How to Build the Perfect Bedtime Routine for Children (Do's & Don'ts Included)

Learn How a Bedtime Routine Can Improve Your Child’s Sleep

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Getting ready for bed can be a fun adventure.  

Just like how superheroes have their special routines, your child can have one too that helps them wind down and get ready for a cozy night of sleep.  

Whether it’s brushing those tiny teeth, slipping into cozy pajamas, or cuddling up with a favorite bedtime story, a bedtime routine helps your child feel safe and loved as they drift off to sleep.

With a little bit of planning, bedtime can become a peaceful and happy part of the day that everyone looks forward to:  

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What Is a Bedtime Routine for Children?  

A bedtime routine for children is a series of calming activities you do with your child every night before bed to help them relax and get ready for sleep. It usually includes things like taking a bath, brushing teeth, reading a story, and then tucking them into bed.  

Doing the same routine every night helps your child know it's time to wind down, making it easier for them to fall asleep and sleep well through the night.

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How To Build a Bedtime Routine for Kids?  

Here are a couple of tips that will help you build a bedtime routine for your little ones:  

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• Decide On Calming Pre-Bedtime Activities

Calming pre-bedtime activities are key to helping your child transition from the busyness of the day to a more relaxed state.  

These activities should be quiet and soothing, like reading a book, taking a warm bath, listening to soft music, or practicing gentle breathing exercises.  

The goal is to create a peaceful atmosphere that prepares your child’s mind and body for sleep.  

Avoid stimulating activities like watching TV or playing video games, as these can make it harder for your child to wind down.  

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• Create A Step-By-Step Routine  

Creating a step-by-step routine involves planning out the sequence of activities your child will follow each night before bed. This might include brushing teeth, putting on pajamas, reading a story, and then getting into bed.    

By taking the same steps in the same order every night, your child will know what to expect, which can make bedtime smoother and less stressful.  

This routine acts as a signal to your child that it’s time to start winding down for the night, helping them mentally and physically prepare for sleep.  

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• Keep The Routine Short & Simple

It’s important to keep the bedtime routine short and simple, especially for younger children. A routine that’s too long or complicated can become overwhelming and might lead to resistance at bedtime.  

Aim for a routine that lasts about 20-30 minutes, focusing on just a few key activities like brushing teeth, putting on pajamas, and reading a short story.  

The simplicity of the routine makes it easier to follow consistently and helps ensure that bedtime remains a calm and pleasant experience.  

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• Start The Routine at the Same Time Each Night

Starting the nightly bedtime routine at the same time each night reinforces your child’s internal clock and helps them naturally feel sleepy as bedtime approaches.  

For example, if your child’s bedtime is 8:00 PM, you might start the routine around 7:30 PM with a bath, followed by pajamas, brushing teeth, and story time.  

Consistency in timing helps your child’s body recognize when it’s time to wind down, making the transition to sleep smoother.  

This regularity also helps prevent bedtime battles, as your child becomes accustomed to the routine and the timing.

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Benefits Of Bedtime Routine For Children

A bedtime routine offers several benefits for children:

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• Better Sleep

A consistent bedtime routine helps set a regular sleep pattern, making it easier for children to fall asleep quickly and stay asleep through the night.  

When children know what to expect each evening, their bodies naturally start to wind down, which leads to deeper, more restorative sleep.  

This regularity is crucial for their physical and mental development.

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• Reduced Stress

Bedtime can sometimes be a stressful time for children, especially if they’re overexcited or anxious. A predictable routine, with calming activities like reading or a warm bath, helps soothe their minds and bodies.  

This predictability makes the transition to sleep smoother, reducing bedtime struggles and helping children feel secure and relaxed.

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• Improved Behavior

Well-rested children are typically happier and more cooperative during the day.  

A good night’s sleep, supported by a regular bedtime routine, can lead to better focus, improved mood, and fewer behavioral issues, such as tantrums or irritability.  

Proper sleep is also linked to better cognitive functions, like learning and memory.

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• Stronger Parent-Child Bond

The time spent together during a bedtime routine—whether it’s sharing a story, talking about the day, or simply cuddling—provides valuable one-on-one interaction.  

