Toddler bedtime routine: 5 tips to save your sanity

Getting your toddler to bed can be a daily war.

But a bedtime routine makes all the difference.

We’ve been there and we know how important it is to have a plan that works.

A bedtime routine helps toddlers wind down, feel secure and sleep better.

You don’t have to make a bedtime routine complicated. It’s all about finding what works for your family.

Maybe it’s a warm bath, a bedtime story or some quiet cuddles. Just keep it simple and stick to it.

Your little one will start to recognize the cues that it’s time for sleep.

Every child is different. What works for one won’t work for another.

Don’t be afraid to try new things and adjust as needed.

The goal is to make bedtime a peaceful feel relaxing experience for everyone.

Takeaways

• A bedtime routine helps toddlers feel secure and sleep better

• Keep it simple with bath, story or cuddles

• Be flexible and adjust to find what works for your family

Toddler Bedtime Routine

Getting our little ones to sleep can be a rollercoaster! Let’s get into the bedtime and sleep routine and secrets that will have your toddler sleeping like a dream.

Setting the Foundation with Healthy Sleep Habits

We all know how cranky our kids get when they don’t get enough sleep.

That’s why a bedtime before 9:00 pm is super important for our toddlers.

They get better quality sleep, feel tired less and behave better too!

Here are some quick tips to avoid caffeine and get sleepy:

• Dim the lights

• Keep it quiet

• No screens (bye-bye, iPad!)

A bedtime between 7-8 pm works magic. It helps our little ones bodies adjust and makes it easier for them to fall asleep and wake up at the same time every day.

Consistency is Key

Sticking to a routine can be hard but trust us, it’s worth it!

A routine bedtime helps our toddlers feel safe and secure. It’s like a security blanket for their minds.

We love using a bedtime chart to make it fun and easy. It’s a visual reminder for us and our kids to know what’s coming next.

Plus it’s a great way to set loving boundaries.

Consistency is key! Even on weekends or holidays try to stick to your routine as much as possible.

Your toddler’s sleep will thank you!

Sleepy Time Environment

A calm and restful sleep space can make all the difference in good sleep and for our little ones. Let’s get into some easy ways we can set up the perfect sleepy time oasis for our toddlers.

White Noise Machines

We love white noise machines for creating a sleepy time environment. They’re magic!

They mask sudden noises that might wake our kids and provide a consistent sound.

Want to know a secret?

Many of us use phone apps or old radios tuned to static.

But a dedicated white noise machine can be a game-changer. They often have different sound options like rainfall or ocean waves.

Pro tip: Keep the volume low, just enough to create a gentle hum.

We don’t want it too loud – that could interfere with our little one’s hearing development.

Dark and Cozy: Blackout Curtains

Let’s talk about blackout curtains – they’re like sleep capes for windows!

These thick, dark curtains block out the natural light, and create a cozy cave for our toddlers to sleep in.

Why are they so good?

They help our kids internal sleep clocks regulate. When it’s dark our bodies produce melatonin, the sleep hormone.

So blackout curtains can help our little ones fall and stay asleep faster and get better sleep for longer.

Bonus: They’re great for daytime naps too! No more struggling with makeshift solutions like taping aluminum foil to the windows (we’ve all been there, right?)

Comforting Additions: Loveys and Security Items

Let’s talk about loveys – those special stuffed animals or blankets our kids can’t live without.

These security items can be a total lifesaver at the hour before bedtime!

Loveys provide comfort and familiarity especially when our toddlers are transitioning to their own room.

It’s like a little piece of home they can snuggle with all night long.

Safety first though!

For younger toddlers make sure the lovey is small and doesn’t have any parts that could come loose.

And hey, it’s not a bad idea to have a backup. We know the drama that ensues when the favorite teddy goes missing!

Calming Activities Before Bed

Bedtime can be easy with the right activities. We’ve got some tricks up our sleeve to your bedtime routine can help your little ones wind down and fall asleep faster.

Bath Time

Bath time is a game-changer for bedtime routines. We love making it a fun, relaxing experience!

Add some calm bath toys to keep things interesting.

Bubbles are always a hit – who doesn’t love a bubble beard?

Try using lavender scented bath products. The smell is super calming and can help kiddos feel sleepy.

Don’t forget to keep the water warm, not hot. It’s all about creating a warm shower cozy atmosphere.

After the bath wrap them up in a soft, fluffy towel.

This is a great time for snuggles and giggles before getting into PJs.

Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques

Mindfulness might sound fancy but it’s actually super simple.

We can start with some easy breathing exercises. Have your kiddo pretend they’re blowing out birthday candles or smelling a yummy flower.

Bedtime yoga is another cool trick. It’s not about crazy poses – just gentle stretches to help little bodies relax.

Try the “sleeping butterfly” pose or “starfish” stretch. It’s a fun way to get the wiggles out!

We also like to use a stuffed animal for a quick body scan.

Have your child squeeze and relax different parts of their toy’s body, then do the same with their own.

Bedtime Stories

Story time is the bedtime classic! We can’t get enough of snuggling up with a good book.

It’s not just fun – it’s also great for language development and bonding.

Let your child pick the story. It gives them a sense of control and gets them excited about reading.

Be silly with the voices and sound effects. It makes it more fun and memorable.

If you’re feeling fancy try making up stories together. Start with “Once upon a time…” and take turns adding to the tale. It’s a hoot and helps with imagination.

Remember the goal is to create a calm, loving environment.

Keep your voice soft and soothing as you read. Before you know it those little eyelids will be getting heavy!

Bedtime Challenges and Anxiety

Bedtime can be tough for toddlers and parents. We’ve got some tricks up our sleeve to make bedtime toddler routine and evenings easier and less stressful for everyone.

Bedtime Battles

Bedtime battles are no fun.

One way to tackle this is by setting clear expectations.

Create a fun chart with your kiddo showing the bedtime routine steps. This gives them a sense of control and makes the process more exciting.

Another trick? Give choices within limits. “Do you want to wear the blue PJs or the red ones?”

This helps your little one feel more in charge.

And don’t forget positive reinforcement!

A sticker chart or small rewards for following the routine can work magic.

Just remember on tomorrow’s to do list keep it simple and achievable.

Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is tough on everyone. But hang in there! We’ve got some ideas to help with that.

Try a bedtime buddy – a stuffed animal or blanket that stays in your toddler’s bedtime routine. This can be a comfort when you’re not there.

A nightlight or soft, calming music that can also create ambient sounds for a calming sleep environment.

And here’s a fun one: leave a small item of yours (like a scarf) with your child.

It’s like a little piece of you staying with them all night.

Remember consistency is key. Stick to your routine and goodbyes, even if there are tears.

It might be tough at first but it’ll get easier!

Independence and Self Soothing Skills

We all want our kiddos to be independent sleepers, right? Here’s how we can help them get there.

Start by teaching simple self soothing skills.

Little ones can use deep breathing or counting sheep to calm themselves.

Make it into a game during the day so they’re comfortable using these skills at night.

Then gradually increase sleep quality in the time between bedtime and your check-ins. This helps them build confidence in falling and staying asleep all on their own.

And don’t forget to praise their efforts!

A big high-five in the morning for staying in bed all a good night’s sleep can go a long way.

Every child is different. What works for one won’t work for another.

Be patient and try different strategies until you find what works for your family.

Tools

Getting your toddler to stick to a bedtime routine can be tough, but we’ve got some tricks up our sleeve! Let’s get into some fun and easy ways to make your toddler bedtime routines a piece of cake.

Visual Bedtime Routine Charts

Who doesn’t love a chart? We’re big fans of bedtime routine charts to keep our little ones on track.

Make it colorful and fun with stickers or magnets they can move around.

Let your kiddo help create the chart. They’ll feel like a big kid and be more excited to follow it.

Include simple pictures for each step, like a toothbrush for brushing teeth or jammies for changing clothes.

Try a reward system. Maybe they get a special sticker each night they follow the routine. After a week of stickers they get a small prize or extra story time.

Sleep Cues and Timing

Timing is everything, right? We need to pay attention to those sleep cues our toddlers give us.

Rubbing eyes, yawning or getting cranky? That’s our cue to start the bedtime routine!

Then set a consistent bedtime. Most toddlers do best with a bedtime before 9:00 pm.

But every kid is different so find what works for yours.

Remember a tired toddler can become a hyper toddler.

If we miss those sleep cues we might end up with a second wind on our hands.

When to Call in the Experts

Sometimes we need a little extra help. If our toddler’s sleep issues are driving us crazy it might be time to call in the pros.

Sleep consultants can be lifesavers.

They can help us create a customized sleep plan and tackle any specific issues we’re facing.

Consider calling if:

• They resist bedtime

• They wake up multiple times a night

• We can’t seem to get a routine going