What's your child's bedtime routine?

Question

I am a mum of a 4 year old son. My son is having some sleeping problem. It would be nice if any of you can share your tips of the ideal bedtime routine which you have applied to your kids'. Thanks!

Answer 1

My kids are now 6 and 5. We have had a routine pretty much since they were about 2. My kids start getting ready for bed around 7:00. They pick out and put on their own pjs. We sit together either at a table or in my bed and talk about one of their favorite things that happened that day whether it be at school or watching theri favorite show on tv. They both pick out 2 books and we read them together. My son reads to us and my I help my daughter by pointing at the words as I read them. After the books are read, one goes to brush their teeth while the other sits with me and we just talk about the day or things that will be coming up and then switch when the other is done. Then we pick out the clothes for the next day and make sure all their stuf is ready for school. We say good-night, give a hug and kiss and off to bed they go by usually 7:30 or 8 (later on wekends). Ater they are calm in their beds for about 5 minutes and go tuck them in for the night.

Answer 2

1. Put on a half hour movie about an hour before bedtime. (I like to use the Little Einstein movies!)

2. Use some of the JOHNSON'S® BEDTIME
CREAM WASH™. It helps get the child relaxed and ready for bed.

3. Before bed, read him a story. Make sure he is all snug in his bed and only have a lamp on. If you have a main light in his room on, it will just make him more alert instead of more sleepy.

4. If he is thirsty, give him some warm milk. It has Tryptophan, which just like in your Thanksgiving turkey, makes you tired. The warmth is comforting.

5. Put him down for a nap at about noon and don't let him sleep past three. Anytime after that will keep him awake late at night.

6. Have plenty of pillows and blankets in his bed. It will give him a sense of security.

7. Put a nightlight on. This will help reassure that he is safe in his bedroom.

8. Turn on some soothing music. Make sure it is very quiet. Try using some without people singing in it. The singing distracts him from sleeping. He will be more focused on figuring out what the words are then he is sleeping.

9. Tuck him into bed and give lots of hugs and kisses goodnight!

Answer 3

My bedtime (and nap time) routine with my 2 year old daughter works really well. When it is about 5 minutes before I want her to go to sleep, I ask her to go to her room and pick out a story or two. Then, I go to her room, we read the story (if I can see that she isn't so tired yet, we might read 2 or 3 stories). Then I pick her up and hold her laying down and she picks a song she wants me to sing (sometimes 2 or 3 songs). Then I lay her down in bed and she almost always goes to sleep immediately. I think the biggest factor for making bedtime work is routine- you have to do the same thing every time so that they know what is going to happen!

Answer 4

I have a 6yr old, 3 yr old and 7 month old and I haven't had a problem with them. I tell them it's bedtime around 8:30. They put their pijamas, brush teeth and pee. That way they know what's coming. Then I read them a story and turn the lights out. If they get out of bed and wonder off, I just go and say "good night" and they just go right back. After doing this for a while, your child should get used to the routine. Just make sure you are consistant everyday.

Answer 5

I don't have children (too young) but I am a babysitter. SOme of the best routines in my experience are (respectively):
1. Take child upstairs to get a bath. After he gets out put his pajamas on and carry him to his room. Lay him down in his bed w/ a sippy cup of water by his bedside (if he has bedwetting issues u may want to skip this) and read him a story that hes picked out, or just make one up. When you're done, kiss him goodnight and tell him it's time to go to sleep and turn the lights out (nightlight, if needed) As you walk out the door say "Goodnight sweetie, I love you. I'll see oy in the morning" and shut the door. If he is reluctant to stay in bed, only go up if he's been crying for at least 15 minutes, unmanageably. Otherwise he'll realize that that's how he can get your attention and not go to sleep

Answer 6

I have a 5 and 9 yr old.

5yr old goes to bed at 8
9yr old goes to bed at 9 (assuming he stays out of trouble at school)

The key is to not spring it on them. Tell them ahead of time, it's getting close to bedtime. Let them have time to adjust their thinking. Give them some warning. For instance say to your 4yr old, "when the little hand is on 8 and the big hand is on the 12 it will be your bedtime." We do baths before bedtime. Then when it is that time, we say ok _____ look at the clock, what does that mean. Now be a big boy and use the potty and get a drink of water and go get in the bed. I'll be right there to tuck you in and kiss you."

Works for me! I hope it helps you. Good Luck!

Answer 7

Keep it simple, short, and the same--the 3 S's. My 3 year old starts at 7pm. We get dressed in pj's and brush teeth. I read her two books, she gets in bed, we pray and sing and I kiss her goodnight and leave the room. When we were having trouble with her getting back out of bed we started giving her a spanking for getting up without a very good reason like going potty (and pee had to come out--no pretend potty trips). Nipped it in the bud real quick.

Answer 8

I have a 4 year old also, he wakes up at 8 in the morning and goes to sleep at 8 in the week 9 on weekends but he also was not going to sleep early but I tricked by telling him that if he wants to go to pre k he has to sleep early but then again he loves school i dont know about yours. but my son does not enter school until september

Answer 9

My son is 1yr.

We let him watch a Baby Einstein video and he drinks his last bottle for the night.

Read him two books and put him in his crib.

My huband and I try to do this together with our son.

We don't give him a bath before bed, would get him to wound up. He gets a bath after breakfast.

Answer 10

Up to bed for a bath. Straight into pyjamas. Story in bed - what evr you do, do not let him go downstairs again! Keep doing it, don't differ each night. Stick to it - half an hour for whole routine, then..... Shut off! If he gets up again, be calm and guide him back to bed. You may have to repeat many many many times (even through the night!!) I cried a alot, believe me, but it only lasted three painful nights... then BINGO!!!) it will be worth it!!
BEST OF LUCK to you!! :) :) :)