These moments strengthen the emotional connection between parents and children, fostering trust and communication. It’s a special time where children can feel loved and supported.

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• Promotes Independence

As children grow, a bedtime routine teaches them how to take care of themselves.  

They learn the importance of good habits, like brushing their teeth and getting enough rest, which they can carry into adulthood.  

Over time, children begin to take charge of their own bedtime routine, building confidence and a sense of responsibility.

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Bedtime Do's For Children

Here are a couple of bedtime do’s every parent needs to know:  

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• Stick To A Bedtime Routine

Following the same steps every night helps your child know it’s time to wind down and get ready for sleep. A routine could include things like taking a bath, brushing teeth, reading a story, and then going to bed. This consistency makes it easier for your child to fall asleep and stay asleep.

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• Keep The Environment Calm & Quiet

A peaceful setting helps your child relax and prepares their mind and body for sleep. Dim the lights, reduce noise, and create a soothing atmosphere to signal that it’s time for rest.

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• Include A Comforting Ritual, Like Storytime

Reading a book, singing a lullaby, or talking about the day’s events can be calming and comforting. These rituals not only help your child relax but also provide special bonding time.

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• Ensure The Room Is Dark & Cool

A dark room helps your child’s body produce melatonin; a hormone that makes them sleepy. Keeping the room slightly cool, around 65°F (18°C), is ideal for a comfortable and restful sleep.

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• Encourage Relaxation, Like Deep Breathing

Simple relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or gentle stretching, can help your child unwind and prepare for sleep. These practices can become a part of their bedtime routine, making it easier for them to fall asleep.

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• Maintain A Consistent Sleep Schedule

Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends, helps regulate your child’s internal clock. This consistency ensures they get enough sleep and wake up feeling refreshed.

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Bedtime Don'ts for Children

Here are a couple of don’ts when it comes to bedtime routine for children:  

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• Avoid Screens Before Bed

Watching TV, playing video games, or using tablets or phones before bed can make it harder for your child to fall asleep. The blue light from screens can interfere with melatonin production, making your child feel more awake.

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• Skip Sugary Snacks or Drinks Before Sleep

Sugary foods and drinks can give your child a burst of energy, making it harder for them to settle down at bedtime. It’s best to avoid sweets and caffeine (found in soda, tea, and chocolate) in the evening.

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• No Rough Play Before Bedtime

Activities like running, jumping, or wrestling can leave your child too energized to fall asleep. Encourage quiet, calming activities instead to help them wind down.

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• Don’t Use the TV As a Sleep Aid

Falling asleep with the TV on can disrupt your child’s sleep. The noise and light from the TV can prevent them from falling into a deep sleep, leading to restless nights.

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• Avoid Irregular Bedtime Hours

Letting your child stay up late or sleep in on weekends can throw off their sleep schedule, making it harder for them to fall asleep on time during the week. Stick to a regular bedtime to keep their sleep pattern consistent.

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• Don’t Introduce New Activities Late at Night

Trying out new games, toys, or activities right before bed can make your child too excited to sleep. Save new or stimulating activities for earlier in the day, so bedtime stays calm and relaxing.

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Final Remarks

Getting your child ready for bed can often be one of the more challenging tasks for parents and establishing a consistent bedtime routine might seem almost impossible – something many parents might even dread. However, it doesn’t necessarily have to be that way, as the advice in this article may suggest.

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This article emphasizes the importance of a bedtime routine for children, highlighting advantages such as better sleep, improved behavior, and a stronger parent-child bond — a benefit that is especially important in today’s fast-paced world where we often struggle to fit everything into our schedules, including spending quality time with our loved ones. And so, establishing a consistent bedtime routine not only fosters connection with your child but also encourages independence, Additionally, by following the key dos and don’ts for curating your child’s evening schedule, you can optimize your chances of creating a successful nighttime routine. A good bedtime routine is like a magic spell that helps your child fall asleep easily and wake up ready to take on the day. By following a few simple steps, bedtime can become a calm and enjoyable experience that leaves your child feeling rested and happy.

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