This post is all about toddler bedtime routine chart.
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Toddler Bedtime Routine Chart – Mastering The Toddler Bedtime Routine
The bedtime battle has proven itself to be one of the biggest daily parenting challenges! The stalling, the meltdowns, and the constant getting out of bed for one reason or another. Not only do we need those peaceful after-bedtime evenings to unwind at the end of the day, but it’s also so important for our toddlers to get a good nights sleep. A toddler bedtime routine chart can be an amazing tool to help conquer the toddler bedtime routine challenge.
In this post you’ll be able to get our Toddler Bedtime Routine Chart (Instant Download – Printable Product), and we’ll also go over some game-changing tips and tricks for getting your toddler on a solid bedtime routine!
What Time Should Toddlers Go To Bed?
The time that toddlers go to bed is going to vary between families based on your personal schedules. You’ll consider what time your toddler wakes up in the morning, how much they nap throughout the day, how long it takes them to fall asleep, etc.
Most toddlers have a bedtime between 6:30pm-8pm.
According to sleepfoundation.org, toddlers (age 1-2) should be getting 11-14 hours of sleep per 24 hours. Preschoolers (age 3-5) should be getting between 10-13 hours of sleep every 24 hours. So this includes the daytime nap(s).
So take that into consideration when setting your toddler’s bedtime. For us, 6:30pm felt too early to put our toddler to bed, because at that point we had only been home from work for about 30 minutes. So we needed time to have dinner, and spend quality time as a family. So we aimed for an 8pm bedtime. This worked for us because our toddler was able to sleep in until 8:30am each morning, which gave her plenty of sleep.
Why Do Toddlers Need A Bedtime Routine?
A toddler bedtime routine is important for several reasons. For one, children thrive on routine. Positive and consistent routines give children a sense of comfort and security. (Toddler Chore Charts are also a great way to implement positive and consistent routines for toddlers!)
Implementing a positive bedtime routine from a young age also helps to instill good sleep habits long term. This is really important to keep in mind because positive sleep habits are imperative to physical, mental and emotional health, for both children and adults.
Having a consistent bedtime routine for your toddler also helps them to decompress after being stimulated with the exciting world all day. This helps them to fall asleep quicker, and get quality sleep.
What is a good bedtime routine for toddlers?
When creating your toddler’s bedtime routine keep these things in mind: (1) Keep it simple (2) Be consistent (3) Make it a positive experience.
Keep It Simple:
Don’t over complicate things. Try to limit the bedtime routine to about 5-8 things, depending how long each will take. With our Toddler Bedtime Routine Chart, there’s plenty of options to chose from. Select the activities that make sense for your toddler. Having too many things crammed into the bedtime routine can result in it feeling overwhelming and rushed. We’re going for a relaxing and low-stress process to end the day. You can always do other activities ahead of time, before the actual bedtime routine starts.
Be Consistent:
Consistency is key when it comes to getting your toddler on a bedtime routine. Our Toddler Bedtime Routine Chart can help keep the process consistent and on track each night. If you’re not consistent with the bedtime routine, then it will likely never stick.
Do your best to stick to the bedtime routine on the weekends as well. However, don’t be too hard on yourself and give yourself grace when things go off-schedule from time to time. Life happens. Maybe there is a big family event one night, or friends are visiting and stay late, etc. It’s not the end of the world if the routine has to adjust every now and then. As long as you’re being consistent overall, you’ll be fine. As with all things in life, you have to be flexible sometimes, and that’s okay.
make It A positive Experience:
As previously mentioned, your toddler bedtime routine should be a relaxing and low-stress process. A good bedtime routine doesn’t include you chasing your toddler around yelling at them to hurry up and get their pajamas on and brush their teeth. Work with your toddler to figure out what should be included in your bedtime routine, where it can be a positive and relaxing experience.
For example, if for whatever reason your toddler ALWAYS has meltdowns about putting on their pajamas, try doing that a little earlier in the evening, before the bedtime routine starts. Then have the bedtime routine focus more on things like reading books, singing songs, snuggling, turning on their night light, having a snack, etc.
