How to Make a Calming Nighttime Routine for Kids
Say goodbye to bedtime battles with a calming night time routine. Try easy sleep tips for a more consistent sleep schedule for kids—and parents who want their evenings back.
The Bedtime Struggle Is Real
Picture this:
It’s 8 PM. You whisper “Time for bed”, and suddenly your child has a new lease on life. They’re scaling furniture, singing at full volume, and passionately negotiating for “just five more minutes.”
Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Parents everywhere know the drama of bedtime.
But here’s the good news: bedtime doesn’t have to be a nightly showdown. With a little consistency, a few clever tricks, and some Tikitoro magic, you can turn chaos into calm.
This blog is your no-nag guide to building a bedtime routine for kids that actually works—minus the stress, tears, and last-minute science projects.
Why a Bedtime Routine Matters (Even If They Fight It)
Kids thrive on predictability—even if they fight it like they’re auditioning for a soap opera.
A bedtime routine helps:
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Signal the brain that it’s time to wind down
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Reduce anxiety and restlessness
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Improve sleep quality (for them and you!)
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Create a sense of security and control
The truth is, kids love knowing what comes next. A consistent bedtime routine becomes a kind of ritualised comfort zone, and once it clicks? You’ll wonder how you ever did bedtime without it.
How to Stop Bedtime Battles Before They Start
We’re not saying bedtime will magically become your favourite part of the day (though, maybe?). But these tips can help de-fuse the drama and bring back the chill:
Start the wind-down before the meltdown
Begin 30–60 minutes before “lights out.” That means turning down lights, volume, and general chaos. A bedtime routine for kids doesn’t start when the head hits the pillow—it starts with the vibe.
Create a simple, repeatable routine
Keep it consistent. Aim for something like:
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Bath or shower
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Lotion or moisturizer
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PJs
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Brushing teeth
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Bedtime story or music
You can even make a fun checklist or visual chart so they feel involved.
Make it theirs
Let them choose their personal care products (Tikitoro Kids Body Wash, anyone?), pick their PJs, or decide the story. Giving them ownership reduces the need to “win” the battle.
Give them a ‘heads up’
Nobody likes being yanked out of playtime without warning. A simple “10 more minutes till wind-down” helps them prepare (and you avoid the surprise tantrum).
Build a Bedtime Toolkit They’ll Actually Love
Let’s face it—no kid wants to brush their teeth or apply lotion if it feels like a task. That’s why we love making routines feel like play.
Here’s how Tikitoro makes it easier:
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Tikitoro Kids Body Wash – Smells great, feels gentle, turns the bath into a bubbly adventure.
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Tikitoro Kids Soothing Body Lotion – Quick-absorbing, non-sticky, and perfect for post-bath superhero skin rituals.
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Routine Cards or Charts – Helps visualise the night without constant reminders.
Bonus: When you call it a “mission,” “challenge,” or “spa night,” suddenly it’s fun.
“Tonight’s mission: apply lotion before the tickle monster shows up.”
You’re welcome.
What to Do When They Resist Anyway (Because They Will)
You can have the best routine in the world, and some nights they’ll still go full gremlin. That’s okay.
Try these Tikitoro-tested tactics:
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The Calm Voice Surprise – Instead of matching their chaos, lower your voice. Whisper even. (Confuses their tantrum logic entirely.)
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The “Let’s Do It Together” Trick – Mirror routines: “I’m brushing my teeth too!” or “Let’s race to our pyjamas.”
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The “Sleepy Choices” Illusion – Offer choices you’re happy with:
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“Want to read in bed or listen to music?”
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“Should we do lotion before or after brushing teeth?”
It’s not manipulation. It’s strategic empowerment.
Sample Bedtime Routines by Age
Here’s what a solid bedtime routine for kids might look like, depending on their age:
Toddlers & Preschoolers (Ages 3–5)
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Bath with Tikitoro Body Wash
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Apply lotion together
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Put on PJs (with a dance break)
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Brush teeth
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Choose a bedtime book
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Lights out + lullaby
Primary Age (6–9)
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Shower
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Apply lotion
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PJs + bedtime chat
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Brush teeth
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Reading or quiet time in bed
Tweens (10–13)
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Shower or quick face wash (Tikitoro Teens Face Wash)
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Moisturize (Tikitoro Teens Gel Moisturizer)
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Tikitoro Hair Oil or Anti-Dandruff Shampoo on hair-wash nights
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Journaling, music, or screen-free wind-down
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Lights out
Remember: it’s not about perfection. It’s about patterns.
No-Stress Parenting Tips for Consistency
Want a bedtime routine to actually stick? Here's how to keep it going—even when everyone's tired and cranky:
Make it visible
Use a chart, stickers, or a bedtime countdown timer. Put it on the fridge or bathroom mirror.
Model it
Brush your face. Wash your hands. Apply your own lotion. Let them “catch” you in the act.
Celebrate progress
“You did your full bedtime routine with NO reminders?! You’re basically a routine ninja.”
Keep it light
Bedtime doesn’t have to be serious. Keep it warm, silly, and safe. Even better? End the day with a laugh, not a lecture.
Good Nights Make Great Days
A consistent bedtime routine for kids doesn’t just help them sleep better. It helps them feel safe, loved, and in control of their world.
It takes time to find your rhythm—and some nights will still be messy. But with the right habits, the right tone, and a little Tikitoro magic, bedtime can become the best part of the day (yes, really).
So say goodbye to bedtime battles. Say hello to bubble baths, silly songs, and PJs on by 8. (Okay, 8:15. We’re realistic.)
“Because nothing says chaos like ‘Bedtime!’ at 8 PM.”