Bedtime Routines for Toddlers

A bedtime routine for kids usually consists of three or four activities, for example, having a snack, brushing teeth, putting on pajamas, and reading a book. These should always be done in the same order. A bedtime routine is important for toddlers for a few reasons. First, it helps them wind down and prepare for sleep. Second, it can help prevent night waking and early rising. Finally, it sets the stage for healthy sleep habits in the future

Help your child relax and unwind at the end of the day with a great story:

Soft Toy | Green Bean™

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Green Bean’s Bedtime | Bedtime Storybook for Toddlers

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Soft Toy | Mr Bear™

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Soft Toy | Beckett The Bee™

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BELOW - ​Copywritten by Jo Frost
Remember: your kids need you to teach them because when everyone gets a good night’s sleep it makes for a happier healthier family.

1. Keep it Calm: This is not the time for a noisy cartoon, computer games or wild playtime. Overstimulated children can’t just switch off. Winding down is important.

2. Be Clear: Use verbal indication that the bedtime routine has begun. This makes it easier for your child to adapt to the next stage of their routine.

3. Bubble Time: Warm water truly does aid in relaxation. It is also a good time to release that last little bit of energy. Let your child know when the bath is about to begin and let them know before it finishes.

4. Get Involved: Enlist the child’s cooperation over the simplest of tasks. Preface it with things like “It’s time to put the toys away” and “Let’s pull the plug out…brilliant!”

5. Praise: It’s good to let your child know when each stage has been completed smoothly. “Everything is put away! Perfect!”

6. Small Talk: Read those bedtime stories, one or two from a small selection of his/her choice. Your little ones will go through phases, so don’t be surprised if you read the same book tomorrow! A little reassuring chit-chat goes a long way in catching up with what your toddler has processed throughout the day

7. Sleep Toys: Comforters or soft sleeping partners all help ease the separation of bedtime. A few at the bottom of the cot won’t hurt either, in case they wake up early and want to play.

8. Old Habits: Don’t wait around until your child falls asleep. If you have had an active day and you have done the bedtime routine step-by-step, you all should be feeling fairly sleepy by now.

9. No Shortcuts: Don’t rush the routine! Your little nippers do notice when they are being rushed and you will lose their focus and cooperation.

10. Same Page: If you are taking turns with your partner to put your children to bed, make sure you follow the same routine so you can both be consistent. It makes for a smoother transition from day to night.

Sleep Tight!!

Jo Frost, Global Parenting Expert, recognized TV personality, New York Times best-selling author, global thought leader in the parenting arena, in-demand speaker, consultant as well as the go to expert for media outlets around the world