I happen to have an almost 2 year old and when I hear that some mommas are having a difficult time nailing down a solid bedtime routine, well, I must speak up! Bedtime routines are really quite simple and when done correctly, can make bedtime actually pleasant for you and your little one. I read a book when pregnant with my first child called “Baby Wise.” This book gave me the tools I needed to make the transition into mommyhood the easiest and smoothest. It is chock full of tips and tricks along with different age-appropriate behaviors that you will experience along the way.
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5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM “BABY WISE”
- Repetition | Toddlers need repetition and consistency. Repetition makes the routine predictable and allows them to feel comfort in a sometimes scary situation.
- Boundaries | Your 2-year-old will push the envelope, test the waters, and find out where the family boundaries lie. This is good all around, but does require consistency on your part. Let her or him know how many times you will be entering and leaving their room and stick with it, let them know acceptable and unacceptable behaviors, etc. Be upfront with your households expectations.
- Emotional help | There are big emotions going on at this age. You’ll need to both hear them out, make them feel understood, and teach them how they are allowed to express their emotions and how they are not. For instance, screaming to get mommy and daddy back into the room so you can get a drink of water is not the best option…but calling out when there is an emergency or you’re scared is ok.
- Sleep | 2-year-olds still need a nap. They’ll try to pretend they don’t and will even go a few weeks at a time where they lay in the crib talking to themselves instead of sleeping. Persevere, don’t give up, and they’ll nap again soon. I feel that every time my toddler is growing, her napping gets unpredictable. She may nap 3 hours one day and just an hour the next as her brain develops at a faster rate than we can comprehend.
- Routine | Never is a routine more helpful than when your child is growing so much developmentally. Again, you don’t have to be hampered by the clock, but find something that works and stick with it. Our personal routine is the same with all of our children. First, we read a book. Next, we pray together. Last, we sing a goodnight song, give hugs and kisses and turn the lights out. It’s simple, it’s practical, it’s quick and it works for us and our schedule.
Time Frame Schedule: 6:00 pm | Bath and bedtime routine
If we haven’t swam that day then it’s usually bath time, books, pajamas, and calm play before bed. That said, kids will be kids and calm can turn to chaos quickly.
My husband and I conquer and divide so each child can have a few minutes alone with each parent before bed. These wind down routines are key for babies, and I normally get baby duty. A mommy privilege!
7:00 pm | Bed
Sometimes this is a bit earlier or later, but around this time most kids are in bed. My 2-year-old may often stay up and talk to herself (or sing) in her crib if she’s had a late nap, but we’re okay with that. She doesn’t cry or fuss so it’s less stimulating and more relaxing (not to mention consistent) for her to be in bed at similar times.
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