If you’re child is having a hard time either going to bed or staying asleep at night, it may be because they need a good bedtime routine. You’ve probably heard this a million times from friends and family (and strangers, too) who love to give advice about what you should be doing with your child. Well, sadly, this time they are actually right! A calming bedtime routine that follows the same pattern every night lets your child know that it’s time for sleep and will help them not only go to sleep easier, but stay asleep, as well. Doing the same routine every night is also calming to your child since it’s comforting to do something they know and recognize. It also gives you some extra time to bond with your little one. If you’re tired of all the crying, protesting, begging, and whining that surrounds bedtime, try some of these tried and true bedtime routine ideas and see if it’ll help your little one sleep better.
1. Reading Time
Reading books before bed is a great way for a child to relax and wind down as they prepare for sleep. It allows them to cuddle up on mommy’s or daddy’s lap and to get lost in the words and pictures of the story. You can read one book, two books, or even five books. It depends on how many you feel will allow your child to unwind. It may vary from night to night depending on how tired they may already be as well as how old your child is. An older child may need more reading to release all the energy they get through out the day. However, a younger baby might only need one book to relax. Every time you sit down in the rocking chair to read a book with your child will trigger in their mind that it’s time for sleep.