Bedtime Routine for a Toddler
Should bedtime be spontaneous (‘Let the baby sleep whenever she wants to and is looking tired’) or should parents cultivate a predictable routine? Experts say a routine has many benefits. Research shows that children who follow bedtime routines are more likely to go to sleep earlier, take less time falling asleep, sleep longer, and wake up less during the night. These benefits to sleep quality are still seen years later in children who followed bedtime routines when they were younger. A routine also makes sure that the toddler learns not to protest when it's time to sleep. Research shows that a consistent bedtime routine benefits parent-child attachment, language development, and emotion and behavioural regulation.