The NON-Negotiable For a Sleeping Toddler

As a first time Mom I was completely out of my element. How were all these moms doing it and looking GOOD in the process?? My child hadn't slept longer than 4 hours since he was born. I was working full time, attempting to make healthy meals for our little family, and trying not to collapse from complete exhaustion in the process. 


I learned a few tips on my journey which is what I am sharing with you today. The first tip I have for you is a NON-NEGOTIABLE: a bedtime routine. Read on to decide what kind of routine would be best for you and your family.


Bedtime
 Routine

bedtime routine changed our son’s sleeping pattern and attitude almost instantly. Within a week he was sleeping through the night, and woke up much happier! When thinking about what to add to your child’s routine, make sure it all fits within a 20-30 minute time frame. Longer than 30 minutes may actually elicit wakefulness


Here is an idea of what our nightly routine looked like when he was 12-15 months old: 

Play until 7:00. 

Clean up and put away toys (sometimes this takes 10-15 minutes, so our bedtime routine begins once this step is complete). 

~Take a bath/shower/sponge bath (depending on what kind of day we had) of no more than 10 minutes. 

~After bath, I rub our sleepy time massage lotion/oil onto their feet and legs

~Put on pajamas

~Brush teeth

~Read TWO books

~Sing TWO songs

~Say a prayer

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Both of my kids understand this routine well enough that they now lie down in their beds with a few love-pats and put themselves to sleep. We started this routine just after a year with my son, and a similar routine around 4-5 months with my second.


Here is an extensive list of options to add to your routine. Choose 3-5 depending on the age and temperament of your child(ren):

  • Bath / Shower / Sponge Bath
  • Sing
  • Toilet / Diaper / Pull-up
  • Brush teeth
  • Wash hands and face
  • Brush hair
  • Read books
  • Nurse / bottle
  • Drink of water (Nothing with sugar!) 
  • Baby / Toddler Massage
  • Draw or color for 5 minutes 
  • Clean up toys

    This is just part of the puzzle to getting Toddlers to sleep! If you'd like to learn more tips like this join our FREE FB Group!

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