Skip to main content

We understand that a good night’s sleep for your baby means a good night’s sleep for you. This is why we developed our clinically proven 4-step nighttime routine to help your 7- to 36-month-old child sleep better and longer.

JOHNSON’S® 4-Step Routine*

Our unique 4-step routine is the first and only nighttime routine clinically proven to help children 7 to 36 months sleep better in just two weeks.

*Clinical study report US CS#146A-05: Improvement of Baby Sleep Behaviors through Usage of a Personal Care Product Based Before-Bed Routine

Learn the routine by watching this musical demo

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

Step 1

A soothing baby 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 oil like JOHNSON'S®  baby BEDTIME® oil 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 — watch this video to learn some techniques or follow the sequences suggested in the newborn , six week plus or six months plus massage guide . You'll soon discover what works best for you and your little one.
More benefits of baby massage

Step 2

A baby bath is the perfect way to start your baby’s pre-bed routine.

There are lots of ways to help build confidence and make bathtime 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® baby BEDTIME® 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

Master the steps to bathing your newborn, infant or toddler through a musical demo

More tips for bathing your baby

Step 3

  • Apply lotion

Remember that your baby’s delicate skin loses moisture nearly two times faster than yours. So after a warm bath, be sure to seal in the moisture by applying a baby lotion. JOHNSON’S® baby BEDTIME® lotion nourishes and strengthens your baby’s skin, even as it helps him sleep better thanks to NATURALCALM™ essences.

Step 4

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

After applying lotion to soften baby’s skin, pat with powder to make him feel smooth and cool all over. JOHNSON’S® baby BEDTIME® powder releases NATURALCALM™ essences that will help relax your baby and ease him into sweeter sleep.

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

JOHNSON’S® | How to Help Baby Sleep Better

4 Steps to Better Sleep

4 Steps to Better Sleep

Sing your way to sweeter sleep with this bedtime routine.

Sleep Guide

Baby Sleep Guides

Download baby sleep guides adapted from Dr. Jodi Mindell’s Sleeping Through the Night: How Infants, Toddlers, and Their Parents Can Get a Good Night’s Sleep and the baby care experts at JOHNSON’S®.

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 JOHNSON’S® baby standards.

Back to Top