Skip to main content

Our JOHNSON’S® 3-Step Bedtime Routine incorporates bath time and massage, two key rituals that help engage your baby’s sense of smell and touch while strengthening your bond and preparing him for a good night’s sleep.

Baby Sleep in 3 Easy Steps

The unique 3-step bedtime routine from JOHNSON’S® is the first and only bedtime routine clinically proven* to help babies and toddlers 7 to 36 months sleep better in just one week.

Try it for 7 nights and see what a difference it could make to you and your baby.

Step 1Step 1 – Warm Bath

Bathtime is the perfect way to start your baby’s pre-bed 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. Keep the water shallow. Babies don’t need more than 2-3 inches, depending on age. And never leave any baby, regardless of age, alone in the bath, not even for a minute!

  • Prepare the bath
    Have everything ready before you start. Keep the water shallow—up to 5 inches. Check the temperature with your elbow or a thermometer before putting your baby in; the water should be warm, but not hot. Pour in a bath product like JOHNSON'S® BEDTIME Baby BATH® and swirl the product through the water to mix evenly and to make sure there are no “hot spots.”
  • Prepare your baby
    Gently put your baby into the bath, supporting his body in the water.
  • 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 him in a warm towel and dry him thoroughly.

More tips for bathing your baby

Step 2 Step 2 – Lotion Massage

A soothing massage is a wonderful way to make your baby feel secure, loved and ready for sleep. 

Massage can help you recognize 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.

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

There's no one way to massage your baby — follow your intuition along with the sequence suggested in the how-to massage guides (for newborn, babies six weeks plus, and babies six months plus massage guide) and you'll soon discover what works best for you and your little one.
More benefits of baby massage

Step 1 Step 3 – Quiet Time

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

Make sure you keep the atmosphere calm and cozy. You can help your baby wind down further by reading or singing softly. If you choose to feed at this time, be sure not to feed your baby to sleep.

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

*Tested on babies 7 months and older

Baby Sleep Routine

Our Mommy and Me group discusses the various techniques they use to help their child sleep

Moms around the world trust JOHNSON’S® to care for their babies

We are committed to working with moms, healthcare experts and scientists to ensure our products continue achieving the highest standards in safety, quality and care.

Back to Top