Bedtime rituals are great for toddlers. They respond well to a pattern you can establish.  It is important to try to stick to the routine or it won’t become a ritual or learned pattern. Each parent has their own ideas and what you put into your pattern is up to you. Usually the pattern will need to include at least 3 or 4 activities that you do in the same pattern every night. Your toddler will learn the pattern and know what comes next. Here are some popular activities that many parents use as part of their bedtime rituals.

Bath
A warm bath can be soothing and relaxing. Follow up with a massage with baby lotion.

Brushing teeth
A good habit for twice a day brushing. Also have your child, use the potty, wash their hands and face, and get that last “I need a drink of water ” out of the way.

Quiet activity or game
Card games, puzzles, counting, alphabet or quiet snuggling and talking gives the child time to slow down and prepare for bed.

Listening to quiet music
Listening to music is also a good chance to expose your child to different types of music like classical or symphony.

Sign a lullaby
Most children are soothed by the soft voice of their parent.

Read a bedtime story
This is a great quiet activity and is also an important step in your child’s own reading development.

Rocking
A gentle rocking while singing, reading or just cuddling is a nice way to soothe a little one.

Turn on a night light
Most children like having a very dim light on if they awaken during the night.