Bedtime Tips for Toddlers

I myself, like lots of other parents with toddlers, struggle with getting my toddler to bed and on a consistent schedule.

In my case, my husband works late and his schedule is inconsistent. This in turn makes bedtime less than easy for my daughter and I. We are working through this with a few bedtime tips you can use with your toddler.
The #1 tip for an easy bedtime for your toddler is a schedule and consistency. Ultimately you want to set a bedtime for your toddler and stick to it every night. Develop a routine of a bath before bed, followed by a light massage with baby lotion, PJ’s, and then a bedtime story. After this there is no more playtime, and this should be quiet time for the whole house so your toddler can get a good nights sleep.

I find now my little girl likes to go to sleep with something in her arms. For Christmas I bought her a Bedtime Glowing Cinderella Doll that lights up when you push her (similar to a glow worm) that she now uses to put herself to sleep. I catch her under the cover playing with it for at least 20 minutes after I lay her down, but eventually shes out.

We also have gotten in the habit of making her dolls go “night night” and giving them kisses before its her turn to go to bed.

If your toddler is still using a pacifier, start reserving it only for bedtime use. (This is the easiest way for my daughter to get to sleep).

When it seems my toddler will not go to sleep I often take her in my arms and rock her (like a baby) and sing. Even though she is out of that baby stage she still responds well to the singing. This is a good relaxation technique that will not always put your toddler to sleep, but get them ready enough for you to just lay them down so they can go to sleep on their own.

Be firm and consistent and you will soon see results. Even if you can’t get your toddler to bed exactly at 8:00pm each night keep the bedtime routine going (bath,story,bed).

Also be sure to also monitor you toddlers naps, you don’t want them napping for too long or short during the day, both can effect your toddler’s bedtime.