5 Tips to End Toddler Bedtime Battles Once and for All

Bedtime battles with toddlers can turn evenings into stressful episodes for both parents and children. However, with the right strategies, bedtime can become a peaceful and enjoyable routine leading to A Restful Night of sleep for the entire family.

In this blog post, we explore five of our top tips to help you put an end to toddler bedtime battles:

1. Establish a Consistent Routine

Consistency is key when it comes to bedtime routines for toddlers.

Create a calming and predictable sequence of activities that signal to your child that it's time to wind down and prepare for sleep. Using a bedtime chart will act as a solid visual for your toddler. The chart can be interactive to allow your child to check off the bedtime activities that have already been completed.

An example of a great bedtime routine may include activities such as picking up toys, picking out pjs, taking a warm bath, brushing teeth, reading a bedtime story, saying a prayer, or singing a song.

A Hatch light can also be incorporated into the routine as another signal to your child that it is bedtime. At A Restful Night, we often recommend using the rainbow light with lullaby sound during this bedtime preparation time as a transition cue that it’s wind down time!

By following the same routine each night, your toddler will learn to associate these activities with bedtime and be more likely to cooperate.

2. Set Clear Expectations

Don’t underestimate the power of a conversation!

Communicate bedtime expectations to your toddler in a positive and age-appropriate manner. Let them know that sleep is important for their health and well-being, and explain the steps of the bedtime routine. Encourage cooperation by framing bedtime as a special time for rest and recharge.

Setting clear expectations helps reduce resistance and tantrums at bedtime. It is also important to remember that your consistent response and follow-through with the expectations are just as important as the conversation itself.

3. Offer Choices

Toddlers love to feel a sense of control. Giving them limited choices within the bedtime routine can help build their investment into the routine. For example, let them choose which pajamas to wear, which book to read, or which stuffed animal to cuddle with.

By empowering your child to make small decisions, you can help them feel more in control and less likely to resist bedtime.

4. Create a Comfortable and Minimally Distracting Sleep Environment

Make sure your toddler's bedroom is conducive to sleep by creating a comfortable environment with limited distractions.

Tidy the room before bed and eliminate toys that may become a distraction when your toddler is trying to rest their body. Keep the room dark, quiet, and at a temperature between 68°-72° F. Providing your child with their favorite lovey or blanket may also make them feel safe and secure, making it easier for them to drift off to sleep.

5. Stay Consistent, Calm and Patient

Bedtime battles are normal for toddlers, but it's important to stay calm and patient, even when your toddler protests or stalls. If you know your toddler’s stall tactics, you may find it helpful to plan in advance and eliminate the opportunity for them to successfully stall. For example, if your child always asks for a sip of water, start bringing a small cup with 1 oz of water in preemptively and just make it part of your routine. 

Avoid giving in to their demands or negotiating during the bedtime routine, as this can increase the likelihood of a power struggle and reinforce bedtime resistance. Remaining firm and consistent will ensure your toddler learns that the routine and sleep cues you are putting in place are here to stay. With consistency and patience, bedtime battles will become less frequent, and your toddler will learn to settle down more easily.

You’ve got this (and if you don’t, we’re here to help!)

By following these expert tips, you can work towards eliminating toddler bedtime battles! With time and consistency, bedtime can become a stress-free and cherished time for your family. If after reading this you find yourself wishing you could make this happen in your home but you’re unsure where to start, please reach out to us for a complimentary consultation call.

Meg O’Leary is an Infant and Child Sleep Expert and the Founder of A Restful Night. She and her team offer sleep training support to families worldwide.