How to Establish a Bedtime Routine

One of the most important things you can do for your baby, toddler or school aged child is establish a bedtime routine. No matter the child's age, they will benefit from a regular schedule that helps ease them into sleep rather than fight to get them to bed. The earlier you start the better; but it's never too late to establish a bedtime routine. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• A list of things to do before bed

1. Decide what time you want your child to go to bed. This is true even for a young baby who is not yet sleeping through the night. Base this decision on the age of the child and how much sleep is recommended for that age.
2. Determine how much time it takes you to go through your routine, and begin well before you want your child to be asleep.
3. Use positive and strong word choices like, "Mikey, it's time to get ready for bed." Stay away from ambiguous terms and questions like, "Mikey are you tired? Do you want to go to bed now?" No child, if given the choice, wants to go to bed. Don't open the door for discussion.
4. Give your child a bath before bed or make him or her take a bath. This is a good idea even if you think they don't need it. Bathing in warm water is a proven relaxation technique.
5. Don't give in to too many stories, songs or games. This is just a way for the child to prolong the inevitable. One story or one song should be enough most nights, but set a limit on nights when a little more seems necessary.
6. Turn off the TV and computer an hour before your child's scheduled bedtime. The less electronic stimulation the better when trying to settle in for the night.
7. Get everything done before tucking in. Allow enough time for picking up toys, brushing teeth and one last trip to the potty.

Tips & Warnings

• Be consistent and firm when establishing a bedtime routine. Loosen up only on the weekends, and even then, make it one special night.
• For very young babies, establishing the evening bathing, feeding, changing and rocking routine before you all lay down at night will get him on the road to sleeping through the night and knowing when it's really bedtime.
• Adequate amounts of sleep are crucial to good health, development and success in school. Take bedtime seriously with your child.
• Getting enough activity during the day will help children rest better at night. Make sure there is enough outside playtime and don't let very young children nap too late in the afternoon.