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If you’re a parent of a toddler, you know how important it is to establish a calming bedtime routine.
But sometimes, it can be challenging to find activities that are both soothing and engaging for your little one.
That’s why I’ve put together a list of 65 calming bedtime games that toddlers absolutely love!
These activities are not only fun but can also help your toddler wind down and get ready for a good night’s sleep.
From sensory play to board games, I’ve got you covered with plenty of options to choose from.
games to calm your little one down before bedtime
It’s time to calm down your little one. Bedtime is a stressful time for toddlers, and it’s important to be able to walk them through their bedtime routine without any meltdowns.
These games will teach your child how to relax and put their mind at ease by focusing on calming activities. These games will help them get ready for bed, so that they can drift off into a peaceful sleep when it’s time for lights out!
filled with laughter and joy!
Bedtime Games For Toddlers
- Bedtime stories – Reading a story to your toddler can help them calm down and feel comforted before going to bed.
- Puzzles – Simple puzzles with large pieces can be a fun and calming activity for toddlers before bedtime.
- Memory games – Playing memory games with your toddler can help improve their cognitive skills and keep them focused.
- Coloring – Coloring books and pages can be a soothing and creative way for toddlers to wind down before bed. We really love our non toxic crayons when we color in.
- Stuffed animal play – Playing with stuffed animals can help your toddler feel comforted and secure.
- Lullabies – Singing or playing gentle lullabies can help soothe your toddler and prepare them for sleep.
- Counting games – Counting games, such as counting sheep, can be a fun and calming activity for toddlers before bedtime.
- Soft toy play – Playing with soft, plush toys can be a comforting and relaxing activity for toddlers before sleep.
- Matching games – Matching games can help improve your toddler’s memory and concentration while providing a calming activity.
- Bedtime yoga – Simple yoga poses can help your toddler relax and calm down before bedtime, here arethe best yoga books for kids you may love!.
- Sensory play – Sensory play activities, such as playing with water or sand, can be a calming and engaging activity for toddlers.
- Building blocks – Playing with building blocks can help improve your toddler’s motor skills while providing a calming activity.
- Bedtime songs – Singing gentle songs can help your toddler relax and feel comforted before bed.
- Board games – Simple board games can be a fun and calming activity for toddlers before bedtime.
- Simon Says – Playing Simon Says can be a fun and engaging way for your toddler to wind down before bed.
- Word games – Simple word games, such as rhyming or word associations, can be a fun and calming activity for toddlers.
- Playdough – Playing with playdough can be a calming and creative activity for toddlers before bedtime.
- Animal sounds – Making animal sounds can be a fun and engaging activity for toddlers before bed.
- I Spy – Playing I Spy can be a fun and calming way for your toddler to focus before sleep.
- Drawing – Providing paper and crayons for your toddler to draw with can be a soothing and creative activity before bedtime.
- Musical toys – Playing with musical toys, such as a keyboard or xylophone, can be a fun and calming activity for toddlers.
- Scavenger hunt – A simple scavenger hunt can be a fun and engaging activity for toddlers before bed.
- Play kitchen – Playing with a play kitchen can be a calming and imaginative activity for toddlers before bedtime.
- Balloon play – Playing with balloons can be a fun and calming activity for toddlers before sleep.
- Bubble bath – Taking a relaxing bubble bath with bath toys that don’t mold can help calm and soothe your toddler before bedtime.
- Flashlight tag – Playing flashlight tag can be a fun and engaging activity for toddlers before bed.
- Sticker books – Sticker books can be a calming and creative activity for toddlers before sleep.
- Puppet play – Playing with puppets can be a fun and imaginative activity for toddlers before bedtime.
- Treasure hunt – A simple treasure hunt can be a fun and engaging activity for toddlers before bed.
- Alphabet games – Simple alphabet games, such as finding letters or spelling words, can be a fun and calming activity for toddlers.
- Tea party – Hosting a pretend tea party can be a calming and imaginative activity for toddlers before bedtime.
- Hula hoop – Playing with a hula hoop can be a fun and engaging activity for toddlers before bed.
- Shape sorting – Playing with shape sorting toys can help improve your toddler’s cognitive skills while providing a calming activity before sleep.
- Nature walk – Taking a gentle nature walk with your toddler can be a calming and enjoyable activity before bedtime.
- Jigsaw puzzles – Completing simple jigsaw puzzles can be a calming and satisfying activity for toddlers before bed.
- Bubble popping – Popping bubbles can be a fun and engaging activity for toddlers before bedtime.
- Sing-alongs – Singing simple songs together can be a fun and calming activity for toddlers before bed.
