6 Bedtime Routines We Love

Bedtime can be a special time of the day for presence and connection with your little ones. Finding a bedtime routine that works for your family can be so helpful! Not only do kids thrive with routines and rituals, but having scheduled time for connection each day can help to foster a loving relationship for your and your child.

Here are 6 ideas you can incorporate into your bedtime routine:

Storytime:

The bedtime story is such a classic. Reading before bed is such a great way to connect and making it routine is great at ensuring that your kiddo is getting read at least one book a day, even if you haven't had time at all during the day! It can also be fun to make up stories to tell without books. If you are uncomfortable doing that, start with known stories, like The Three Little Pigs.

Physical Touch:

Some kiddos do well with big body physical touch at the end of their day to release energy. Others need some wind down time and maybe massage may be better for them. Incorporating physical touch into your bedtime routine can help ensure your child is getting lots of opportunities for healthy touch.

Care Routines:

A very pragmatic part of a bedtime routine, but when practiced daily can help to create routine which is very regulating. Plus, if you use this as a time to be present with your kiddo, brushing teeth, using the bathroom, changing diapers, bathtime, etc can all become some great “together” time.

Music:

Singing songs, listening to music, and dancing can be a really fun way to wind down after the day. Maybe you have a favorite lullaby to sing or your family loves rocking out to some oldies before bed. We have the same few songs we sing every night with our daughter and they’ve already become a source of warm feelings for our family.

Talk:

Fingerplays and nursery rhymes are a really fun thing to incorporate into a bedtime routine. They often lead to giggles and connection, and they are great for language development. It can also be fun to share gratitude or talk about your day. If you have kiddos who are talking, you can do lows/highs (least favorite and favorite thing from the day) or looking back/forward (something from today/something you are looking forward to tomorrow).

Connection:

Ending the day with connection is always a good idea, especially since sleep for so many kiddos signifies a great separation from you overnight. Connection helps you top off that love cup before bed. You can give cuddles, rock them to sleep, nurse, give back rubs, etc.