If bedtime feels like the hardest part of your day, you’re not alone.
We’ve been there, sitting outside the bedroom whispering, “Please just go to sleep.” The good news? It does get easier once you find a rhythm that works for your child and for you.
Here are five things that have helped us make bedtime calmer and more consistent.
1.
Create a Simple, Predictable Routine
Toddlers love to know what’s coming next. When bedtime looks and feels the same each night, they settle faster. If bedtime shifts all over the place, kids get mixed signals. Try keeping it within the same half-hour window, usually between 6:30 and 8:00 pm.
Ace Tip: Don’t worry about making it perfect. Consistency matters more than timing to the minute.
2.
Make the Bedroom
Feel Peaceful
Your toddler’s bedroom should feel like a place for rest, not play. We keep ours cool and cosy, with a nightlight and soft music.
Ace Tip: If your child shares a room, set little rules together like “quiet voices after storytime.”
from the rest of the house
Start Winding
Down Early
Toddlers can’t go from jumping around to sleeping in five minutes. Their little bodies need time to slow down. Start the wind-down about 30 to 45 minutes before bedtime. Switch to calm activities like colouring, puzzles or reading. We dim the lights and turn off screens completely.
Ace Tip: We tell our toddler, “We’re helping our bodies get sleepy now,” so they understand what’s happening.
4.
Make Storytime Your Connection Time
Storytime is one of our favourite parts of the day. It’s when both of our children snuggle in and we reconnect after a long day. We read one short book and talk about something nice that happened. Then we say goodnight whist they are sleepy but still awake. It teaches them they can drift off on their own.
Ace Tip: Let your toddler choose between two books. It gives them a sense of control but keeps the routine moving.
Stay Calm and Consistent
(Even When It’s Hard)
Some nights just don’t go to plan. There will be tears, giggles, and “just one more drink” requests. Take a deep breath. The calmer you stay, the calmer they’ll be. If they keep calling you back, reassure them once and remind them it’s bedtime. If they get upset when you leave, try sitting nearby and moving a little further away each night until they’re comfortable.
Ace Tip: In the morning, celebrate the wins. “You stayed in bed all night, I’m so proud of you.” It really helps.
Our Final Thoughts
You don’t need a perfect bedtime routine. You just need one that feels calm, predictable, and loving. Some nights will go smoothly, others won’t, and that’s okay. What matters most is showing up and trying again tomorrow.
