How to set up a calming bedtime routine
By Piklo · September 21, 2026 · 1 min read
A good bedtime routine is short, regular and predictable. By repeating the same steps in the same order, you send the child's brain a clear signal: the day is ending, it's time to get ready to sleep. Allow twenty to thirty minutes, no more, so bedtime doesn't drag on.
Why routine reassures
Young children love predictability: knowing what comes next makes them feel safe. A stable sequence, bath, pyjamas, story, cuddle, nightlight, acts as a decompression chamber between the day's excitement and the calm of the night. Regularity beats length.
The steps of a routine that works
Start by lowering the lights and the noise in the house. Repeat the same steps every evening: wash, pyjamas, teeth, then a quiet moment in the bedroom. End with a story, a cuddle and a last reassuring word. Avoid screens in the hour before bed, as their light delays sleep onset.
The bedtime story, the keystone
The story is often the child's favourite moment, and the most effective for calming them. It gently captures attention, feeds the imagination and strengthens the bond with the reading parent. A book where the child recognises themselves, surrounded by loved ones, makes this moment even more reassuring: they fall asleep on a positive note, as the hero of their own story.
Staying the course
A routine only works if it's kept, including at weekends. The first few weeks call for consistency, but the habit sets in quickly and bedtimes become easier for everyone.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a bedtime routine last?
Twenty to thirty minutes is enough. A routine that's too long ends up exciting the child rather than calming them.
Is a story needed every night?
It's strongly recommended: the bedtime story calms, feeds language and strengthens the parent-child bond. It's often the most anticipated step.
Should the routine stay the same at weekends?
Yes, regularity is key. A routine kept every night, weekends included, makes falling asleep easier.