Getting a baby to sleep can feel like a full-time job of its own. You’re exhausted, they’re overtired, and all you want is to lay them down, sneak out the door, and finally sit down for five minutes. If that sounds familiar, you’re going to love this.
Popular parenting comedian and self-styled “DIY parenting expert” How To Dad has put together a brilliantly honest (and very funny) video walking through the classic, tried-and-tested methods parents use to get their little ones off to sleep. Think the careful cot lower, the rhythmic pat-pat-pat, and the all-important “shush train” — plus the all-too-real danger of squeaky toys underfoot on the way out the door.
Watch: A Dad’s Guide to Putting Baby to Sleep
Why This Video Hits Home for Parents
What makes this video so popular with parents is that it doesn’t pretend bedtime is easy or magical. It shows the real, slightly chaotic process most families go through every single night — the trial and error, the tiptoeing, the small victories when a baby finally settles. There’s no perfect formula here, just the shared experience of parents everywhere doing their best to get through bedtime in one piece.
It’s a reminder that every family develops its own version of a bedtime routine, built from repetition, patience, and a fair bit of humour. If your own methods look nothing like a parenting manual and a lot more like the video above, you’re in good company.
A Few Bedtime Basics Worth Keeping in Mind
While every baby is different, most parents find a few simple habits help bedtime go a little more smoothly:
- Keep a consistent routine. A predictable sequence — bath, story, cuddle, cot — helps signal to a baby that sleep is coming.
- Dim the lights and lower the noise. A calm, quiet environment in the lead-up to bedtime can help babies settle more easily.
- Give it time. Settling techniques rarely work instantly. Repetition and patience matter more than getting it “right” the first night.
- Watch for tired signs. Yawning, rubbing eyes, or fussiness are cues that it might be time to start winding down before overtiredness sets in.
These aren’t rules, just the small things many parents find helpful when building their own version of the routine shown in the video.
More Parenting Reads You Might Enjoy
If this gave you a laugh (or a knowing nod), you might also like:
- 10 Essential Sleep Hacks for Kids — practical, parent-tested tips for better bedtimes.
- Watch: I’m a Daddy and I Know It — another fan-favourite from the world of dad-humour parenting videos.
- Ways in Which Mom and Dad’s Parenting Style Differs — a light-hearted look at how parenting approaches can differ at home.
FAQs About Getting Babies to Sleep
Why won’t my baby settle even with a bedtime routine?
Every baby settles at their own pace, and it’s completely normal for routines to take time to “click.” Consistency matters more than perfection — most families see gradual improvement over weeks, not days.
What’s the “shush train” method mentioned in the video?
It’s a light-hearted term for using a rhythmic, repeated shushing sound to soothe a baby to sleep, often paired with gentle patting or rocking. Many parents develop their own version of this kind of soothing routine.
Is it normal for bedtime to feel like trial and error?
Yes — bedtime routines are rarely one-size-fits-all. Most parents adjust their approach as their baby grows and their sleep needs change.
What should I do if nothing seems to be working?
If sleep difficulties are persistent or you’re concerned about your baby’s sleep or health, it’s best to check in with your GP or public health nurse, who can offer guidance suited to your child.
Save This for Bedtime Later
Bedtime doesn’t always go to plan, but a good laugh (and a few new tricks) can make it that bit easier. Save this article or share it with another tired parent who needs the reminder that they’re not alone in the nightly settling struggle.
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