Decide on a bedtime for your child

• Most young children need a bedtime before 9:00 PM.

• Pick a bedtime that you think your child will be tired, but not too tired.

• If you think your child will resist bedtime, pick a later bedtime than you want at first (pick a time you know your child will be tired).  Then, every few days move your child's bedtime up by 15 minutes until you are at the bedtime you want.

• Try out the bedtime you pick and see if it works for you and your child.  Make adjustments if needed!

 

Pick a bedtime routine

• Good bedtime routines are not too short and not too long.

• You should begin a bedtime routine about 30 minutes before you want your child to begin falling asleep.

• Pick 3-6 elements for your routine, such as:

  • Giving your child a warm bath

  • Having your child use the bathroom

  • Brushing your child's teeth

  • Putting on your child's pajamas

  • Reading books

  • Singing songs

  • Tucking your child in and saying good night

• Decide on how many.  If you are reading books as part of your bedtime routine, decide on how many books you will read each night.  Pick a number and try to stick with it each night to make it predictable.

​