Create A Relaxing Environment
To further enhance the calming atmosphere of your toddler’s bedtime routine, creating a relaxing environment can also play a crucial role. Consider dimming the lights, playing soft music, or using a white noise machine to help drown out any distracting sounds. Keep your child’s bedroom free from clutter and distractions, opting for cozy bedding and a comfortable mattress to promote restful sleep. By setting the stage for a peaceful and soothing sleep environment, you can help your toddler ease into bedtime with tranquility and comfort.
Set Clear Expectations
In addition to creating a calming environment, it’s important to set clear expectations for your toddler at bedtime. Establishing a consistent routine and communicating what is expected of them can help your child feel secure and understand what is to come. By setting boundaries and outlining the steps of the bedtime routine, you can provide a sense of structure and predictability that can reassure your toddler and make the transition to sleep smoother. This clear framework can help your child understand what is expected of them at bedtime, setting the stage for a peaceful night’s rest.
Offering comfort and reassurance to your toddler is just as important as setting clear expectations. By providing a sense of security and love, you can help your child feel safe and supported as they drift off to sleep.
Offer Comfort and Reassurance
Offering comfort and reassurance to your toddler is crucial for achieving peaceful nights. By providing a sense of security and love, you can help your child feel safe and supported as they drift off to sleep. Remember, patience and persistence are key when establishing bedtime routines with your toddler.,
Practice Patience and Persistence
Remember, patience and persistence are key when establishing bedtime routines with your toddler. It may take time for your child to adjust to new habits and feel comfortable with the nighttime routine. Stay consistent and gentle in your approach, offering comfort and reassurance whenever needed. By showing patience and persistence, you are not only creating a peaceful environment for your toddler but also laying the foundation for healthy sleep habits that will benefit them for years to come. Your efforts will pay off as you and your child enjoy peaceful nights and restful sleep together.
By implementing these strategies, you can transform bedtime from a stressful ordeal into a calm and enjoyable experience for you and your toddler. Say goodbye to sleepless nights and hello to bedtime bliss!
GRAB OUR TODDLER BEDTIME ROUTINE PRINTABLE (iNSTANT DOWNLOAD)
Now that you’re equipped with tips and a great toddler bedtime routine chart, you’re on your way to peaceful bedtimes with your little one!
tODDLER BEDTIME ROUTINE – BEST SELLING BEDTIME BOOKS FOR TODDLERS
- Paul, Ann Whitford (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Verdick, Elizabeth (Author)
- Margaret Wise Brown, Goodnight Moon, board book
- Margaret Wise Brown (Author)
- ❤️ PERSONALIZED BEDTIME STORY – Includes the main child’s name, gender, ethnicity and hair color throughout the book
- ❤️ PRESERVE NEW BABY MEMORIES FOR A LIFETIME – Paperback book includes 24 pages, 8.5″ x 11″ fully customized pages cover to cover on high quality paper MADE IN THE USA
- 20-in-1 Montessori Farm Busy Board: Dive into Montessori-inspired learning with our Farm Busy Board. With 20 activities spread over 10 pages, featuring a variety of mechanisms to…
- Develop Practical Life Skills: Designed with real-life tasks like lacing, Velcro, and buttons, it enhances fine motor skills, helps inculcate good living habits, significantly…
- Author Sherri Duskey Rinker’s sweet rhyming text soothes little ones into a peaceful rest|With rounded corners this durable board book is full of irresistible artwork by…
- Rinker, Sherri Duskey (Author)
- A Relaxing Bedtime Story : Help your baby boy or girl settle down for bed by reading them these baby books for nursery. Classical music may help calm babies and promote a feeling…
- Supports Child Development: Our musical books for toddlers 1-3 are educational toys suitable for all. They have an easy-to-push ergonomic sound button on each page that children…
- EDUCATIONAL SUPER SOFT ACTIVITY BOOK (GOOD NIGHT CLOTH BOOK):This adorable padded cloth book for baby comes with a miniature soft baby bear teddy, Illustrations in the baby book…
- FUN TO READ ALOUD &MAKE A STORY for your beloved: Baby It’s bedtime! Put away your toys, baby bear is ready for his bath, what a funny bath! (put the baby bear Teddy into the…
- 5 beloved beginner books by Dr. Seuss will be cherished by young & old alike.
- Ideal for reading aloud or reading alone.
- Audible Audiobook
- Disney Press (Author) – Greg Tremblay (Narrator)
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