What a Good Bedtime Routine Looks Like (and Why It’s Kind of Magic)

Let’s talk bedtime routines. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Just consistent.

A good bedtime routine isn’t just a nice to have. It’s a sleep cue, a bonding ritual, a wind-down window… and yes, it might just save your sanity.

So… What Is A Good Bedtime Routine?

It’s about 30–40 minutes of calm, consistent steps that let your little one know bedtime is coming. Babies and toddlers love predictability (even if they protest it). Routines give their brains the memo that the day is winding down.

And the good news? It doesn’t need to be elaborate or super long. 

Here’s What It Might Look Like:

1. Bath – Warm water, soft lighting, maybe a few bubbles. It’s a sensory cue that says sleep time is coming. 

2. PJ’s – Get them dry, comfy, and cosy. Sleeping bags are great, they’re like a wearable bedtime signal. 

Let your toddler choose their pj’s, give them a choice out of a couple of pairs, this makes them feel that they have some control over bedtime and less bedtime battles for you. 

3. Milk Feed – Whether it’s breast, bottle, or cup, this is a soothing step that also fills their tummies.

4. Book Time – A couple of simple stories. Just cuddle up and read together. This is great to share or alternate so each parent can be involved in the bedtime routine, it also can help to stop little ones becoming too dependent on one parent solely doing bedtime.

Why It Works:

• No surprises = less resistance - Predictability calms the nervous system. It’s like sleep’s secret handshake.

• Reading builds connection - It’s good for their language and development and your bond. Plus, it slows everything down.

• Giving toddlers choice = fewer battles - Let them pick their PJs or the book. 

• Both parents should do bedtime - Sharing bedtime helps avoid “only-mum-will-do” habits (which are flattering… until they’re not). It also gives the primary parent a breather. Tag team it.

A Few Don’ts That Matter:

• Avoid screens at least an hour before bed - Blue light from tablets, TVs, and phones messes with melatonin (aka the sleepy hormone). Stick to calm play, books, or snuggles.

• Don’t drag it out - Keep it simple, repeatable and set your boundaries. 

Bonus Tips:

• Set bedtime to allow 12 hours of night sleep - Even if they don’t always take it, giving them the chance to sleep that long helps. (Example, 7 am- 7pm bedtime goal.)

• Same time, every night - Yes, even weekends. Babies don’t care if it’s Saturday.

• Wind-down starts before the routine - Dimming lights, turning down the volume, doing some calming puzzles or drawing an hour before bedtime can make the actual routine smoother.

Final Thought:

Bedtime routines aren’t about perfection. They can help little ones start to associate their bedtime routine with sleep time. They’re about consistent routine, connection and giving your child (and you) a calm close to the day. Just something easy, repeatable, predictable, gentle and that says “it’s time to sleep”