Basics for bedtime  

A child’s bedroom should be a warm, comfortable haven that they look forward to going to at the end of the day, and they need to be clear from an early age that it is a place that they go to in order to sleep. It is not a place for noisy or boisterous games, nor is it good idea to send them to their room when they misbehave. It is important for the comfort and wellbeing of the whole family that children get enough sleep at the right time, and that their bedtime routine varies as little as possible from day to day.

1.  Start your routine well before you expect your child to go to sleep

2. Try to create a calm, peaceful atmosphere before the routine starts

3. Make sure there are no surprises 

4. Get yourself organised and try to have everything you need ready before you start.

5. Give your child a warm (not hot) bath.

6. Get the child dry, warm and into bed fairly soon after bathtime.

7. Children really enjoy a good story, whether you are reading it or telling it

8. Sing  a lullaby or soothing song

9. Don’t be in a hurry, and don’t panic if things aren’t going  as smoothly as you would like.

10. Be calm, firm and consistent

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