How To Make Bedtime Easier For Toddlers

Wondering how to make bedtime easier for toddlers? If you’re searching for a toddler bedtime routine, you’ll find plenty of advice about consistency and routine charts: turn off screens, keep everything predictable and in the same order, use visual cues for each step of bedtime, dim the lights. Those can help, but they don’t help much when your toddler is mid-meltdown while the bath is running and you need something that works right now. At this point, thrusting a picture of a rubber duck in their face is not going to have the desired effect.

While I believe establishing a good bedtime routine is important, I also firmly believe that if it’s fun, it’s so much easier to get the tasks done. That’s where games come in. This post walks through a simple getting-ready-for-bed routine, with playful options for each step you can pull out in the moment.

How to make bedtime easier for toddlers: a simple routine (ages 2 to 5)

• Bath. The minute bathtime is mentioned, I always get a “NOOOOO!” from both my son and daughter. Every time I get this reaction, I’m thinking, but you love the bath, yesterday you were pleading to stay in for longer! But it doesn’t matter that yesterday my daughter was enjoying a relaxing “spa”, or that my son was collecting all the bubbles that came off his over-shampooed hair, it’s still another transition I am expecting them to do. If you have the same problem, I hope this post helps: Won’t Get In, Won’t Get Out: 6 Bath Time Games for Toddlers

• Pyjamas. So bath is done and we are officially into the bedtime routine. Although not everyone has the same routine, I’m pretty sure the next step for most people is pyjamas. A step I think often gets overlooked. But ever had a toddler who has just bolted from the bathroom as soon as they’re out of the tub? Now you have a possibly wet, naked tot on your hands. Suddenly the relaxing soak is replaced by adrenaline, particularly as you make it even more fun by chasing after them shouting “Come back!” If this sounds familiar, this one’s for you: 5 Playful Ways to Get a Toddler into Pyjamas

• Teeth. Head turning sideways? Mouth clamped shut? Hand pushing the toothbrush away? Yes, we’ve all been there. Unfortunately, tooth brushing is one of the only routines which is non-negotiable. It’s our job to protect those little teeth so it’s imperative we find a way in! I’ve got you covered. Check out How to Make Tooth Brushing Fun for Toddlers: 7 Playful Ideas That Actually Help

• Story and bed. The grand finale. Your quiet time is finally in sight… or is it? Actually getting a toddler into bed can be littered with excuses. Even if you can see the yawns and eye rubs, if they are not in agreement with this part of the routine, it’s a tough one to carry out without losing your sanity in the process. So if you have a toddler who simply will not respect the moon cue card, try this: 7 Playful Bedtime Games to Help With the Wind-Down

Why games instead of charts or bribes?

Charts and rewards rely on preparing in advance and on your toddler caring about the payoff. In the moment, a toddler who’s tired or overstimulated often doesn’t. A short, playful game gives them a way to cooperate without it feeling like a demand. It won’t work every time (nothing does with toddlers), but it gives you another tool.

Bedtime will rarely be perfect, but a bit of play can take the edge off. Here’s how to make bedtime easier for toddlers: pick the one step that trips you up most, try a single game tonight, and see how it goes.