do you need a seat that can be seat belt installed?
Great options to compare:
Nuna Todl Next – works with a rotating base for easy access.
Nuna Rylo – built-in 360° rotation, no separate base required.
Nuna Rava Next - seatbelt installed, and known for its simple installation, generous legroom, and plush comfort. Ideal for families who want a long-lasting seat without the need for a base or Isofix.
All-in-One (Convertible + Booster)
Best for: Birth to approx. 11–12 yearsWhat they are: Car seats that transition from rear-facing to forward-facing to booster seat.
Why parents love them:
One purchase that lasts for years.
Ideal for parents who don’t want to keep upgrading.
Things to consider:
Not portable – stays in the car.
No rotating options available.
Great options to compare:
Nuna Exec Next – rear-facing from birth, forward-facing to booster mode up to 148cm / 50kg.
Britax One4Life Slim – rear-facing to booster mode up to 160cm / 54.4kg.
Booster Seats
Best for: 4+ years (or as per height and weight guidelines)What they are: Forward-facing seats that position the vehicle seatbelt properly across your child.
Why parents love them:
Simple to use and install.
Gives older kids a good seat height and a view out the window.
Often more compact.
Things to consider:
Only suitable once your child meets minimum size requirements.
Great options to compare:
Nuna Lumn – harnessed car seat that transforms to a belt positioning booster
Nuna Aace Lx – adjustable height, recline, and side impact protection.
Britax Skyline – affordable, comfortable, and lightweight.
Axkid Up – has a patented raisable seat to elevate your child to better align with the vehicle seat belt
Other Key Considerations When Choosing a Car Seat
Car fit: Not all seats fit all vehicles – check for compatibility, especially if fitting multiple seats.
Ease of use: Consider rotating seats if you struggle with lifting your child in and out.
Installation method: Isofix is quicker and easier, but seatbelt installs offer flexibility for older vehicles or travel. However Isofix does have lower weight restrictions (generally around 18kgs). If a seat allows for both Isofix and seatbelt installation it can pay to opt for Vehicle Seat Belt installation as it eliminates having to switch installation method once weight limits are reached.
Longevity: Weigh up whether you want a dedicated seat for each stage or one that adapts as your child grows.
Need Help Choosing?
Our Car Seat Technicians are here to help you make the best choice for your family. Visit a Dimples store and get personalised advice, try seats in your car, and enjoy our free professional car seat fitting with purchase. You can also take our handy quiz to find out what might work best for you.
Whichever seat you choose, safety and comfort come first – and we’re here to make sure you get both.
Shop the full car seat range online or in-store today.
The Power of a Bedtime Routine for Your Baby
Simple rhythms that can make bedtime calmer – for both of you
In the early weeks with a newborn, life seems to find a rhythm all on it’s own! Feeds, naps, cuddles and nappy changes all blur into one another, and having anything that resembles a routine can feel a little out of reach… Don’t worry – that’s totally normal.
As your baby grows, you might start to notice more predictable patterns start to emerge. This can be a lovely time to gently introduce a baby bedtime routine - a simple series of calming steps that helps signal to your little one that that the day is coming to an end.
It doesn’t need to be complicated. In fact, some of the best bedtime routines are the simplest ones.
Why a Bedtime Routine Matters
Babies LOVE familiarity. Repeating the same gentle activities each evening can help your baby begin to recognise that sleep is coming, while creating a comforting transition between the day’s activities and bedtime.
A bedtime routine can also be a really special opportunity to slow everything down together, creating a sense of calm, security and connection.
And while your bedtime routine will naturally change as your baby grows, those familiar little rituals can continue well into childhood.
When Should You Start a Bedtime Routine?
There’s no exact age when you have to start.
During the newborn stage, feeding and sleeping are naturally quite unpredictable, so there’s no need to worry about a strict schedule. From around six to eight weeks, you will probably notice your baby becoming more predictable, and you can begin introducing a few simple bedtime cues if it feels right for your family.
At first, your routine might simply be a fresh nappy, sleepwear, a feed and a cuddle. You can always add more as your baby grows.
How to Start a Baby Bedtime Routine
There’s no “perfect” bedtime routine - what works beautifully for one family might not work at all for another.
The important things are keeping it relatively simple, calm and consistent. Around 20 to 30 minutes is usually plenty, and where possible, try doing the final part of the routine in your babes room so they begin to associate that space with winding down and sleep.
Here’s a simple bedtime rhythm you could try:
Bath
A warm bath (or shower with you!) can be a lovely way to end your day together. Keep the lights soft if you can, slow things down and let bath time become part of the transition from playtime to bedtime.
Massage
After the bath, a few minutes of gentle baby massage can be incredibly calming and is a beautiful opportunity for some quiet bonding time.
You could use a baby massage product such as Scullys Massage Oil, or keep things very simple with Loloma Coconut Oil.
Keep the movements very slow and gentle, talking quietly, humming or singing to your baby as you go. Over time, even the smell and feel of their usual massage can become another little signal that bedtime is approaching.
A Little Extra Wind Down Support
For particularly restless little ones, you may also like to add something like Magnesium Rescue into your bedtime routine. Magnesium can help regulate the nervous system, promote muscle relaxation, and support the production of melatonin.
