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Bedtime Routines for Tiny Tots

If you haven’t already, now is a great time to establish a bedtime routine for your toddler. When you follow a set pattern every night, your toddler will know what to expect. This will help him feel more relaxed, and he’ll be 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. If you’re not at home, try to follow your routine as much as possible. The familiarity may make it easier for him to settle down in any other surrounding too.

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 off to at the end of the day.

Once you have 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 will be fast asleep by the time you return. If not, do the same thing again until he settles.

Start somewhere

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

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

However, if your toddler doesn’t enjoy baths, or if they make him too excited, it’s probably better to leave them for the morning. Give his face and hands a wash instead.

Brush his teeth

Your toddler’s routine should always include brushing his teeth. It’s important to start the habit of teeth-brushing as early as possible so that he learns to look after his teeth properly.

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 pajamas. Offer him a choice of two pajamas so that he can exercise some of his growing independence.

Play a quiet game

Having a calm game on the floor of your toddler’s bedroom is a great way to spend some fun time with him before bed. Older toddlers may enjoy simple puzzles or card games, and younger ones are always entertained by peek-a-boo games.

Your game doesn’t have to be big or special. It can be as simple as taking turns saying the alphabet or counting to ten. Anything that entertains your toddler without over-stimulating him is fine.

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 have been doing together 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 cozy 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 a week or so, but repetition is a key part of learning. While it may be a tad frustrating for you, it’s great for his development!

Sing a song

A soothing lullaby is a classic way to help your sleepy toddler drift off to dreamland. Your voice (and daddy’s as well!) 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.

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