Family routines / bedtime

When bedtime begins

Build a short evening sequence, choose words in advance and notice what fits your family.

A caregiver sits beside an awake preschool child holding a rabbit at bedtime.
A toothbrush, picture book and pillow for familiar bedtime steps.
When bedtime begins

A short bedtime routine for ages 2–5

Make a familiar evening sequence that caregivers can prepare, use and revisit after an actual bedtime opportunity.

Read the guide ↗
A caregiver sits beside an awake preschool child holding a rabbit at bedtime.
When bedtime begins

Plan for “one more” at bedtime

Prepare ordinary needs and a familiar ending before the final goodnight, then notice what fits.

Read the guide ↗
Two adults look over the same routine while a preschool child plays nearby.
When bedtime begins

A bedtime handoff another caregiver can use

Share the order, familiar materials and last useful observation with the adult helping at bedtime.

Read the guide ↗
An adult caregiver pauses with a mug while their preschool child plays nearby.
When bedtime begins

When you did not use the bedtime plan

Separate a missed opportunity from a plan that was forgotten, impractical or tried and unhelpful.

Read the guide ↗
A caregiver and preschool child choose a book beside a low bed.
When bedtime begins

A bedtime plan when your 2-year-old resists the next step

Keep the adult plan short, make familiar materials ready and focus on one transition rather than a whole evening overhaul.

Read the guide ↗

Print a free bedtime routine chart →