As kids get closer to school age — or even if they’re in preschool — it’s important to create bedtime routines that signal the end of their busy day. In fact, according to the US Department of Health & Human Services, “Sleep is important to how your child learns, grows, and even behaves. Children who get enough sleep regularly do better in school and have fewer behavior issues … a regular bedtime routine can help your child get enough sleep. It can also make bedtime easier for you!”
When you start putting together your bedtime routine, keep in mind that it doesn’t have to be boring. There are ways to add some fun and age-appropriate relaxation techniques to your usual rituals. Here are some of our favorite ideas for refreshing your kids’ bedtime routine.
1. Reframe 'bath time' as 'spa time.'
For a lot of kids, bath time is play time, which isn’t exactly conducive to getting sleepy. To encourage a relaxing mood, reframe bath time as “spa time.” Play soothing music, turn the lights down, and focus on soothing your little one’s mind and body after a long day.
2. Sing a bedtime song.
Singing together can be a great way to move from one activity to the next, bond and connect, and help regulate emotions. If you’re creative, come up with your very own bedtime song — it can become a fun family tradition to sing this unique song together. If you want to stick to the classics, try “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” or “Hush Little Baby.”
3. Upgrade story time with the Little Tikes® Story Dream Machine™.
Reading a story together is often the best part of bedtime — kids snuggle into bed, get comfy, and settle in for a story. Instead of just reading a traditional book, spruce up story time with the Little Tikes Story Dream Machine. This fun little device can make bedtime enchanting and help children drift off to sleep! Kids can watch, listen, and read along as stories project on the wall (2 to 6 feet away).
The machine comes with three Little Golden Book® stories ("The Poky Little Puppy," "Tawny Scrawny Lion," and "The Saggy Baggy Elephant") and there’s an ever-expanding library of stories (including "The Berenstain Bears" and "Sesame Street").
4. Use a white noise nightlight.
When it’s finally time to shut their eyes, keep kids calm with a white noise nightlight. The Little Tikes Story Dream Machine turns into a perfect nighttime companion with soft light and white noise to help kids relax and sleep.
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