Add Sweet Talk to Your Toddler’s Bedtime Routine

One of the sweetest rewards of parenting is cuddling with your little munchkin right before he slips into slumber. Gentle rocking, soft massages, and cooing lullabies are perfect ways to give quality love at the end of a long, tiring day.

Another wonderful way to bring the day to a close is with a routine called bedtime sweet talk.

Toddler Bedtime Routine With Sweet Talk

The last moments––right before sleep––your child’s mind is wide open, like a little sponge soaking in your loving words. Bedtime sweet talk takes advantage of that golden opportunity to fill your toddler’s sleepy mind with gratitude for all the wonderful things he did that day and to nurture a sense of optimism about all the things he may do and experience tomorrow.

Here is how you can use this toddler bedtime routine, with children as young as 1-year-old:

• Once your toddler is tucked in, snuggle up next to him.
• In a soft, understated way recount some of his fun experiences and acts of kindness from the day just past.
• If you gave him any hand checks, count them and see if together you can remember how he earned them.
• Think about the next day and list a few things that might happen and good deeds he may do. (‘Tomorrow, I would not be surprised if you climbed all the way to the top of the play structure. And you might even help Teacher Janet pick up all the blocks again!’)

Final Thoughts on Using Sweet Talk for Your Toddler Bedtime Routine

Toddler bedtime sweet talk is a huge confidence boost that helps your toddler wake up the next morning ready for anything. It is a wonderful way for parents to bond with their child. On top of that, it makes bedtime something your toddler looks forward to...instead of something to avoid at all cost!

Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider. Breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for babies. It is important that, in preparation for and during breastfeeding, mothers eat a healthy, balanced diet. Combined breast- and bottle-feeding in the first weeks of life may reduce the supply of a mother's breastmilk and reversing the decision not to breastfeed is difficult. If you do decide to use infant formula, you should follow instructions carefully.