Hey mama,
If bedtime at your house feels like a nightly marathon filled with tears, giggles, and the classic “I need water!” stalling tactics, trust me—you’re not alone. We’ve all been there. 🙋♀️ Bedtime can feel like the final boss of parenting some nights, but with the right routine and strategies, it can actually become a sweet and (mostly) peaceful time of connection with your little one.
Below are five tried-and-true bedtime tips that can help you get your toddler tucked in without all the drama. Grab your coffee (or wine, no judgment here 🍷), and let’s dive in!
1. Create a Predictable, Calming Routine 🌙
Toddlers thrive on routine because it makes them feel safe and in control. If bedtime is unpredictable, they’ll resist it even more. Establish a consistent bedtime schedule—ideally with 2-3 steps that happen in the same order every night.
Example routine:
- Bath or warm washcloth wipe-down
- Cozy PJs and brushing teeth
- One or two books (bonus: choose a “bedtime book” that becomes tradition)
- A cuddle, lullaby, or calming chat about the day
Mom tip: Use a consistent “sleep signal,” like singing the same lullaby or using a sound machine with white noise. Over time, these cues tell your toddler it’s time to rest.
2. Turn Off Screens Early 📵
Screens are magical for distracting a busy toddler during the day, but they’re not your friend at bedtime. The blue light from TVs, tablets, and phones can mess with melatonin (the sleep hormone), making it harder for your child to settle.
Try this: Shut off screens at least 60 minutes before bedtime. Replace screen time with low-energy activities like coloring, puzzles, or (our go-to) reading books together.
3. Give Choices (But Keep It Simple!) 🎭
Toddlers are in that “I do it myself!” stage, and power struggles can be exhausting. One way to avoid meltdowns? Give them small, structured choices.
Example:
- “Do you want the blue pajamas or the yellow ones?”
- “Which stuffed animal do you want to sleep with tonight?”
This gives them a sense of control without opening the floodgates to 10 different bedtime demands.
Mom tip: Don’t ask open-ended questions like “Do you want to go to bed now?” We both know the answer will be “NO!” 😂
4. Keep Bedtime Positive 🤍
It’s so easy to get frustrated when your toddler resists bedtime (especially after a long day), but try to avoid turning bedtime into a punishment. Threats like “If you don’t get in bed, no TV tomorrow!” can actually increase anxiety and delay sleep.
Instead, keep it positive. Praise good behavior:
- “You got in bed so quickly tonight!”
- “I’m so proud of how you brushed your teeth all by yourself.”
Mom tip: A simple sticker chart can work wonders. Each night they stay in bed, they earn a sticker, and after a few days, they can trade it in for a small reward.
5. Be Consistent (Even When It’s Hard) 🛏️
This one is tough, mama, but it’s the game-changer. If your toddler gets out of bed, calmly and quietly guide them back—every single time. No long explanations, no anger, just a gentle but firm “It’s bedtime.”
Yes, it might take multiple attempts the first few nights. Yes, it’s exhausting. But consistency teaches your toddler that bedtime is non-negotiable. Over time, the battles will lessen.
Extra Bedtime Helpers You Can Try
- White noise or soft music: Helps block out household noise and soothes toddlers to sleep.
- Night light: If your toddler is afraid of the dark, a dim night light can help them feel secure.
- Bedtime snack: If they often say they’re hungry, a small snack like banana slices or a cup of warm milk 30 minutes before bed can help.
Final Thoughts, Mama
Bedtime with toddlers will never be perfect, but these tips can make it so much smoother. 💕 Think of bedtime as a time to connect, not just to check off another parenting “to-do.” Even if it doesn’t go exactly as planned (and let’s be honest, it won’t every night), your calm, consistent approach will pay off over time.
Which of these tips are you going to try tonight? Have a bedtime win (or a funny fail) to share? Drop it in the comments—we’re all in this together, and sometimes a good laugh is just what another tired mama needs. 😅
Created with love by ParentVillage.blog
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