6 Tips for Creating a Toddler Bedtime Routine
June 3rd, 2019

6 Tips for Creating a Toddler Bedtime Routine

A good bedtime routine is one way to help your child feel more secure and comfortable because they’ll know what to expect at the end of every day. Creating a sound bedtime routine now will serve your child from toddler to teenage years.

Naturally, the routine will need to change as they grow older but once you have the basics down, that’s all you need. Your child’s bedtime routine should stay consistent to the most part. It’s also a great way to spend a few special minutes with your child after a long day.

Bedtime Routines for Toddlers – Getting the Basics Right

Here are a few tips that will help you create the perfect bedtime routine for your toddler.

  1. Set a specific bedtime. The bedtime schedule you create will depend on your family and your specific lifestyle. Ideally, your bedtime routine should start an hour before you want them to go to bed. Toddlers still need a lot of sleep! Make sure you create a bed time that allows them to get a full night’s sleep.
  2. Slow things down. An hour before you want your toddler to be asleep, get them to start winding down. This means switching off any screens and only engaging in activities that will keep their minds calm. Products such as JoySpring’s SleepBerry melatonin for kids can also help put your child in the right mindset for bed. Use this time to get your child to take a bath or read them one of their favorite books. If your child loves spending time in the bath, you may want to start the routine 1.5 hours before you want your child to be asleep.
  3. Make a bedtime tradition. Whether the bedtime tradition is taking a bath every night, reading a book together, or singing a song, create a tradition that you can do together that’s associated with bedtime every night.
  4. Dim the lights. If you have ever heard that bright lights can make it more difficult to get to sleep, know that it’s completely true. Artificial light actually suppresses the body’s melatonin levels, so it’s best to have a night light in the bedroom to set the right tone for a good night’s sleep. Playing some soft music is another way to help your child to drift off to sleep.
  5. Leave the room at the right time. It’s not uncommon for toddlers to want their parents to be around as they fall asleep but it’s important to leave the room once your child is in a sleepy state.  It’s also important to say ‘goodnight’ when you’re about to leave the room and to not keep coming back into the room when your child calls for you.
  6. Be Consistent. Creating a routine is all about consistency. Pleasant bedtime routines ease the transition from being awake to being asleep by helping children feel more secure and comfortable about what they can expect at the end of every day.

Bedtime doesn’t have to be stressful or dreaded. Create a bedtime routine that works for you and your family. Sweet dreams!