The Importance of a Bedtime Routine For Your Toddler

Getting quality sleep, night after night, is important for your little ones. However, research has found that as much as 30% of babies and toddlers have trouble getting the sleep they need. Healthy sleep habits set the foundation for the next day, and a well-rested toddler usually means less meltdowns.

When your child follows a bedtime routine, they’re more likely to fall asleep quicker and wake up less throughout the night. Adopting a good routine goes beyond helping them to wake up feeling happy and refreshed. Here are some other benefits of a bedtime routine for small children.


1. Adds predictability to their day
Toddlers respond well to predictability, as it helps them feel safe and secure. When they’re constantly learning new things and taking in new experiences, it can feel overwhelming. A good bedtime routine gives your child’s mind time to rest, as it doesn’t need to be prepared to make sense of new activities. Following the same processes before lights out - such as rocking or nursery rhymes - lets your child wind down and get ready for sleep.


2. Nurtures your relationship
Just before bed is an opportunity for some great one-on-one time with your toddler, without any of the usual distractions the day brings. It should be relaxing and enjoyable for both of you, and creating this space that your toddler looks forward to often means less resistance to bedtime.


3. Sets your child’s internal body clock
Our circadian rhythm is our biological clock that lets us know when it’s time to sleep and wake up. The preparatory time before your child goes to sleep will signal to their mind and body that it’s time for bed, which in turn produces melatonin, the body’s natural sleep hormone. This helps them to nod off more calmly and easily.


4. Establishes healthy sleep habits
Without a good bedtime routine, it can be difficult to set consistent sleep habits, which are important for your child’s mindset and overall health. Although your child’s bedtime will get later as they grow older, establishing good sleep habits from an early age is something they will take with them, so they’re able to fall asleep at a regular time each evening.


5. Helps your toddler (and you) to relax
Your toddler is going through a major developmental stage, which can often be stressful and confusing. Providing them with stability throughout the day - including just before bed - can make them more resilient to things they’re unsure about. They’ll fall asleep more easily, which also means a more restful evening for yourself. Taking this essential time just for you usually means a better sleep, so you’ll wake up feeling more energised and ready for another busy day with your child.

Kids’ Kampus' daycare centre is located in Mt. Eden, and we provide a quality environment for the little person in your life to flourish. To find out more about enrollment, get in touch on (09) 630 1454 or kidskampus@xtra.co.nz.