GREAT BEDTIME TIPS FOR TODDLERS

Establishing bedtime routines for your toddlers

Do you want to get a good night’s sleep? Of course you do. With two little girls only two years apart, I didn’t get much sleep until I followed regular routines with both of them. It is very important early on to establish good sleeping habits for your baby and toddler. One way to do this is to follow the same routine night after night. I can’t tell you how much easier my life was once my children had a bedtime routine. Here are some secrets that helped me get through those many nights.

Going Wild
Let the giggles and wiggles out! For about ten minutes, let them run around and get that energy out of them.

Soaking your troubles Away
Give your toddler a warm bath and let them relax. You can even give them a little massage with a washcloth.

Attending to details
Don’t forget to brush those teeth! Put on their favorite pajamas and diaper in a low key manner.

Unwind Review the day together. Toddlers like to talk so let them talk about anything they would like.

Wishing Goodnights
Have your toddler give his goodnight wishes to everyone. This can include the family pet and his toys. You can spend as much time on this

Story time
This is my favorite time. Cuddle up with your child and read her a bedtime story or you can make one up. My girls loved their dad’s stories. In fact, I used to listen outside the door to see how creative he was!

Music
Both of my girls loved relaxing to classical music. Of course, the Baby Prodigy Musical Pacifier CDs were a favorite in our house.

Lighting
It is important that you have some sort of light for your toddler. Leaving them in total darkness may frighten them. A night light comes in very handy at this age.

Goodbye with a kiss
Tell your child another goodnight and tuck them in. Leave the room without hesitating and don’t let yourself go back into the room. It can be tempting but sticking to the routine will give you the best results.

And, goodnight to you, hopefully you too will get a good night's rest.