It’s about time that I share an update on our sleep must-haves for toddlers and Trussler’s current bedtime routine at about 2.5 years old. He has such an easy toddler bed time routine and it really helps him feel secure in what’s coming next.
I shared a baby version about a year ago and talked about the importance of routines for sleep. If you have a younger baby, you’ll definitely want to check that post out with all of our baby sleep essentials!
Toddler Sleep Must-Haves
- Black out curtains.
- A reliable sound machine.
- A consistent routine.
- A fun toothbrush.
- Safe toothpaste.
- Toddler sleep sacks.
- These are definitely harder to come by than smaller, baby sleep sacks. Luckily, we have found a few tried and true favorites that work for different temperatures and seasons.
- A small lovey or stuffy.
- Trussler has been using this one since he was a baby weening off his binky and LOVES it. We definitely have a backup in case it ever gets lost. The small shop we bought it from has such cute designs and bigger sizes if you prefer.
- Safe mattress.
- Read all about why this specific baby and toddler mattress is the only one we’ll ever use for our littles. Use code MeganF for $50 off your purchase!
- Crib sheets.
- Bedtime books.
- (Optional) Spill-proof, toddler water bottle.
RELATED POST: Top must-haves to help your littles sleep better!
Our Bedtime Routine for Toddlers
- We usually start by offering a quick snack before bed.
- Gather water bottle and stuffies. He tends to take his two favorite out of his crib with him and holds them on the couch while waking up.
- Change diaper and into pajamas.
- Read a bedtime book with dad while mom gets toothbrush ready.
- Dad brushes his teeth, and then he gets a turn with the toothbrush.
- Zip into his sleep sack.
- Night time family prayer.
- Turn on sound machine and turn off lights.
- Rock in the chair with mom for a minute and review the day a bit.
- Family hug and pass off to dad to rock.
- Rock with dad for a couple minutes, sometimes sing a song or just chat.
- Put him into his crib with water bottle and stuffies.
- Say goodnight, love you, sleep well, etc. and close the door.
Our routine can vary slightly, if he doesn’t want a snack or wants to read two books instead of one, etc. However, the main routine is the same every single night and helps him to know what’s coming and what to expect.
Littles thrive on consistent routines like this and it helps bedtime go as smoothly as possible. He IS a toddler, which means he still throws the occasional tantrum or tries to refuse teeth brushing some nights, etc. But, for the most part, our toddler’s bed time is quick and easy with this routine!
I’d love to hear any tips and tricks you have learned with your toddler bed time routine in the comments below. What are your toddler’s sleep essentials?
RELATED POST: How your young toddler can start helping with chores today!
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