What Does a Great Bedtime Routine Look Like?

Could your bedtime routine be part of your child's sleep trouble? 

The ideal bedtime routine is 30 minutes, at the longest. Shorter than 30 minutes is totally fine. The bedtime routine should be fairly consistent, although a few differences in how each parent does bedtime is normal. 

Here are some elements you may choose to include in your bedtime routine:

• Cuddling

• A bottle or nursing

• Reading books

• Singing songs

• Getting dressed for bed

• Telling stories

• Brushing teeth

What about bath time? Baths are great before bedtime if: they don't push bedtime later; they are calming and don't get your child wound up.

If bath time is more of a play time activity for your child, moving it to the afternoon is a great idea. 

Other games and activities that get your child wound up and excited should be done at other times through the day, not just before bed. 

Before your bedtime routine begins, you'll want to dim the lights in the house or bedroom. TV and electronics should be turned off about an hour before bed. Both of these strategies will promote melatonin production in your child's body.