4 Calming Bedtime Activities for Toddlers (Besides Baths and Reading)

Getting your active toddler to calm down before bedtime can be a challenge. Transitioning from playtime to bedtime is difficult, but with a solid routine, you can make your bedtime routine much easier. It’s tough to peel kids away from playing to put them in the bath, and reading can sometimes be too much of a cue for bed, and they won’t want to do it. Need more ideas? We’ve got you covered! Keep reading for four calming bedtime activities for toddlers that don’t involve a bath or reading—and one of them might surprise you!

Count Down to Calm Down

If you’re always dealing with an overtired toddler at bedtime, or just simply have a hard time getting them to switch from play-mode to bed-mode, there are some easy changes you can make.

Establishing a consistent bedtime routine is key, and it starts way before getting into bed at all.

Ensuring your toddler doesn’t become overtired includes many factors, such as:

• Paying attention to their sleepy cues
• Making sure they get a good nap—sleep begets sleep!
• Aiming for an earlier bedtime if they refused their nap
• Choose a calming activity right before bedtime begins

Not sure what to do with your toddler right before bedtime? We’ve got some great ideas for you, including focused bonding, having a conversation, snuggles and scratches, and even bubble play.

Focused Bonding

One of the best ways you can get your toddler calm and ready for bed is through focused bonding. No matter how busy you are throughout the day, set aside 5-10 minutes before bed to completely focus on your toddler. No phones, no TV, just you and them!

Benefits of focused bonding include:

• Establishes trust by showing that you are a safe place for your child to come to.
• Helps your child learn more about their own feelings.
• Builds stronger communication skills.
• Helps them to learn how to deal with tough stuff (now and later). 
• Builds their brains.

Bonding with your child helps them feel safe and happy in their relationship with you. It shows that they can count on you, which gives them the comfort to explore the world, knowing they have a safe home base to return to. This sets the foundation for future friendships they will have because it shows young children what good relationships can look like.

[source: https://www.first5nevada.org/news-and-articles/tips-for-bonding-with-young-children/ ]

Plus, it relaxes them.

Bonding with your child makes them feel calm, safe, and loved. This is due to the release of oxytocin, also known as the love hormone.

Some ideas include:

• Imaginative play
• Singing a song
• Watching a movie together
• Talking about the day
• Reading a book
• Playing Play-Doh together

Have a Conversation

Strike up a conversation with your child! Even if they’re not much of a talker yet, ask questions to get their brain going.

Whether you want to talk about events of the day, recall a fun memory, or make up a completely silly story with them involving family members or their toys, get them talking!

Talking a lot can be tiring, especially when imagination is involved.

About ten minutes before you start your bedtime routine and want to break your child away from play, strike up a conversation. You’ll get such a kick out of what they come up with while they’re tired!

Here are some prompts:

• What was your favorite part of the day?
• What makes you happy?
• Who is your favorite stuffed animal?
• What is the silliest face you can make right now?
• How high can you jump?
• If you were a vehicle, which one would you be?
• What is your favorite food to eat?

Snuggles and Scratches

Is there anything better than that? A great way to get your child calm and ready for their bedtime routine is through sweet snuggles and scratches. Whether you’re watching a movie, playing a game, or reading a book, snuggle up! Play with their hair, scratch their back, or intertwine fingers with them.

Also, using pressure can be very soothing for toddlers. Wrapping them up in a blanket, holding them close, or giving them a gentle massage are all great ways to get them calm for bed.

Having a hard time wrangling them? Just jump into whatever they are doing and start scratching! Even if they are still playing with dolls, Hot Wheels, or out in the dirt, sit next to them and start soothing them. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they start to calm down!

Bubble Play

If your toddler still has a ton of energy leading up to bedtime and you want to start calming them down, break out the bubbles!

Bubbles are very calming for toddlers because they are mesmerizing to watch, toddlers run around trying to pop them, and our bubble wand promotes deep, rhythmic breathing.

Our toddler-friendly bubble wand is super easy for them to use. All they need to do is dip, twirl, and blow!

Plus, they can create a ton of bubbles even with just one tiny toddler breath. They will have so much fun being able to finally do it all on their own that they will be tired for bedtime in no time.

Our bubble wand was uniquely designed for little hands, as well as little mouths. Don’t worry, no bubble solution will get in their mouth. We made sure of that with our no-backflow design!

Want more fun toddler ideas and unique, high-quality toys? Visit us at Innobaby.com!