Bedtime routine

A bedtime routine for kids that ends with a story

A good bedtime routine is not complicated. It is the same few calm steps, in the same order, most nights. Here is a simple one you can print, with a story at the heart of it.

Why a routine helps

Children cope better when they know what comes next. Doing the same calm steps in the same order tells them that the day is winding down. The NHS suggests a simple bedtime routine, including a bath, night clothes, dimmed lights and reading a bedtime story, and notes that as your child gets older, it can be helpful to keep to a similar bedtime routine, with calmer activities such as reading before bed.

A simple bedtime routine checklist

Start about 30 to 45 minutes before lights out. Print this checklist

1. Screens off. Televisions and tablets go off, and the lights in the house come down.
2. Bath or wash. Warm and unhurried rather than splashy.
3. Pyjamas. Let them choose between two pairs so they feel in charge of something.
4. Teeth. Brush, then no more food or drink except water.
5. Toilet. Always, even if they say they don’t need to.
6. Into bed. Cuddly toy and water within reach.
7. A story, read aloud. The heart of the routine. Read slowly and get quieter towards the end.
8. Talk and cuddle. One good thing about today. One thing they are looking forward to.
9. The same goodnight. The same words every night, then lights out.

Adjusting it by age

• Toddlers: keep it short and exactly the same every night. Picture cards for each step can help.
• Ages 4 to 7: give them jobs to do themselves, such as choosing pyjamas or turning off the big light, and agree the number of stories beforehand.
• Older children: they may want to read to you, or read alone for a while. Keep the talk-and-cuddle step even when the picture books have gone.

When bedtime keeps stretching

• “One more story!” Agree the number before you start, and stick to it kindly. A story with a clear ending helps.
• “I need a drink.” Water by the bed, before the story.
• “I’m not tired.” They do not have to fall asleep straight away, just stay in bed with the lights low.
• Siblings at different ages: stagger the routines, or share the story and do separate goodnights.

Where Story Nest fits

Story Nest gives you a new story to read aloud at step seven, shaped by what your child loves and the boundaries you choose, with one story per child at each bedtime. It is built for you to read aloud, so your child listens rather than watches.