- Magnetic toys – Playing with magnetic toys like magnet tiles, can be a fun and calming activity for toddlers.
- Simon’s Cat – Watching short, calming videos of Simon’s Cat can be a relaxing and enjoyable activity for toddlers before bedtime.
- Marble runs – Playing with marble runs can be a calming and stimulating activity for toddlers before sleep.
- Water play – Playing with water, such as pouring water into different containers or splashing in a shallow pool or at a water table, can be a calming and enjoyable activity for toddlers before bedtime.
- Balancing games – Playing balancing games, such as balancing a bean bag on your head or walking along a balance beam, can be a fun and calming activity for toddlers before bed.
- Snuggling – Snuggling with your toddler and giving them gentle hugs can be a comforting and calming activity before sleep.
- Shape tracing – Tracing different shapes with a finger or pencil can be a calming and engaging activity for toddlers before bedtime.
- Sock puppets – Making and playing with sock puppets can be a fun and imaginative activity for toddlers before bed.
- Play dough stamping – Stamping different shapes and patterns into play dough can be a calming and creative activity for toddlers before sleep.
- Paper airplane making – Making and flying paper airplanes can be a fun and calming activity for toddlers before bedtime.
- Hand puppet play – Playing with hand puppets can be a fun and imaginative activity for toddlers before bed.
- Dress-up play – Dressing up in different costumes and pretending to be different characters can be a calming and imaginative activity for toddlers before sleep.
- Bubble blowing – Blowing bubbles can be a fun and engaging activity for toddlers before bedtime.
- Stringing beads – Stringing beads onto a cord or wire can be a calming and satisfying activity for toddlers before bed.
- Sensory bins – Playing with sensory bins, such as a bin filled with rice or beans, can be a calming and stimulating activity for toddlers before sleep.
- Train play – Playing with a toy train set can be a fun and calming activity for toddlers before bedtime.
- Watercolor painting – Painting with watercolors can be a calming and creative activity for toddlers before bed.
- Playdough stamping – Stamping different shapes and patterns into play dough can be a calming and creative activity for toddlers before sleep.
- Animal figurine play – Playing with animal figurines can be a fun and imaginative activity for toddlers before bedtime.
- Bedtime affirmations – Saying positive affirmations or reciting calming phrases together can help your toddler feel relaxed and ready for sleep.
- Storytelling – Telling your toddler a calming and comforting story can be a soothing activity before bedtime.
- Coloring books – Coloring in a simple coloring book can be a calming and satisfying activity for toddlers before bedtime.
- Flashlight games – Playing simple flashlight games, such as shining a flashlight on the ceiling and making shapes, can be a fun and calming activity before bed.
- Shadow puppetry – Making and playing with shadow puppets can be a fun and imaginative activity for toddlers before sleep.
- Stargazing – Gazing up at the stars and talking about them can be a calming and fascinating activity for toddlers before bed.
- Magnetic drawing boards – Drawing on a magnetic drawing board can be a fun and calming activity for toddlers before bedtime.
- Lay out clothes for next day – It can be very calming just to start getting prepared for the following day and connect with your little one over an easy activity.
- Journal together – Write in a gratitude journal together. Here are some great things to add to your child’s gratitude journal.
Help Your Toddler Fall Asleep By Being Active In The Daytime
If you’ve ever tried to put a toddler to bed after a day of lounging around, you know that it can be quite the challenge. While it might seem counterintuitive, being active during the day can actually help your toddler fall asleep more easily and sleep more soundly.
Getting your toddler outside for some fresh air and exercise can make a big difference in their ability to settle down at night. Whether it’s taking a walk around the block, visiting the playground, or playing a game of catch in the backyard, physical activity can help your toddler burn off excess energy and feel more tired when it’s time to hit the hay.
In addition to physical activity, it’s also important to engage your toddler in stimulating and creative activities during the day. Whether it’s finger painting, building with blocks, or reading books together, these types of activities can help your toddler stay engaged and mentally stimulated throughout the day. And when it comes time for bed, they’ll be more likely to feel relaxed and ready to settle down.
Of course, it’s important to balance physical activity and stimulating play with rest and downtime throughout the day. Too much activity or excitement before bedtime can actually make it harder for your toddler to fall asleep, so make sure you’re keeping an eye on their energy levels and adjusting their activities as needed.
By being active and engaged during the day, you can help set your toddler up for a successful and peaceful bedtime routine. So, get out there and have some fun with your little one!
