eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

How To

How to Create a Bedtime Routine for Toddlers

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(2 Ratings)

Crankiness, hyperactivity and impaired cognitive abilities are only some of the problems associated with sleep deprivation. That’s why it’s important for parents to establish healthy sleeping habits in young children. Learn how to create a bedtime routine for toddlers by following these steps.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

    How to Create a Bedtime Routine for Toddlers

  1. Step 1

    Refrain from letting toddlers engage in high energy activities before bedtime. Activities such as running and playing outside make it difficult for children to wind down. So prior to your child's bedtime, let him engage in quiet activities such as playing with books or building blocks.

  2. Step 2

    Give your toddler a warm bath. This will relax your child's muscles and make it easier for him to fall asleep.

  3. Step 3

    Provide a light snack and a small cup of warm milk. The snack will minimize the chance that your toddler will wake up hungry during the night--and the warm milk acts as a natural sleep inducer. Don't forget to brush your toddler's teeth afterwards to prevent cavities.

  4. Step 4

    Let your toddlers listen to the pleasant hums of a fan or air purifier to gently lull him to sleep.

  5. Step 5

    Allow one soft comfort toy. Don’t get your toddler in the habit of filling his bed with playthings. You’re trying to establish a bedtime routine—not a haven for his toys.

  6. Step 6

    Don’t be a pushover. Each time your toddler climbs out of bed, put him back. This scenario may go on for a while--but eventually your child will get the message.

Subscribe

Post a Comment

Post a Comment

Related Ads

  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This
Get Free Parenting Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy .   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License. † requires javascript

eHow Parenting
eHow_eHow Parenting, Relationships and Family