Bedtime is sacred in our household. Everyone needs to get the rest they need, and a good night’s sleep makes for happier, more patient days.
Over the years, I’ve learned that a consistent bedtime routine is more than just getting kids to sleep. It’s about creating a calming, enjoyable end to the day. Here’s how I’ve built our perfect nighttime schedule and some tips and recommendations to help you create yours.
The 3 Most Important Steps for a Successful Bedtime Routine
1. Do Things You Enjoy
Your bedtime routine should include activities you and your child love. For us, that means a warm bath, a cozy story, and a little cuddle time. But if your baby hates baths or your toddler isn’t into books, that’s okay! Skip what doesn’t work and focus on what brings joy.
2. Keep It Consistent and Simple
A routine that’s easy to replicate is a game-changer. Whether it’s you, a babysitter, or a grandparent putting your child to bed, simplicity is key. For us, this means sticking to the same steps every night: bath, PJs, book, and a special Sleep Mantra.
3. Include a Sleep Mantra
A Sleep Mantra is a simple phrase you say to your child before leaving their room. It’s a gentle cue that it’s time to sleep. Ours is, “Goodnight, I love you, see you in the morning.” But get creative! One of my friends’ toddlers used to say, “See you tomowo,” and now it’s a family tradition.
My Age-by-Age Bedtime Routine Recommendations
Newborn (0-3 Months)
At this stage, keep it short and sweet. Your baby doesn’t need much to wind down, and you’re probably exhausted too! Here’s what worked for us:
🛏 Mood: Dim the lights and play calming music.
🔹 Wind-Down Activities:
- Change diaper and put on PJs.
- Feed your baby.
- Give a gentle massage or read a short book.
🌙 Bedtime Activities:
- Turn off the lights (keep the room dark).
- Turn on a white noise machine (this was a lifesaver for us!).
- Say your Sleep Mantra.
3 Months to 1 Year
As your baby grows, you can start to encourage independent sleep. Here’s our routine for this age:
⏳ Length: 30 minutes.
🛏 Mood: Soft lighting and calming sounds.
🔹 Wind-Down Activities:
- Change diaper and put on PJs.
- Feed your baby, but try to keep them awake during the feed to encourage self-soothing.
- Read a short book.
🌙 Bedtime Activities:
- Turn off the lights.
- Turn on the white noise machine.
- Say your Sleep Mantra.
1 to 2 Years
Bedtime becomes fun for your toddler. You can add activities they love. Here’s what we do:
⏳ Length: 30-40 minutes.
🛏 Mood: Soft lighting and calming music.
🔹 Wind-Down Activities:
- Bath time with bubbles or toys (keep it short and sweet!).
- Change diaper and put on PJs.
- Offer a bedtime snack if needed.
- Read a book (let your toddler pick their favorite!).
🌙 Bedtime Activities:
- Turn off the lights.
- Turn on the white noise machine.
- Say your Sleep Mantra.
2 Years and Older
Toddlers test boundaries, so be consistent. Here’s how we handle bedtime at this age:
⏳ Length: 30 minutes (but be prepared for requests for “one more book”!).
🛏 Mood: Soft lighting and calming sounds.
🔹 Wind-Down Activities:
- Bath time (aim for 10 minutes max).
- Change into PJs (let your toddler choose their outfit for a sense of independence).
- Play a calm game, like a puzzle or memory cards, or read books.
🌙 Bedtime Activities:
- Turn off the lights.
- Turn on a nightlight if your child is afraid of the dark.
- Turn on the white noise machine.
- Say your Sleep Mantra.
Key Takeaways
The best bedtime routine is the one that works for you and your family. It might take some trial and error to figure out what feels right, but that’s okay! As your child grows, you’ll adapt and adjust. Just remember these three things:
✔️ Fill your routine with activities you and your child enjoy.
✔️ Keep it simple and consistent so others can help.
✔️ End with a Sleep Mantra to signal it’s time to sleep.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to peaceful nights and happier mornings. Sweet dreams!
💬 What does your bedtime routine look like? Share your tips and tricks in the comments—I’d love to hear what works for your family!
