12 Best Bedtime Routines For Toddlers
Do you have a toddler at home? We have sympathy for you! Toddlers are cute, cuddly, and adorable. But there’s another side to toddlers, a scarier side!
Only a family with a toddler will understand the terror that comes with bedtime. Screaming, thrashing around, stalling – there are a hundred ways your toddler will try and avoid bedtime. But you need peace and quiet too, right? So, how can you ensure that your little one goes to sleep with minimum fuss? Well, you need to establish a toddler bedtime routine.
When it comes to bedtime routines for toddlers, the sooner you start, the better. But even if you missed the bus when your toddler was just a baby, now will be a good time start.
Are you looking for a bedtime routine for your toddler but don’t know where to start? Let’s start from the beginning!
Here is a step-by-step guide to help you establish a perfect toddler bedtime routine:
1. Tired Is Good:
You need your toddler to be tired to make bedtime easier. But remember, tired is good, but overtired is bad news! So, make sure your little one spends all the pent up energy before you take her to bed. This is one of the best bedtime routine for toddlers.
2. Nibble A Little:
If your toddler’s bedtime is hours after dinner, arrange for some little snack time. Milk, cookies, cereal, etc. are some healthy before bed snack options.
3. A Bath Can Do Wonders:
Most mothers swear that a bath before bedtime is a great idea. Of course, it all depends on the weather. But if everything is in order, give your toddler a bath before moving on to the next step.
4. Brushing Teeth Is Important:
Make sure your little angel brushes her teeth before going to bed each day. It is a good habit that you must include in your bedtime routine.
5. Let Calm Prevail:
Now let your toddler settle down. You can do this by playing a game. Peek-a-boo, a simple puzzle or a card game, anything that will allow your toddler to sit down calmly will do.
6. Talk:
Bedtime is an amazing time to bond with your baby. Just cuddle together and talk – about whatever she likes! Fairies, monsters, animals, friends – every topic is fair.
7. Read Together:
One of the best things you can do for your toddler is to inculcate a love for books. Spend a few minutes reading together as part of your toddler’s bedtime routine.
[ Read: Bedtime Stories For Toddlers ]
8. Sing Together:
Music heals. And it can also soothe your baby to sleep! So, spend time singing together. Now will be a great time to sing a lullaby too.
9. A Hug, A Kiss, And A Good Night:
Now it is time to let your toddler go to sleep. Give her a good night kiss, hug her tight, and say good night. If your toddler is not ready to leave you yet, linger for a minute more. But let go and allow her to soothe herself to sleep.
[ Read: Toddlers Having Nightmares ]
10. Play Music, Or Not:
If your little angel is a light sleeper, you can put some soft music to keep the noise out of her room. You can buy CDs that play soothing music in a loop. But if your princess gets distracted easily, this won’t be a great idea.
11. Keep The Light On, Or Not:
Many mothers suggest that you keep the room dark while putting your baby to sleep. It makes it easier for a toddler to drift off to dreamland. But many babies wake up in the middle of the night and get scared in the dark. So, whether to leave the light on or off is your call. You can even get a night-light so that the room stays calm yet bright.
[ Read: Ways To Make Your Toddler Sleep Well ]
12. Pray:
When it comes to bedtime routines, there is no foolproof plan. So, despite your best-laid plans, your toddler may still refuse to go to sleep. So, the next step in a bedtime routine is to pray! Hope that your efforts bear fruit, and your little one goes to sleep without too much of a fight! If you are religious, bedtime will also be a great time to pray together.These bedtime routines for toddlers will ensure that he sleeps well.
So, why wait? Start working on a bedtime routine today and help your toddler sleep serenely.
Bonus: You too can take a breath and spend some time in peace!
Do you follow a particular bedtime routine for your baby? Share your tips with us in the comments section below!
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