Bedtime with a toddler can swing from sweet to chaotic in about four seconds. The good news: young children respond remarkably well to predictability. A short routine done in the same order every night tells their body and brain what comes next — and gives you a calmer end to the day too.
How much sleep do young children need?
Paediatric sleep guidelines recommend, per 24 hours including naps:
- Toddlers (1–2 years): 11–14 hours
- Preschoolers (3–5 years): 10–13 hours
- School-age children (6–12 years): 9–12 hours
Work backwards from wake-up time to choose a bedtime that fits — and keep it consistent, including most weekends.
A simple toddler bedtime routine
Aim for 20–30 minutes, in the same order every night:
- Wind down the room. Dim the lights and switch off the TV and tablets.
- Bath or wash. Warm water is a reliable signal that the day is ending.
- Pyjamas, teeth, toilet. Keep it matter-of-fact and in the same sequence.
- A small choice. Let your child pick between two pyjamas or two stories. Little choices reduce resistance.
- Story time. The calmest, cosiest part — a book or a gentle audio story.
- Same goodnight words. A short phrase or song you repeat every night.
- Lights out, calmly. Leave while your child is drowsy but awake when you can.
Why stories work so well at bedtime
Story time does a lot of quiet work. It slows everyone down, creates a moment of closeness, and replaces stimulating screens with listening. For the story itself, gentle beats exciting: choose plots without scary moments or big cliffhangers, so your child is not lying in bed wondering what happens next.
Why a story starring your child helps
Children light up when they hear their own name in a story. A personalised bedtime story can make the routine something to look forward to rather than resist — and it can gently carry themes you care about, like being brave at a new nursery, being kind to a sibling or feeling safe in the dark.
Personalised stories also solve a very practical problem: reading the same favourite book for the 47th night in a row. Fresh stories with familiar characters keep things interesting without getting overstimulating.
Audio stories without the screen
Audio stories are a lovely option for nights when you are tired, for a second story after the book, or for siblings sharing a room. To keep it calm:
- Start the story, then turn the screen off or face it down.
- Keep the volume low and the phone out of reach.
- Stay for the first few minutes so it still feels like time together.
Common bedtime bumps
“One more story!”
Agree the number before you start, and make the last one the same each night. Predictability takes the negotiation out of it.
Fear of the dark
A dim warm night light and a story in which a character feels safe at night can both help. Stay calm and reassuring rather than checking under the bed together.
Bedtime keeps drifting later
Start the routine earlier rather than rushing it. A consistent start time matters more than a perfect routine.
If sleep problems persist — frequent night waking, loud snoring or daytime exhaustion — talk to your child’s doctor.
Make bedtime personal with Lullio
Lullio creates gentle bedtime audio stories with your child as the hero. Add their name and interests, choose a sleep-friendly theme — friendly animals, castles, peaceful space journeys — and play it with calm narration. Photo-inspired illustrations are optional and fully parent controlled.
Frequently asked questions
What time should a toddler go to bed?
Many toddlers do well with a bedtime between about 6:30 and 8:00 pm, but the right time depends on wake-up time and naps. Count back from wake-up using the sleep ranges above.
How long should a toddler bedtime routine take?
About 20–30 minutes is plenty. Longer routines often give more room for stalling.
Are audio stories OK for toddlers at bedtime?
Yes, when they are gentle and played without a lit screen. They work best as part of the routine, alongside time together.
