Bedtime routines for toddlers

Establishing a bedtime routine for your toddler will make your life and theirs that little bit easier. When you follow a set pattern every night, your toddler will know what to expect. This will help them feel more relaxed, and able to fall asleep more easily.

What are the basics of a good bedtime routine?

The important thing is that you do the same thing every night, so that your toddler learns to associate particular activities with bedtime.

Your toddler’s routine should always include spending a little time in his bedroom. This will teach him that his room is a nice place to be, not just where he’s sent at the end of the day.

Once you’ve tucked your toddler in for the night, give him a kiss and leave the room. If he grumbles, tell him that you’ll be back to check on him in five minutes. In all likelihood, he’ll be fast asleep by the time you return. If not, do the same thing again until he settles.

What can I include in my toddler’s bedtime routine?

What you include in your toddler’s routine is up to you. Just make sure you choose activities that help calm your toddler, rather than excite him. Here are some ideas for you to try:

A nice, warm bath is a soothing experience, and getting your toddler clean and dry is a great way to ease him into bedtime.

Using our light and refreshing ‘bubbles in the breeze top to toe wash', to gently wash both body and hair, whilst creating a delicately fragrant bath. Beautifully mild and soothing, it gently cares for the even most delicate, dry and irritation-prone skin.

The finely balanced formula is artfully blended with soothing meadowsweet, moisturising cucumber fruit and comforting oat kernel extract. Silky buttermilk conditions ever so gently, while nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants leave young skin feeling fresh, nurtured and protected. Tenderly infused with mandarin and orange pure essential oils, to calm, soothe and lend a subtle sweet fragrance.

get him changed for bed

Change your toddler into a fresh nappy, or encourage him to use the toilet if he’s already potty-trained. Then help him get changed into his pyjamas. Offer him a choice of two pyjamas so that he can exercise some of his growing independence.

have a chat

Whether or not your toddler’s talking yet, bedtime is a perfect opportunity to have a quiet chat. Of course, if you have a young toddler, you’ll have to do most of the talking yourself, but he’ll still love getting your full attention.

Talk about everything you’ve both been doing throughout the day, and how it may have made him feel. If your toddler’s old enough, ask him to tell you about the best and worst things that happened to him, as well as anything that’s worrying him. This may help him to work through any anxieties or fears so that he gets a better night’s sleep.

read a bedtime story

Cuddle up for some cosy story time. Your toddler will love spending time with you, and hearing you give all the characters silly voices. It’ll even help him learn new words, and encourage a lifelong love of reading.

Give your toddler a choice of books from a small selection each night. He’ll enjoy getting to have his say. You may end up reading the same few books for week or so, but repetition is a key part of your toddler’s learning. While it may be a tad frustrating for you, it’s great for his development!

A soothing lullaby is a classic way to help your sleepy toddler drift off. Your voice and your partner’s voice are your toddler’s favourite sounds. You could even record a tune for him to listen to when someone else puts him to bed.

say goodnight

Your toddler may enjoy going around the room saying goodnight to his favourite toys. Don’t let him take advantage, though. If he insists on saying goodnight to every single stuffed toy in his bedroom, he may just be trying to put off bedtime a little longer.

Bear in mind that anything can occasionally throw your toddler’s routine off for a few nights. Find out when your toddler will be ready to sleep away from home.