As a toddler sleep coach, I am frequently asked by parents about the best bedtime strategies for 3 year olds. With a growing sense of independence and a penchant for pushing boundaries, 3 year olds can be particularly challenging when it comes to bedtime. However, by establishing a consistent and structured bedtime routine, parents can help their little ones settle down and drift off to sleep with ease.

Despite the best efforts of parents, there are some common problems that 3 year olds have with bedtime that can make the routine challenging. One of the most common issues is that children may try to drag out the bedtime routine, either by requesting additional books or insisting on getting out of bed multiple times. This can be frustrating for parents, who may feel like they are in a constant battle to get their child to sleep.

Another common issue is that 3 year olds may require their parents to sit or lay with them until they fall asleep. While this may be comforting for the child, it can be exhausting for parents who may be spending hours each night trying to get their child to sleep. This can also lead to dependence on the parent to fall asleep, which can make it difficult for the child to learn how to self-soothe and fall asleep independently.

Bedtime Strategies for 3 Year Olds

These issues can be particularly challenging for parents, as they can lead to frustration, exhaustion, and a lack of quality sleep for both the child and the parent. However, with the right strategies and approach, parents can help their child develop healthy sleep habits and overcome these challenges. By establishing clear boundaries and routines around bedtime, and eliminating screens in the bedtime routine you can help your 3 year old learn to settle down and drift off to sleep with ease.

Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Creating a Bedtime Routine for 3 Year Olds

As a pediatric sleep coach, I highly recommend that parents establish a consistent and structured bedtime routine for their 3 year old. A good bedtime routine can help children feel calm and relaxed before bed, which can in turn promote healthy sleep habits.

The key to a successful bedtime routine is consistency. Children thrive on routine and predictability, so it’s important to establish a bedtime routine that is consistent every night.

This means starting the routine at the same time each night, and following the same steps in the same order.

When it comes to the length of the bedtime routine, it’s important to find a balance between keeping it short enough to prevent your child from trying to drag it out, but long enough to allow them to wind down and relax before sleep.

I recommend a routine that lasts between 20-30 minutes, depending on your child’s individual needs.

Steps for a Successful 3 Year Old Bedtime Routine

I recommend starting the routine with a fun bath, followed by brushing teeth to establish good oral hygiene habits early on.

Next, I recommend incorporating reading into the bedtime routine. Reading books before bed can help children wind down and relax, and can also provide a wonderful opportunity for parents to bond with their child and share a special moment before sleep.

One common mistake parents make is allowing their child to choose an unlimited number of books to read before bedtime. While reading to your child is an important part of the bedtime routine, it’s important to set boundaries around the number of books you read. I recommend limiting bedtime stories to just two books per night. This not only helps keep the routine within the recommended time frame, but also helps your child learn to make choices and prioritize their preferences.

While reading to your child is an important part of the bedtime routine, it’s important to set boundaries around the number of books you read. I recommend limiting bedtime stories to just two books per night. This not only helps keep the routine within the recommended time frame, but also helps your child learn to make choices and prioritize their preferences.

Incorporating Touch in the Bedtime Routines

Incorporating touch into your child’s bedtime routine is an absolute no-brainer. Touch can be an excellent way to help your child relax before bed, and it can also provide a wonderful opportunity for bonding and connection. There are many fun and easy ways to introduce touch into the bedtime routine without overwhelming your child.

One of the best resources for incorporating touch into your child’s bedtime routine is a book called Once Upon a Touch by Story Massage. This book provides 10 key strokes that you can use to tell a story on your child’s back.

For example, you can use the stroke of running your fingers up your child’s back as the mouse runs up the clock in the Hickory Dickory Dock rhyme. Children love touch when it’s done within the context of a story.

In addition to providing a fun and engaging way to introduce touch, using a story to introduce touch can also teach your child about boundaries and respect.

By asking your child if they would like you to use a certain touch technique, you are modeling the importance of asking for consent and respecting others’ boundaries. This can be an excellent conversation starter for teaching your child about consent and respect.

Knowing Your Child

However, it’s important to note that touch may not be the best approach for every child. If your child has a sensory processing disorder, they may not respond well to touch. As a parent, you know your child best and can make adjustments to the bedtime routine as needed. The goal is to create a routine that helps your child feel calm, relaxed, and ready for sleep, and touch can be a wonderful tool to help achieve that goal.

I find that adding a little bit of that loving touch can really help to decrease a 3 year old acting out at bedtime and make this whole process a lot smoother, especially if your little one struggles with bedtime anxiety. If they do have anxiety when it comes to bedtime, check out my 7 Strategies to Decrease Anxiety at Bedtime.

Finally, it’s important to turn off the lights and say goodnight to signal the end of the bedtime routine. This can help children understand that it’s time to sleep, and can also help establish boundaries around bedtime. By following a consistent and structured bedtime routine, parents can help their child feel more relaxed and comfortable at bedtime, and can also help promote healthy sleep habits that will benefit their child for years to come.

