Step 1: Set Aside Two Hours (or More).
You’ll need ample time for this task. Seriously, two hours might not even be enough.
Step 2: Get the Diaper On.
This part can be a bit more challenging. First, ensure all potential escape routes are blocked. Containment is essential—if your little one makes a break for it, you could find yourself spending an extra hour chasing them back upstairs. To lure them in, pretend you have a fun toy or a cool magic trick to show. (Having an actual toy is a bonus!) Whatever you do, avoid saying “bedtime” or “diaper.” Those words will end your ruse immediately. Once they’re intrigued, you can use a gentle maneuver to quickly swap out the daytime diaper for the nighttime one. Keep in mind that your diaper-changing skills should be top-notch since you’ll only have a few seconds before they wriggle free.
Step 3: Dress Them in Pajamas.
Don’t even think about this step until the initial chaos from diaper changing has calmed. Once the storm has passed, find a distraction to help you get those pajamas on. Options include singing along to their favorite song or presenting a beloved stuffed animal. If you skip the distraction, you might as well be trying to dress an octopus in footie pajamas! IMPORTANT: If you’re potty training, opt for two-piece jammies. Your toddler will insist on using the restroom at least a dozen times before they’re actually tucked in.
Step 4: Choose the Bedtime Story.
Narrowing down options is key here. Pre-select two or three books to present to your child. If you don’t, you could find yourself stuck reading the same story for the umpteenth time. Opt for shorter, picture-heavy books unless you want storytime to last all night. Present the options and firmly state they can only choose one. Expect some pushback. Stay strong—you can do this! They might switch their choice multiple times, but stick to your guns. Give them a moment to decide and go with the first title they mention. They might protest for a bit, but eventually, the story will engage them. And when they demand “More!” or “I want that one!” after finishing, hold your ground—giving in will only encourage their persistence.
Step 5: Exit the Room.
This is the most extended phase of the process. First, return the books to the shelf, tuck them in, and give plenty of hugs and kisses. As you’re about to leave, you may hear “Mommy, wait!” or “Daddy, don’t go!” Reassure them that everything is fine and that you’re just down the hall. Depending on your parenting style, you can either shut the door and let them cry it out for five minutes, returning to comfort them if necessary, or stay with them until they drift off. DANGER: You’ll feel tempted to let them sleep in your bed. Resist that urge. Once you allow that, it’s a slippery slope that could lead to a new bedmate for a decade or more.
Once the mission is complete, treat yourself to a glass of wine and some relaxation time. As you settle in, try to ignore the faint calls of “Mommy? Daddy?” from the toddler’s room. Eventually, they will quiet down, and you can dive back into your book or show. Just be prepared for when those soft calls turn into frantic screams—you’ll need to act fast! Enter the room, check for any injuries, and remind yourself it’s part of the game of parenting. Repeat these steps until your little one is finally asleep. Afterward, forget about finishing that book or show; just take a deep breath and know you’ll face this all over again tomorrow.
For more advice on handling these toddler challenges, you might want to check out this resource on managing tantrums when leaving the playground. Additionally, if you’re on a fertility journey, consider reading about the different methods available for home insemination, including the use of an artificial insemination kit.
Summary:
Putting a toddler to bed can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. By setting aside ample time, using distraction techniques, and sticking to a bedtime routine, parents can navigate the bedtime process more smoothly. Remember to be firm during story selection and resist the temptation to let them into your bed. With patience, you can make bedtime a more manageable affair.