{"id":4157,"date":"2023-09-07T16:17:55","date_gmt":"2023-09-07T16:17:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thefamilygrapevine.co.uk\/mid-surrey\/?p=4157"},"modified":"2023-09-07T16:17:55","modified_gmt":"2023-09-07T16:17:55","slug":"5-expert-tips-a-guide-to-bedtime-routine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thefamilygrapevine.co.uk\/mid-surrey\/5-expert-tips-a-guide-to-bedtime-routine\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Expert Tips: A Guide to Bedtime Routine"},"content":{"rendered":"

If there’s something all parents can relate to, it’s sleep (or the lack of!). And it may come as a surprise to some people that 1 in 5 British children struggle to sleep at night.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

With that in mind Busy Bees<\/span><\/a><\/span> have put together this piece on bedtime routines\u00a0<\/strong>which we think you’ll find useful.<\/p>\n

Looking for ways to get little ones ready for bedtime? Read our tips and advice on how to create a successful bedtime routine.\u00a0 If there\u2019s something all parents can relate to, it\u2019s sleep (or the lack of!)<\/p>\n

Each parent has different tried and tested methods of getting their little ones to drift off at bedtime. Each child is different, and different things work for everyone – something which is important to remember when parenting on little sleep!<\/p>\n

So, if you\u2019re reading this in the midst of a sleep regression, we hope some of the tips and advice we give will help you and your family to enjoy a blissful bedtime<\/p>\n

Bedtime Routine Tips<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Begin with a bath<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Running a nice warm bubble bath acts as a good signal that it\u2019s time to start calming down, not only that, but the warm water should have a soothing effect on your little one.<\/p>\n

    If you\u2019re looking for ways to change the time you start getting ready for bedtime gradually, bath time is a great place to start \u2013 keep them in for slightly longer, or run it slightly earlier or later.<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Pyjamas and Teeth<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Fresh out of the bath, get them cosy in their sleepsuits or pyjamas, followed by brushing their teeth to help keep their pearly whites protected! This is also a great signal that it\u2019s time to wind down for bed.<\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Steer clear of screens<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Turn off any TVs and put phones or tablets away in good time ahead of starting your child\u2019s bedtime routine. The bright lights and noises can mean little minds are stimulated for longer, which can be a barrier to ensuring a smooth bedtime happens.<\/p>\n

          \n
        1. Read books<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Snuggle up on the sofa or in bed and read some soothing stories together. The sound of your voice reading may even send them off to sleep. Alternatively, your little one might prefer you to sing calming songs or lullabies to help them drift off \u2013 just ensure you\u2019re keeping things quiet and tranquil.<\/p>\n

            \n
          1. Keep timings consistent<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            A good night-time routine shouldn\u2019t be adding to your already heavy workload as parents. For this reason, try to build it into your day \u2013 keeping timings tight and only letting the whole process last a set amount of time. It might take some time for your little one to get used to the routine but try to stick with it \u2013 consistency is often key!<\/p>\n

            Example Bedtime Routine for Toddlers<\/p>\n