Our Real-Life Newborn Night Routine: Sleepy Snuggles & Tiny Triumphs (No Filter, Just Love)

Hey my loves! So, you guys know I'm a sucker for watching those 'realistic day in the life' or 'night routine' videos, right? I just love seeing how other families do things, especially when it comes to newborns. It's like a peek behind the curtain, and it always makes me feel less alone in the beautiful chaos of motherhood. So, I thought, why not share ours? Our real-life, unfiltered, sometimes-a-hot-mess-but-always-full-of-love newborn night routine with our sweet baby Cherry. :,)

When I was pregnant with Stella, and then Ozzy, I spent so much time trying to figure out what the 'perfect' routine would be. I watched all the videos, read all the blogs, bought all the things. And you know what? Every baby is different. Every family is different. And this time around, with Cherry, I'm just leaning into whatever feels right for us, for her, and for our family. It's less about a strict schedule and more about a flow, you know? A rhythm that feels natural and loving.

The Wind-Down: Setting the Vibe (Kinda)

Okay, so our night usually starts to wind down around 7 or 8 PM. This isn't a hard and fast rule, bc let's be real, with three girls, dinner can be a wild card. But generally, by then, the older girls, Stella and Ozzy, are getting ready for bed. This is usually when Tanner takes over bath time and story time with them, which is honestly such a lifesaver for me. It gives me a chance to just focus on Cherry, or sometimes, just sit down for five freakin minutes hahah.

For Cherry, it's less about a 'bath and book' routine and more about just dimming the lights, lowering the volume, and creating a calm space. I'll usually change her into her jammies – I love these soft ones from Kyte Baby, they're seriously the best for sensitive skin – and a fresh diaper. We use the Coterie diapers, and ngl, they've been a game-changer for overnight leaks. Tanner was skeptical at first bc they're a little pricier, but he saw the light after a few dry mornings hahah. Happy baby, happy parents, right?

I'll usually do a little baby massage with some unscented lotion. Nothing fancy, just gently rubbing her arms and legs. I feel like it helps her relax and just connects us. I love these quiet moments with her, just soaking in her tiny newness. I know these days are flying by so fast and I want to remember every single little detail. :,)

The Last Feed & The Swaddle Snuggle

Our 'dream feed' or last big feed before I try to get some sleep usually happens sometime between 9 and 10 PM. I try to make sure she gets a really full feed. Sometimes she's super sleepy and I have to work a little harder to keep her awake, tickling her feet or gently rubbing her cheek. Other times, she's wide awake and just chugging along. Every night is different, but the goal is always a full belly. I feel like this is key for those longer stretches of sleep – for her AND for me!

After her feed, it's swaddle time! We've tried so many different swaddles over the years, and honestly, our favorite for Cherry has been the Happiest Baby Sleepea Swaddle. It's super easy to use, and she just looks so cozy and secure in it. She loves being snuggled in tight. I always make sure it's not too tight around her hips, but snug enough that those little startle reflexes don't wake her up. I’ll also put on her sound machine – we use the Hatch Rest+, which I love bc it's also a night light and an alarm for the older girls. It just creates that consistent, comforting background noise.

Then, it's usually a little burp, a few minutes of upright holding to make sure everything settles, and then I gently lay her down in her bassinet next to our bed. I always say a little prayer over her, thanking God for her and asking for peaceful sleep for all of us. I just love her so much it hurts sometimes. My heart feels like it's going to burst. ❤

The Middle of the Night Wake-Ups (The Real Talk)

Okay, so here's where the 'realistic' part really comes in hahah. Newborns wake up. A lot. And Cherry is no exception. She's usually pretty good, giving us a 3-4 hour stretch sometimes for the first chunk, which feels like a miracle when it happens. But then, it's every 2-3 hours after that. And sometimes, it's more often if she's having a growth spurt or just needs extra comfort.

When she wakes up, I try to keep things as calm and dark as possible. I use the dimmest setting on the Hatch light, just enough to see what I'm doing. I change her diaper first – quickly and quietly. Then, it's time for another feed. I usually try to feed her on one side, burp her, and then offer the other side. Sometimes she takes both, sometimes just one. I follow her lead.

Tanner is seriously the best partner through all of this. He’ll often wake up with me, even if he can’t do the feeding, just to be there, to rub my back, or to grab me water. He’s my hype man, always reminding me that I’m doing a great job, even when I feel like a zombie. I couldn't imagine doing this without him. He’s my rock, always. I’m so grateful for him. :,)

After the feed, if she's still a little fussy or needs more comfort, I'll hold her close, sometimes swaying gently. I don't worry too much about 'creating bad habits' in these early weeks. All she knows is comfort and love, and that's what I want to give her. My mom raised me as a single mom, and she always talks about how fast these baby days go. So I'm just soaking up every single snuggle. I know one day I'll miss these middle-of-the-night feeds, even the really sleepy ones. Well, maybe not the *really* sleepy ones hahah, but you know what I mean.

Morning Light & New Beginnings

Eventually, usually around 6 or 7 AM, the sun starts to peek through, and Cherry starts to stir for her first morning feed. This is usually when the older girls are also starting to wake up, and the house slowly comes alive again. It's a beautiful, chaotic symphony of little feet, sleepy yawns, and the smell of coffee brewing. I love it so much.

Our newborn night routine isn't perfect. There are nights when she's super fussy, or I'm just so exhausted I feel like I could cry. There are nights when I question everything and wonder if I'm doing it all wrong. But then I look at her tiny face, so peaceful and content in my arms, and I remember that all she needs is me. All she needs is love and comfort. And that's something I can always give her, even on the hardest nights.

So, if you're in the thick of newborn nights right now, I see you. I really do. It's hard, it's beautiful, it's exhausting, and it's the most magical time all at once. Give yourself grace. Lean on your partner. Take all the snuggles. And remember, you're doing an amazing job. We got this, mamas. ❤

My Go-To Newborn Night Essentials (Just a Few Faves!)

• Kyte Baby Pajamas: So soft, so comfy. Cherry loves them.
• Coterie Diapers: Seriously, fewer leaks means more sleep for everyone.
• Happiest Baby Sleepea Swaddle: Easy to use and keeps her snug.
• Hatch Rest+: Sound machine, night light, and a clock for the big girls. Multi-tasking queen!
• Water Bottle: Always have one by your bed, bc you'll be thirsty, trust me.
• Snacks: A little granola bar or some nuts for those hunger pangs during feeds.

What are your newborn night essentials? Or your best tips for surviving those sleepless nights? Share them with me in the comments! I love hearing from you guys. Sending all my love! XOXO