Tooth Talk with Lumi the Tooth Fairy: How to Structure Your Little One's Nighttime Routine

Winding down for bed is hard enough for adults, let alone kids. A good bedtime routine can help streamline the process, indicating to your child when and how to wrap up their activities and begin preparing to rest.

Proposed Nighttime Routine for Newborns and Babies:

1. Bathtime.

2. Brush hair and teeth.

3. Put on pajamas.

4. Read books and/or snuggle.

Warm water promotes sleep. Be sure to dim the lights during this process; playing soft music or white noise in the background can be soothing as well.

Proposed Nighttime Routine for Toddlers and Pre-K Children:

1. Give your child a ten-minute warning that bedtime is coming.

2. Warm bath.

3. Brush hair, teeth, and floss.

4. Get dressed for and tucked into bed.

5. Read books, cuddle, or quietly talk about the child's day.

Give your child some agency in this process by letting them pick out their own pajamas or books.

Proposed Nighttime Routine for Elementary-Age Children and Beyond:

1. Make a chart or use an app that helps your child keep track of their bedtime tasks.

2. Bath/shower.

3. Brush hair, teeth, and floss.

4. Put on pajamas/prepare clothes for the next day.

5. (In)dependent reading or listening to calm music.

Introducing a skincare routine around middle school is recommended. It's hard to discourage the use of screens before bed, but you can help promote the idea by providing alternatives and leading by example.