The important thing here is the ritual itself. Whether it’s massage, moisturising or simply a quiet cuddle after their bath, repeating the same calm steps each night is what helps make bedtime feel familiar.
Sleepwear
Changing into cosy sleepwear is another simple but powerful bedtime cue!
Choose soft, breathable layers that are appropriate for the temperature of your baby’s room. Merino is one of our favourites for sleep because it makes layering easy throughout the year.
Our baby sleepwear collection includes merino bodysuits, babygrows, gowns and other cosy layers for bedtime.
💛 Dimples Tip: Your baby’s room temperature is much more useful than the season when deciding what they should wear to bed. Feel their chest or back to check whether they’re comfortably warm rather than relying on their hands and feet, which can naturally feel cooler.
Feeding
For younger babies, a feed will naturally be an important part of bedtime.
As your baby gets older, you might like to experiment with offering their final feed slightly earlier in the routine rather than making it the very last thing before sleep. Some families find this helps separate feeding from falling asleep.
But don't stress if your baby loves feeding to sleep, especially in those early months. Every baby is different and your routine can evolve gradually.
A Story or Song
This is one of our favourite parts of a bedtime routine.
Your baby certainly doesn’t need to understand the story yet to enjoy listening to your voice. Reading the same book each night, singing a lullaby or simply humming quietly can become a wonderfully familiar sleep cue.
Reading together from an early age is also such a lovely habit to establish, and our children’s book collection has plenty of beautiful first books to choose from.
One day they'll be choosing the bedtime story themselves - and probably asking you to read it agaaaaiiiin!
Cuddles & Goodnight
Finish with a cuddle, a quiet goodnight and plenty of reassurance.
It sounds so simple, but that same kiss, phrase or cuddle each evening can become one of the most familiar parts of your baby’s bedtime routine.
And even if you know you’ll probably be seeing them again in a few hours, it’s still a lovely way to finish the day together.
Watch for Your Baby’s Sleepy Cues
One of the best bedtime tips we can give is to watch your baby rather than becoming too attached to the clock.
Yawning, rubbing their eyes, staring into the distance, becoming quieter or suddenly getting a little fussy can all be signs that your baby is getting tired.
Starting your bedtime routine when you notice these early sleepy cues can often make settling easier than waiting until your baby is overtired.
Create a Calm, Sleep Friendly Nursery
As bedtime gets closer, gradually make the house feel a little quieter.
Dim the lights, turn the television off and put away stimulating or noisy toys. These small environmental changes can become part of your baby’s bedtime cues too.
A dark room is ideal for sleep, but a gentle night light can be super handy while you're feeding, settling or changing nappies overnight.
💛 Dimples Tip: Once bedtime begins, keep voices quieter and movements slower. Babies pick up on our energy surprisingly well, so turning your pace down can help make the whole room feel calmer.
Putting Baby Down for Sleep
As you get to know your baby, you may like to experiment with placing them into their sleep space when they're sleepy but still awake.
Some babies take to this beautifully. Others need plenty of cuddling, rocking or feeding before they're ready to settle - particularly when they're very young.
There's no need to turn bedtime into a battle. The aim of a routine is to make sleep feel calm and predictable, not to achieve a perfect settling technique.
What works for your baby today may also be completely different in a few months time.
Be Consistent, But Stay Flexible
Consistency helps babies recognise their bedtime cues, but flexibility is just as important.
There'll be evenings when your baby is overtired. There'll be illnesses, holidays, late dinners, visitors and nights where absolutely nothing goes according to plan.
That's parenting!
Rather than worrying about following your routine perfectly, think about having a few familiar rituals you can return to wherever you are.
A fresh nappy, familiar sleepwear, the same book, a cuddle and your usual goodnight might be all your baby needs to recognise that it's bedtime.
If more than one parent or caregiver can occasionally do the bedtime routine, that's great! It helps your baby become comfortable settling with the other special people in their life.
And Don't Forget About Mum
Once baby is finally settled, it can be surprisingly difficult to switch your own brain off.
After spending all day feeding, changing, remembering, organising and looking after somebody else, having a tiny bedtime ritual of your own can be just as valuable.
Make a warm drink, put your phone down, have a shower or simply sit somewhere quiet for ten minutes.
For mums who enjoy something cosy before bed, Mamma's Milk Bar Moon Milk can become part of your own evening wind-down ritual. Prepare yourself a nice warm cup and enjoy a quiet moment once your little one is settled.
Small Rituals With Lasting Benefits
Your baby's bedtime routine doesn't need to be elaborate, and it certainly doesn't need to be perfect.
It's simply a collection of familiar little moments that tell your baby: the day is finished, you're safe, and it's time to rest.
Some nights it might be bath, massage, pyjamas, feed, story and bed. Other nights it might be clean nappy, feed, cuddle... bed.
Both count!
As your baby grows, the routine will grow with them. The massage might disappear, they'll choose their own pyjamas, and eventually they'll be the one reading the bedtime book.
But that cuddle and goodnight kiss? That will still matter - even if one day you have to sneak them in after lights out. ❤️
