When everyone’s tired and it’s time for bed, you need a plan! Our parent-tested tips will help you nail your kids’ bedtime routine. Discover simple strategies and comfy children’s clothing to make nighttime easier for you and your family.
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1. Keep Bedtime Cozy
Set a peaceful mood early into your routine so everyone starts to get sleepy. Dim the lights and bring out the comfy children’s clothing. One of our favorite outfits is this knotted baby gown with fold-over mittens. Cozy baby clothes like these are made with buttery soft bamboo viscose. They also feature a tie bottom or snaps for easy diaper changes.
Try zip-up pajamas for toddlers and two-piece PJ sets for little kids. Fun prints in soothing colors will look great and encourage relaxation. After bath time, prepare their bed or crib with the perfect crib sheets. Soft bamboo crib sheets are a great match for buttery viscose baby clothing.
It’s the perfect moment to snuggle on your rocker or recliner for a bedtime story. Plush blankets keep everyone warm and serene. With the help of these additions, your kids will be ready for a peaceful slumber.
2. Stick to a Nightly Schedule
For kids, the same bedtime gives them something to count on. The best part of a routine for parents? Everyone gets to bed on time.
Creating a schedule is simpler than you think. First, decide what time your children need to go to bed. Then, schedule enough time for every step. Include nightly essentials like brushing their teeth and getting dressed for bed. Then, allow time for bonding activities like snuggles and bedtime stories.
Your routine shouldn’t feel rushed, but you should be able to complete each step before it gets too late in the evening. If your routine isn’t working, feel free to adjust it as you see fit. Not every family gets it right after the first try. The schedule is yours, so make it work for you and your kids.
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3. Make Routines More Fun
It’s no fun to end the day. Parents can soothe bedtime anxiety or nighttime frustration with a fun and positive attitude. Make the moment more lighthearted when you sing songs together. Recite your favorite tunes or the ABCs.
Tell jokes or distract with toys and props. You can even make a game out of your routine. Imagine you are astronauts getting ready for bed in space or princes and princesses ending a long day at the castle. After all, even heroes need to rest.
Read funny stories and use joyful, colorful blankets for relaxing before bed. Baby and toddler pajamas can feature cute prints or fun characters. Let little ones snuggle with their favorite stuffed animals. Some kids may like to tell stories or chat before they fall asleep.
4. Adjust Nursery Lights and Sounds
Every child is different when it comes to their sleep environment. As a parent, knowing your little one’s preferences can make them feel safer and more secure in their room. If they’re sensitive to ambient noise inside the home, try a sound machine.
A nightlight or a set of LED fairy lights can give your child a little extra visibility. Cute rainbow lights offer toddlers and little kids a cheerful ambiance just before they fall asleep. While some children thrive on a bit of light or noise, others need a quiet and dark spot to sleep. In this case, you can transform the nursery into a serene space.
Light-blocking curtains and a white noise machine will help the busy world disappear. Another way to help queue bedtime is by starting their sound machine or dimming the lights in the nursery. The soothing sights and sounds will help their brain remember it is bedtime.
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5. Pay Attention to Nap Time
As your little one grows older, their nap routine will change. This usually causes adjustments to the daily and nightly schedule. For example, dropping a nap could mean your kiddo needs to go to bed a little earlier. Toddlers who won’t go to bed at night may need to shorten daytime sleep.
Adjustments to rest don’t need to create stress! Instead of making drastic changes at a moment’s notice, consider changing the routine by a few minutes. Minor and steady fixes will keep you and your kids from feeling off-kilter.
All kids and families are on a unique journey, so don’t hesitate to talk to your pediatrician if you have any questions. They can walk you through your child’s sleep requirements and help you decide on bedtime and rest.
Conquer Bedtime with These Parent-Tested Tips
Your kids’ bedtime routine doesn’t have to feel like chaos or add stress to your day. Whether you have one kiddo or multiple children, there are plenty of ways to get little ones ready for peaceful sleep.
Take an inventory of your current schedule and then make changes or adjustments as necessary. When it’s time for bed, use tools to encourage sleep! Break out the cozy kids’ bedding and comfy children’s clothing. The more relaxed your child is before bed, the easier it will be to get them to rest.
Above all, do what works for you and your family. Every household is different, so resist the urge to make comparisons. Knowing your kids’ needs will help you create the perfect family routine.
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