What is a good bedtime routine for toddlers?
A bedtime routine doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s simply a series of events that cue your toddler’s brain that sleep is coming and help prepare their body for sleep. Since toddlers and preschoolers do best when they know what to expect, you’ll want to include the same steps in the same order each night. This helps your toddler understand your expectations around bedtime.
So what should your toddler’s bedtime routine look like? Research suggests there are a few basic steps in a bedtime routine that promote better outcomes for sleep and your child’s overall well-being, such as:
- Brushing teeth
- Reading or singing together
- Snuggling or cuddling