How Screen Time Affects Toddler Bedtime
Screen time is a hot topic when it comes to parenting, and for good reason. Not only can excessive screen time be detrimental to a child’s development, but it can also have a negative impact on their ability to fall asleep and sleep soundly throughout the night.
Research has shown that exposure to screens before bedtime can disrupt a child’s natural sleep-wake cycle and make it harder for them to fall asleep. The blue light emitted by screens can suppress the production of the sleep hormone melatonin, which can interfere with the body’s natural sleep cues. In addition, the content of the screen can also have a stimulating effect on a child’s brain, making it harder for them to wind down and relax before bed.
So, what can parents do to mitigate the effects of screen time on their child’s bedtime routine? The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding screen time for children under 18 months, and limiting screen time to one hour per day for children ages 2 to 5. For older children, it’s important to set clear limits and boundaries around screen time, especially in the hours leading up to bedtime.
Instead of relying on screens to entertain your toddler before bed, try engaging in calming activities like reading books, doing puzzles, or practicing yoga together. These activities can help your child relax and unwind, making it easier for them to fall asleep when it’s time for bed.
Weighted Blankets For Toddlers
Weighted blankets have become increasingly popular in recent years for their calming and soothing effects on sleep. And while they were initially designed for adults, there are now options available for toddlers as well.
Weighted blankets work by providing deep pressure stimulation, which can help to reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, and improve sleep quality. This can be especially beneficial for toddlers who may struggle with sleep issues or sensory processing difficulties.
When shopping for a weighted blanket for your toddler, it’s important to choose an appropriate weight and size. As a general rule, the blanket should be about 10% of your child’s body weight. For example, if your child weighs 30 pounds, the blanket should weigh around 3 pounds.
It’s also important to choose a blanket that is made from safe and breathable materials, such as cotton or bamboo. Avoid blankets with any small parts that could pose a choking hazard, and make sure the blanket is machine washable for easy cleaning.
While weighted blankets can be a great tool for promoting restful sleep, it’s important to note that they are not suitable for all children. Some children may not like the feeling of the added weight, or may find it too stimulating. As with any sleep aid, it’s important to consult with your child’s healthcare provider before introducing a weighted blanket to their bedtime routine.
Bedtime Routines For Toddlers
Establishing a consistent bedtime routine is key to helping toddlers wind down and prepare for a restful night’s sleep. Here are some ideas for creating a soothing bedtime routine for your little one:
- Start with a calming activity: Begin your bedtime routine with a quiet, calming activity like reading a book or singing a lullaby. This can help your toddler relax and transition from the activities of the day to the calm of the evening.
- Bath time: A warm bath can be a soothing and relaxing activity for toddlers. Use gentle, calming scents and play some soft music to create a spa-like atmosphere.
- Brush teeth: After bath time, help your toddler brush their teeth to promote good dental hygiene and signal that it’s almost time for bed.
- Dress for bed: Choose comfortable and breathable pajamas for your toddler to wear to bed.
- Say goodnight: Spend a few minutes cuddling with your little one and saying goodnight before tucking them in for the night.
- Bedtime stories: Reading a book before bed can be a great way to calm your toddler’s mind and get them ready for sleep. Choose books with soothing, calming themes to help your child relax.
- White noise: Some toddlers find white noise or gentle background music to be calming and helpful for falling asleep.
- Lights out: Turn off the lights and make sure your toddler is tucked in snugly before saying goodnight and leaving the room.
Remember, every child is different, and what works for one toddler may not work for another. Be patient and willing to try different strategies until you find a bedtime routine that works for your little one.
With consistency and patience, you can help your toddler establish healthy sleep habits that will serve them well for years to come.
Print This Positive Parenting Guidebook – The 5 Pillars Of Positive Parenting
Listen… parenting with connection and positivity has been seen as permissive and lazy parenting BUT this is totally not the case.
I am a mom of 3 beautiful children and I’ve spent HOURS, DAYS, MONTHS, and YEARS researching this topic and seriously, it is my favorite way to parent.
Way better than what I grew up with – which was A LOT of yelling, spanking and frankly, neglect.
This little guidebook is a golden nugget that you can have for free – and print it out! Put it on the fridge, refer to it often. It’s really a great tool for kids of all ages.
Download Your Free Printout
- Download the guidebook. You’ll get the printable, plus join hundreds parents who receive my weekly parenting tips and ideas! (Sometimes I’ll promote a parenting program, but only the best ones that are in the positive parenting community, I promise.)
- Print. Print out the guidebook!
- Place it where you can see it. There is a lot of great information in this guidebook, even though it’s small. It’s power packed full of great stuff so put it where you can refer to it often.
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