Bedtime Routine Importance For Children
Bedtime routines are so important for children in school, but they are just as important for infants and toddlers. From the time my son was a newborn we tried to establish some form of bedtime routine. Bedtime routines may vary based on the parents, children, and schedules however the importance of maintaining some kind of consistent “wind down” time before lights out remains just as important. Our routine has definitely evolved in the past 3 years, but there are certain elements that remain the same (bath, book, prayer).
Our nursing infant routine:
- Bath time every other night
- Baby massage (aka lotion)
- Read a book
- Bedtime feeding
- Prayer
- Bed
Our older baby routine:
- Playtime on our activity mat
- Bath time
- Baby massage
- Read a book
- Bedtime feeding
- Prayer
- Bed
Our toddler routine:
- Bath time
- Milk (with bedtime tv show)
- Potty (and brush teeth)
- Read a book
- Prayer
- Bed
Our infant bedtime routine really helped as a first time nursing mom. The schedule helped to relax him right before bed and give him that nice big feeding. We had some challenges at first with only nursing for a few minutes, then falling asleep for an hour or two and then waking back up. However, once we established our nightly routine, our nursing session became his BIG feeding.. leading to a longer stretch of sleep for mom and baby!
We’ve definitely added different elements to his routine since the time he was born. Staying consistent has not only helped his sleep schedule, but also makes bedtime less of a struggle. Once bath time comes, he knows what to expect next and when to jump into his bed. Most nights he runs to pick a book after we go potty. Depending how we are doing on time we sometimes have time to read two books.
Having a consistent routine also helps when babysitters come. Its easy to give bedtime instructions (since its what you do every single night) and even through YOU aren’t there to tuck your little one in, they are still going through the same motions. This has definitely been a huge advantage for us when we have our babysitter come to the house at night.
One thing we can always count on is his routine going out the window when he sleeps at his grandparents house.
