Looking after a toddler can be hard work, especially when it comes to bedtime. Luckily there are lots of ways that you can improve your child’s bedtime routine. To get a few great ideas today, have a try of these four.

 

1 . Practice relaxing activities

 

The easiest way to improve your toddler’s nighttime routine is to practice relaxing activities before bed. The idea is to help your child to feel calm, and stop them from becoming over-excited. There are lots of ways that you can help your toddler to wind down. Firstly, shut off all the electronics, next try a few of the following calming activities:

 

• Taking a bath.
• Reading a soothing story.
• Listening to relaxing music or songs.
• Talking about their day.
• Playing with a puzzle together.

2. Create structure

 

To improve your child’s bedtime routine it’s important to create structure. Try to put them to bed at the same time each night, and practice similar activities before bed. Repetition will help your toddler to associate certain times of the day, and activities, with bedtime. Experts suggest that creating a structured regime can help your child to sleep better. Even small adjustments make all the difference when it comes to helping your child sleep. At first your child might resist the routine, be patient and keep on helping them to adjust.

 

3. Sleeping conditions

 

To improve your child’s sleep you must provide the right sleeping conditions. Make sure that their bedroom is the ideal temperature, and use blackout blinds to keep it dark. Invest in a good mattress and plenty of cozy blankets and bedding. For a range of supplies for toddlers and babies take a look at For Your Little One. Creating the perfect sleeping conditions will help your child to drift off in no time.

 

4. Night lights can help

 

Some little kids are scared of the dark, and for these children, night lights can be very useful. Studies have shown that red night lights can be helpful to boost melatonin production and help little kids to drift off. If your children are scared of the dark, try and talk to them about their fears. You might be able to ease their worries. There are several useful books for children who are scared of the dark, including:

 

The Berenstain Bears In The Dark by Stan & Jan Berenstain: Join the Berenstain bears and help them brave their fears of turning out the lights. This is the perfect book to ease your toddler's fears.

 

Bedtime For Yeti by Vin Voegl: Another charming book about a Yeti who is scared of the dark. Your kids can help the Yeti to face his fear, with the help of his favorite toy.

 

Using these four steps you’ll create a healthy nighttime routine for your toddler. With structure and relaxing activities it’s easier to support your kids at bedtime. Once you’ve perfected your little one's bedtime routine you’ll get a better night’s sleep yourself!