When my first was a baby, we didn’t have much of a bedtime routine. I’m a stay at home mom so he could sleep as late as he needed to in the morning. I didn’t feel the need for him to go to bed at a consistent time every night. As he grew into a toddler, and when we added another little one to our family, it became clear we needed some structure at bedtime. Before we started this routine, he was staying up past 11, his naps were inconsistent, and he would throw fits because he was tired. Implementing a consistent bedtime routine was such a game changer. Now whenever someone says they are having issues with their toddler going to bed, I ask about their bedtime routine.
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Bed Time Routine for My Toddler & Baby
5 Tips for a Better Bedtime Routine
Keep it simple. If it’s too complicated or has too many steps, everyone might get overwhelmed and you might not stick to it.
Don’t over stimulate. Pre-bedtime activities should be relaxing and help signal to the baby/toddler that it’s time to sleep.
PS I know some people would think my toddler watching TV would be a conflict for this one, but it’s always been an easy way for me to unwind for bed and my toddler is the same way.
Be flexible. Some nights things don’t go as planned and that’s ok. There have been times when my toddler is over tired and throws a fit when it’s time for bed. On these nights, we rush through the important stuff (teeth brushing and potty) and skip bath, reading, and/or yoga because they aren’t going to improve his mood. He just needs to sleep.
Be consistent. Bedtime routines work best when it is a ROUTINE. By definition, this means you have to be consistent and do the same steps most nights. My baby doesn’t really thrive by the routine but it is ESSENTIAL for my toddler.
Don’t stress. Babies and toddlers pick up on stress so easily. Stay calm. Set this hour aside and just take advantage of the time to relax with your little ones.
My baby doesn’t necessarily need the bedtime routine but things go much smoother with my toddler now that he knows what to expect. It took some trial and error but after a couple weeks we established a great bedtime routine. I’m sure it will keep changing as both boys get older and their needs change.
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I’m more the type that almost can’t fall asleep if I’m watching TV but my husband practically needs it!
We had to start a bedtime routine for Doll when she was around a year old because we got a crib (we’d been co-sleeping up to then) and it seemed like a luxury for us to have some couple-time before we headed to bed (because with co-sleeping I went to bed with Doll).
Routine is a must!
Routine can definitely be important. Even if it’s a more relaxed routine, having a predictable night cuts down on the meltdowns in my house. So we strive to have it 🙂
If you think about it, even us adults have a relaxed routine at night. Brush teeth, change clothes, etc.
This is my plan for tonight. My daughter has no real routine and I’m not getting any time to myself in the evening due to this.
I just need to stay positive and stick to it.
Yes! After a week or two it will be so much better. Let me know how it goes!
I love the idea of incorporating yoga into bedtime routine! We do Itsy Bitsy Yoga and that’s been fun! We’re big fans of routines because it makes our kids understand what’s coming next.
what a sweet post I recall having bedtime rituals with my own children and grand-children when they were little Hold onto those memories
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I want to look into those yoga books! We did mommy and me yoga once at our play group and my son LOVED it. I try to do some with him still. This would be a great addition to our bedtime routine!
This is somewhat similar to what I do for my family. I like to dim the lights and for TV, I put shows that won’t make them rowdy. Some nights I make time for books, and others I’m way too tired. Thanks for sharing this with me!
Routine is a biggie. When my second was born I included her in my toddlers routine as it is easier for everyone and now she’s use to the routine as well now that she’s 16 months.
As a baby I would nurse her as I read my toddler his story books. Sometimes he would watch a couple short episodes of Thomas and friends or peppa pig with the lights out. Then a lullaby and into bed. Now that she’s older we have no tablets or phones. It’s too distracting. The baby has a warm bottle while we read one or two stories, then lights out and a lullaby. The baby has become used to this and doesn’t need to be asleep before I leave anymore. She knows it’s bed time and lays in bed till she’s asleep. I used to feel like a slave to the evenings and bedtimes because I would give in to “just another show or story, or just another song”. No more. Be firm and consistent. It will save your sanity and your down time.