8 Calming Activities for Toddlers Before Bed
Bedtime can be a challenging time for both parents and toddlers. Often, toddlers become overwhelmed with the day’s events and struggle to wind down. This can lead to bedtime battles and difficulty falling asleep. In this blog post, I’m sharing 8 calming activities for toddlers before bed that will help your toddler relax before bed. These activities will help promote better sleep habits and ensure that everyone in the family gets the rest they need!
Are you looking for ways to help your toddler relax before bed? Check out this blog post for 8 calming activities that will help your little one wind down and get ready for bed. From reading stories to playing outside, we’ve got you covered.
8 Calming Activities for Toddlers to Do Before Bed
Any parent of a toddler knows that bedtime can be a challenge. After a busy day of running, climbing, and exploring, it can be hard for little ones to wind down and get ready for sleep. However, there are a few calming activities that can help toddlers to drift off into dreamland.
These 8 calming activities are simple, easy to do, and don’t require any special equipment or preparation. Just pick a few that work best for your family and get started tonight!
#1 Give them a bath
One way to help toddlers wind down before bed is to give them a bath. The warm water is soothing, and the opportunity to play with toys in the tub can help to burn off some of that excess energy.
You could even try adding lavender essential oil to the bathwater or use lavender-scented soaps, shampoos, or lotions.
The routine of getting into pajamas and brushing teeth after a bath can signal to toddlers that it’s time to start winding down for the night. So if you’re looking for a way to help your toddler calm down before bed, try giving them a relaxing bath.
#2 Do a Puzzle Together
If you’re looking for a quiet, calming activity for your toddler to do before bedtime, puzzles are a great option. They provide a mental challenge that can help to tire out little minds, and the repetitive nature of the task can be soothing.
Plus, it’s a great way to spend some quality time together before bed. If you don’t have any puzzles at home, you can easily find them at your local toy store or online. Just choose one that is appropriate for your child’s age and ability level.
#3 Coloring
Coloring is a great option for calming down your toddler because it’s quiet and allows your child to focus on something on being creative for a little while.
You can choose a simple coloring book or print out some coloring pages (I have lot of options here!!). There are also apps that have coloring pages that can be used on a tablet or phone.
#4 Toddler Massage
Giving your little on a massage is a really special calming activity that can help ease the transition to sleep. A gentle back rub or foot massage can help relax the body and mind, making it easier to fall asleep.
In addition, massage can help to release any built-up tension in the muscles, which can lead to a more restful sleep. If you’re not sure how to give a toddler a massage, there are plenty of instructional videos and articles available online.
And even if it’s just a short 5-minute session before bed, your toddler is sure to appreciate the extra attention.
#5 Toddler Yoga and Stretching
If your toddler is having trouble settling down at bedtime, some simple stretching and yoga moves might be just what they need. These activities are not only calming and relaxing, but they can also help to improve flexibility and balance. And best of all, they can be done right in the comfort of your own home.
To get started, try these three easy stretches:
1. Tree pose: Have your toddler stand with their feet hip-width apart and their hands at their sides. Then, have them raise one foot and place it on the inner thigh of the other leg. They should remain standing tall and remain as still as possible for 10-20 seconds before switching legs.
2. Downward facing dog: Start in a tabletop position with your toddler’s hands and knees on the ground. Then, have them lift their hips up into the air so that their body forms an upside-down “V” shape. They should hold this position for 15-30 seconds before returning to the tabletop position.
3. Camel pose: Kneel on the ground with your toddler, placing your hands on their lower back for support. Then, have them arch their back and reach their head back as they reach their hips forward. Hold this position for 15-30 seconds before releasing.
There are plenty of other yoga poses that can be done with toddlers, so feel free to experiment and find what works best for your child. And remember, the goal is to have fun and relax, so don’t worry if things aren’t perfect.
#6 Read a book together
Reading a book together is always a calming activity, but it can be especially helpful before bedtime. The act of reading can help to slow down breathing and heart rate, which can lead to a more relaxed state. In addition, it’s a great way to bond with your toddler before they drift off to sleep.
Whether you choose a classic bedtime story or a favorite picture book, snuggling up with your little one and enjoying some quiet time together is sure to help them wind down before bed.
Reading also helps to develop language skills and promote a love of learning. When choosing a book, look for one where the storyline is soothing and calming. You may want to avoid stories that are full of action and adventure, as they may excite your child and make it difficult for them to settle down.
Once you’ve found the perfect book, snuggle up together and enjoy the calmness of the story. There are plenty of great bedtime stories out there for toddlers, so take your pick and snuggle up together for some quality reading time before lights out.
#7 Sing a lullaby or listen to quiet music
Singing a lullaby or listening to quiet music are both calming activities that can help toddlers to wind down before bedtime. The gentle rhythms and soothing melodies can help to relax both body and mind, making it easier for toddlers to fall asleep.
Listening to soft music can also help to block out any noise that might be keeping them awake. These activities can help to create a peaceful environment that will encourage toddlers to fall asleep quickly and stay asleep all night.
#8 Pillow Talk
It can be tough to wind down at the end of the day, especially for toddlers who are full of energy. But it’s important to create a calm environment before bedtime in order to help your little one get a good night’s sleep. One way to do this is with Pillow Talk.
This is a calming activity that you can do with your toddler before they go to bed. Sit down with them or snuggle together and have a simple conversation about their day or ask them silly or meaningful questions.
Talk about the things that made them happy and what they’re looking forward to tomorrow. This is a great way to bond with your child and help them transition into a peaceful sleep.
There are plenty of calming activities that you can do with your toddler before bedtime, but these eight options are a great place to start.
Remember, the goal is to help your child relax and feel comfortable as they transition from awake to asleep. So find what works best for your family and have fun!
I hope you’ve found this post helpful! If you have a little one who is having trouble winding down at night, try some of these calming activities before bed. Each of them can help relax the mind and body, preparing your child for a good night’s sleep. And be sure to share this post with your friends using the social media buttons below – let them know about these great tips, too!
