The Ideal Toddler Bedtime Routine, Step by Step

Key Takeaways:

• Between 13 months and three years, many toddlers are ready for a simplified sleep routine that helps them wind down before bed.
• Following the same simple steps each night creates structure and stability, two things kids need during this developmental phase.
• Hatch Baby can help you foster a consistent sleep routine for your child, providing bedtime comfort and encouraging independence.

Does your toddler seem to think bedtime is the perfect time to tell you everything that happened that day? Or maybe you secretly dread bedtime, knowing it could drag on forever. Perhaps you’ve found yourself trapped in your child’s bed, staring longingly at the door, waiting for them to finally drift off.

If any of that sounds familiar, this guide is for you. Here’s how to create a bedtime routine that helps your toddler feel connected, cared for, and ready for sleep, so you can walk out of the room knowing they’ll settle peacefully.

Table of Contents

1. When to Start a Toddler Bedtime Routine
2. The Best Toddler Sleep Routine, Step by Step
3. FAQs
4. References 

When to Start a Toddler Bedtime Routine

While every child and family is different, a toddler sleep routine works best for children from 13 months to 3 years old (and a little beyond). At this age, try to focus on fostering connection while gently encouraging independence. 

The transition to toddlerhood involves many major (and exciting!) milestones, but your child still needs comfort and attention before bed. Like babies, toddlers also need consistency. Following the same simple steps each night helps create associations with sleep that make it easier for your child to drift off easily over time.

Still, older toddlers are ready for a bit of independence. Allowing your child to participate in the routine — for example, choosing their favorite lullaby or light on Hatch Baby during the bedtime transition or picking the book you read during story time — can encourage age-appropriate independence (and help tame frustrating bedtime battles). 

The Best Toddler Sleep Routine, Step by Step 

The key at this age is simplicity and predictability. Keep your bedtime routine short and sweet, following the same steps each night to support your toddler’s circadian rhythm. 

Step 1: Bath Time

There’s a reason bath time is a staple in most bedtime routines. For babies, the feel of warm water signals that sleep is coming. For toddlers, it’s a chance to reset after a busy day, especially when they’re coming home from daycare or playing outside.

Bath time doesn’t need to be long — just five to seven minutes is plenty. Let them splash, play, and have fun while getting clean. It’s also a great opportunity for caregivers to be involved. If one parent has been less hands-on with bedtime, this is a natural way to connect and participate.

Step 2: Brush Teeth, Potty, Pajamas

After the bath, it’s time to get the body ready for sleep. After you brush teeth, have your child use the potty and change into a pull-up if needed. Then, it’s pajama time. These small steps help your toddler understand sleep time is coming, creating structure and consistency — two things toddlers thrive on.

Step 3: Playtime 

Toddlers need a final burst of connection before they can rest. They’ve spent the day exploring, learning, and being told what to do. This short window of play gives them a sense of control, creates a sense of connection, and helps them get their energy out so they can sleep soundly.

Sit on the floor together and let your child decide what to do, whether blocks, puzzles, wrestling, or a dance party.  A quick tip: use a timer or set your Hatch Baby to change light colors when it’s time to transition to the final bedtime step. When the time is up, it’s easier to transition to the next step when the timer — not you — signals that playtime is over.

Step 4: Story Time

Lastly, choose one or two books for story time. Reading together helps your toddler calm their body and signals that it’s time to rest. Once the story is over, it’s time to get into bed or the crib, say goodnight, and leave the room.

Start this four-step bedtime routine tonight and see the difference it makes. With consistency, your toddler will learn what to expect, feel more connected, and be ready for a great night’s sleep.

Learn how Hatch Baby can help you take care of your family, one night of great sleep at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a toddler bedtime routine be?

Most toddler bedtime routines work best when they last about 20-30 minutes. Keeping the routine short helps prevent overtiredness while still giving your child enough time to wind down and feel connected.

What if my toddler resists parts of the bedtime routine?

Resistance is common at this age. Offering limited choices, like which book to read or which lullaby to play, can help toddlers feel more in control while keeping the routine consistent.

Can a bedtime routine help with nighttime wake-ups?

Yes. A predictable bedtime routine helps toddlers feel secure and understand what comes next, which can make it easier for them to settle both at bedtime and after nighttime wake-ups.

References

1. American Academy of Pediatrics. (2022, August 25). Toddler bedtime trouble: 7 tips for parents. HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/sleep/Pages/bedtime-trouble.aspx
2. Nemours Children’s Health. (2024, January 19). Sleep: Ages 1–2 years. KidsHealth. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/sleep12yr.html