Establishing Rules & Boundaries

Another key component of successful bedtime strategies for 3 year olds is establishing rules and boundaries around bedtime.

As a child sleep expert, I cannot stress enough the importance of rules and boundaries for 3-year-olds, both during the day and at night. Rules provide a sense of structure and predictability that young children crave and help them understand what is expected of them. Children who lack rules and boundaries can feel insecure, anxious, and confused. Setting and enforcing clear rules and boundaries for your child can help improve their behavior and make your life easier.

The clock changes colors to signal to your child when it’s okay to get up in the morning. This can help establish a routine and make it clear to your child that they should stay in bed until the clock changes color. It also helps prevent early morning wake-ups, which can be a challenge for parents.

Download Sleep Tips Library

Wondering how to get your baby to sleep through the night? What does their schedule look like as they get older? Looking for sleep tips when traveling? Download our free guides.

Getting Your Child Involved

Set expectations that are reasonable and achievable for their age. For example, is okay if your child needs a drink of water or a quick cuddle during the night? If not, then talk to your child about what you’re expecting of them once the lights go off. The key is to set boundaries and reinforce them consistently.

When setting rules and boundaries for your child, it’s essential to involve them in the process. Talk to them about why rules are important and ask them for input. Giving your child a sense of ownership and control over the process can help them feel more invested in following the rules. Additionally, involving your child in the process can help you identify areas where they may need extra support or guidance.

In conclusion, setting rules and boundaries for your 3-year-old is essential for promoting good behavior, establishing routines, and ensuring a good night’s sleep. When it comes to bedtime, setting three simple rules can help decrease stalling and encourage your child to fall asleep independently. Remember to make the rules age-appropriate and involve your child in the process to help them feel invested in following them. By setting clear expectations and enforcing them consistently, you can help your child feel secure and confident, both during the day and at night.

Bedtime Strategies for 3 Year Olds Involve Eliminating Screens

When it comes to bedtime strategies for 3 year olds, another crucial aspect that parents should prioritize is keeping screens out of their child’s nighttime routine. The blue light emitted by screens, such as tablets, smartphones, and televisions, can disrupt the natural sleep patterns and melatonin production of young children. Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles, and exposure to blue light can interfere with its production, making it harder for children to fall asleep and maintain a restful sleep throughout the night.

By eliminating screens from the bedtime routine, parents create a screen-free environment that promotes a calmer and more conducive atmosphere for sleep. Instead of screen time, parents can encourage alternative activities such as reading books, engaging in quiet play, or practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or gentle stretching. These activities not only help to wind down and relax a child before bed but also support their cognitive and emotional development.

Establishing a screen-free bedtime routine for 3 year olds is crucial for their overall well-being. It allows their bodies to naturally adjust to the cues of darkness and promotes a healthy sleep routine. Parents can create a cozy and peaceful sleep environment by dimming the lights, playing soft music or white noise, and engaging in calming activities that promote relaxation. By adopting these bedtime strategies and keeping screens out of the equation, parents can ensure that their 3 year olds have a better chance of achieving quality sleep and waking up refreshed and ready for the day ahead.

3 Year Old Wont Sleep

In conclusion, as a pediatric sleep consultant, I understand the challenges that parents face when it comes to helping their 3-year-olds establish healthy sleep habits. The strategies and techniques discussed in this blog can greatly contribute to improving your child’s sleep patterns and overall well-being.

By implementing a consistent bedtime routine, setting rules and boundaries, and keeping screens out of the bedtime routine, you can create an environment that promotes better sleep for your  3-year-olds. These sleep strategies work together to create a soothing and predictable atmosphere that allows children to fall asleep quickly at bedtime and sleep through the night.

3 Year Old Sleep Help

However, I also recognize that every child is unique and may require tailored solutions to address their specific sleep challenges. As a child sleep consultant, I offer personalized guidance and support to parents seeking help in improving their child’s sleep. I provide expert advice on sleep strategies, create customized sleep plans, and offer ongoing support throughout the journey.

With my expertise, I can help you navigate through the common obstacles that arise during the sleep training process. Whether it’s managing bedtime resistance, night awakenings, or early morning wake-ups, I provide practical solutions and reassurance to help your child develop healthy sleep habits that will benefit them in the long run.

Remember, it’s important to be patient and consistent when implementing these sleep strategies. Every child is different, and it may take time for them to adjust to new routines and boundaries. But with dedication and support, you can help your 3-year-old fall asleep quickly at bedtime and sleep through the night, promoting their overall well-being and creating a more harmonious sleep environment for the entire family.

If you’re looking for further guidance and support, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s hop on a free Discovery Call to see if we’re the right fit for each other. Together, we can work towards ensuring that your child gets the restful sleep they need for optimal growth and development.