Introducing your little one to a bedtime routine has proven to improve their sleep patterns and helps them get to bed without a fuss.  When your child knows it’s time for sleep, they fall asleep faster and are less likely to wake up in the middle of the night or toss and turn. Everyone, including mom and dad, wake up the next morning feeling refreshed and ready to start the day.

But what does a good bedtime routine entail?

Robin Wilson-Clipson, Principal at Pace Academy in Harlingen, indicates key habits to introduce when planning a successful bedtime routine.

“Growing children need anywhere from 10-12 hours of sleep for proper brain and bone development,“ Robin explains. 

“Starting a bedtime routine involves making sure your child is in the place you want them to sleep at the same time every night. An ideal time would be 8pm,” says Robin. 

Have your little one tidy their room before bed to keep them from potential distraction coming from the toys on the floor. “Even at school, for nap time, we make sure to pick up toys from the floor or anything that will distract the kids from going to sleep,” Robin says.

Encourage healthy habits that can double as bedtime routines, such as having your child brush their teeth before bed. Be careful to avoid giving them food or warm milk after they brush their teeth since “it’s not good for their teeth,” Robin adds. Limiting water intake as well right before hitting the sheets may be helpful to avoid an incident of bed-wetting.

A routine may look something like this:

7:00p.m.-Bath time (choosing pajamas)

7:20 p.m. – brush teeth

7:25 p.m. – drink water

7:30 p.m.- read stories

7:50 p.m.- go potty

8:00 p.m.- lights out

No matter what you do before bed, the most important thing in establishing a great bedtime routine is to stay consistent.

Sweet dreams everyone! Zzzzz…