Routines are so important for babies and toddlers. Bedtime routines may one of the most important routines to set up early on.
Your baby or toddler will be more relaxed if he knows what to expect next. The more relaxing and predictable your bedtime routine is the more likely he’ll be able to fall asleep quickly.
Your bedtime routine can be as short or if you want it to be. The bedtime routine will also gradually change and evolve as your child grows.
Bedtime routines can be difficult to carry out when you are not at home but do your best to make it as close as possible. The closer the bedtime routine the easier it will be for your baby to fall asleep in a strange place.
Whatever you decide to include in your bedtime routine make sure that an hour before bed is for quiet play. This should not be a time for running, wrestling or tickling.
I personally love the time I spend with my son during our bedtime routine. It’s a quiet time for just him and me to bond and relax.
Here are 12 tips for creating your perfect bedtime routine.
Set a specific time – Your child’s body clock with adjust more quickly to a consistent routine.
Warn – Your child may be too young to understand time but he can learn to associate certain activities or sounds to mean that it is time to get ready for bed. I like to set an alarm so when the alarm goes off my son knows it’s time to get ready for bed. This also helps because it’s not me saying it’s time for bed, it’s the alarm. We then start the first part of the routine, which for us is putting toys away.
Offer a snack – A light snack will keep your child stay full throughout the night. I like my snack to be a combination of protein and carbohydrates. The carbs will keep him full and the protein will keep his blood sugar level until it’s time for breakfast. I often feed my son a piece of peanut butter toast.
Warm bath – Raising your child’s body temperature slightly will make him sleepier. Also, playing with bath toys can be a fun and quiet way to relax. Babies do not need baths every day, so if a bath is not something that is relaxing or calming for your baby, don’t feel bad about forgoing the bath.
Put on pajamas – Let him wear loose, comfortable pajamas that are neither too light or too warm.
Read bedtime story – This is a great routine to start no matter how young your baby. When you first start the bedtime routine you may want to read the same book every night to help reinforce the routine but as time goes on you will be able to offer more of a variety.
Play soft music – Play soft or instrumental music for him as he falls asleep.
Comfort item – Let him snuggle (after a year old) with his favorite teddy bear, doll or blanket.
Limit drinks and bottles – He will be more likely to wake up to use the restroom if he has too much to drink before bed. If he does need a drink, limit it to water because milk or juice can pool around their teeth and cause cavities.
Clean up – This is a good time to start having them brush their teeth and wash their face and hands before bed.
Have a short chat – I like to talk to our son before bed and after I read the story. We snuggle up and chat about the day. I find this helps make sure if he has something he’s thinking about or worrying about he has a time he knows he has my attention and doesn’t have to go to bed thinking about it.
Make good nights brief – Once you have come to the end of your bedtime routine and it is time to say goodnight make it quick and leave the room. After you have left the room, try not to go back into the room even if he calls for you. If you continually go back into the room your child will learn that if he calls you’ll come back and give him more attention and play with him. This one was particularly tough for me.
What are your thoughts and experiences?