A bedtime routine should be made up of consistently repeated activities. This helps prepare children to get ready for sleep by relaxing and winding them down.

A bedtime routine for young children should consist of 3 or 4 activities. Such activities usually include having a light snack, brushing teeth, changing into pajamas, and reading a book. These activities should always be followed in the same order to form a bedtime habit. Parents can also dim the lights and turn off screens to make the routine more effective.

Here are some relaxing activities children enjoy before going to sleep:

• Eating a nutritious snack
• Taking a bath
• Brushing teeth and going to the bathroom
• Reading a book together
• Singing or being sung a lullaby
• Getting a massage
• Cuddling with parents
• Talking about their day

Parents should leave the room while their child is sleepy instead of waiting for them to be fully asleep. In this way, they learn to fall asleep independently, and they won’t be terrified or panicked if they wake up later without parents there.

Finally, for a good bedtime routine, make sure your child is sleeping the recommended number of hours for their age.