When you say good night to your toddler, can you walk out of their room for the night, or will they call out for you to come back? If they call out, you’re not alone! But don’t worry. A bedtime routine might be just what your toddler needs for consistent and calm sleep.
Your toddler needs sleep to be healthy (as do you!), but it can be hard for them to wind down at night. By creating a series of simple steps you can replicate every day, you’re giving yourself and your baby a stress-free bedtime routine.
Here you’ll find an example of a toddler bedtime routine, as well as helpful tips as you create your own. Good sleep is on the horizon!
Key Takeaways
Table of contents
Why is a bedtime routine important?
First, let’s quickly define what a bedtime routine is and isn’t. It is a series of actions in the same order each night to get your toddler ready for sleep. It has practical components, like brushing teeth, and calming components, like reading a book together.
A bedtime routine isn’t strict and shouldn’t be stressful. If you keep it short and sweet, follow it most of the time, and are flexible when necessary, you’ll be golden!
When your toddler learns the routine, they can more consistently fall asleep. Their brain and body start automatically responding by settling down.
This sense of calm is a big part of why a bedtime routine supports both physical and mental development. It also builds in daily bonding time with your toddler. And studies show it lays the groundwork for working memory, attention, and other cognitive skills.
So, how do you create a healthy bedtime routine? Let’s take a look!
How to create a healthy bedtime routine
Start young.
The earlier you can get into a bedtime routine habit, the earlier your child equates sleep with familiarity, safety, and consistency. And as they get older, you can modify the routine to suit whatever stage they’re at.
Prepare a sleep-friendly room.
Make sure your toddler is set up for a cozy night. Some questions to think about as you consider a sleep-friendly room:
- Do they need a nightlight?
- Conversely, is the room dark enough?
- Is the temperature comfortable?
- Do they need a white noise machine?
- Do they have a “lovey” to bring to sleep?
A comfortable bed is next!
You want their mattress to be firm to keep them safe, but that doesn’t mean it has to be uncomfortable! A Newton Crib Mattress is not only comfy, but it’s also completely washable, and our Breathe-Thru Technology lets babies breathe right through, reducing the risk of suffocation.
For ultimate sheet comfort, use a Newton fitted Organic Cotton Sheet. Our organic muslin cotton is certified to the Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS), soft, machine-washable, and breathable.
Don’t wait until your toddler is overtired.
A tired toddler is often a grumpy toddler! Try to start your bedtime routine before your child begins to show signs of being overtired. If you realize you need to set their bedtime earlier, adjust it slowly so their transition is smooth.
Stay consistent.
Staying consistent with your toddler’s bedtime routine will make it easier for both of you. You’ll both know what to expect and when to expect it, so you shouldn’t have to deal with derailment surprises.
At least not often. But you’ll go off course sometimes or need to make a change on the fly, and that flexibility is essential, too.
Another benefit of consistency? When you aren’t around (maybe a babysitter puts your child to bed), the familiarity of the routine will help your child feel safe.
Give your child a chance to make some decisions.
If your toddler owns some of the bedtime routine, they’ll be more invested in following it. Try setting up the initial routine together, give it time, and then if your child wants to change something, see if you can realistically honor their ideas.
Make a visual bedroom chart.
If your toddler is a visual learner, try making a chart with drawings of their bedtime activities. And a bonus: write the names of the activities on the chart and you’ve got a literacy tool, too!
Let your child bring a “lovey” to bed.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, once your child is 12 months old, it’s generally considered safe for them to bring a favorite object to bed with them. Just make sure there are no loose buttons, ribbons, or anything else that might be a choking hazard.
A “lovey” can help your toddler fall asleep and is especially useful if they wake up in the middle of the night.
Leave the room before your baby is asleep.
Sometimes it’s unavoidable. By the time you’re finished reading a book, your toddler is fast asleep. That’s OK! But try to say goodnight and leave their room before they’re dreaming, if you can.
The more they practice falling asleep on their own, the more confident they feel.
Be patient!
Sticking to a bedtime routine can be challenging, but don’t give up on it. Or on your toddler! It may take a while to get the hang of it, and it may take even longer for your little one to learn how to fall asleep on their own, but it will eventually happen.
Example bedtime routine
1) Wind down.
Purposeful screen time during the day is great, but about an hour before bedtime, try to turn all screens off. Giving your toddler a break from the screen light allows their brain to release melatonin and prepare for sleep.
2) Offer a snack.
If your child has dinner a while before bedtime, they might be hungry. Try offering them something healthy and light (and low sugar to avoid a sugar rush!), such as yogurt or a banana. Of course, if they don’t want it, that’s OK, too!
3) Take a bath and change into pajamas.
Bathing your toddler is a great way to help their body begin to calm down. The warmth of the water is soothing, and a washcloth on their skin can be relaxing. After the bath, help your child get into their pajamas: another signal that bedtime is coming.
4) Brush teeth and use the toilet.
It’s never too early to teach your child about dental hygiene. You’ll probably need to brush their teeth for them, but they might be old enough to do it again after you’re done. Practice is a good thing!
Then a change of diaper is in order, or if your toddler is potty trained, it’s time to use the toilet one last time before sleep.
5) Read a story.
Reading aloud to your toddler has so many benefits. It promotes literacy, grows a love of reading, develops empathy, and strengthens the bond between the two of you. The perfect addition to your bedtime routine!
6) Cuddle in bed.
Tuck your toddler in, make sure they have their “lovey," and snuggle in next to them. You might sing a song together. Or you could talk about your favorite parts of the day or your hopes for tomorrow. Finishing the conversation with gratitude is a nice way to end the day.
Then kiss your sweet toddler and say goodnight!
The best bedtime routine with Newton!
Your toddler spends their day learning, exploring, creating, and making connections. It’s a full day, for sure! So, a bedtime routine that calms and centers them is essential. Try using some of our ideas, or you and your toddler can create a bedtime routine on your own.
Either way, a comfortable bed is key to getting a good night’s sleep. At Newton, our Sheets are organic and soft, our Crib Mattresses are breathable and firm, and our Cribs are non-toxic and grow with your baby. And you can trust that all of them are safe!
Frequently asked questions
Should my toddler’s bedtime routine be the same on the weekends?
It’s a good idea to keep your toddler’s bedtime routine consistent across both the week and the weekend. Of course, you may need to change some of it due to family plans and outings, but try to keep your child’s sleep and wake-up times as close as you can to their regular schedule.
What should I do if my toddler experiences separation anxiety at bedtime?
First, validate their feelings and reassure them they’re OK. (“I know you’re scared, but I’m right in the next room.”) Then you might want to try making slight adaptations to your routine, like adding a night-light and incorporating check-ins.
What do I do if my toddler wakes up in the middle of the night?
It happens. If you need to go to them, try to keep your interactions brief. Don’t change your routine or add extra steps. And check to see if your child is overtired during the day so you can adjust their schedule as needed.
