At Voxblock, we understand how important bedtime routines are for children. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Edinburgh-based sleep coach Harriet, also known as @the.wee.sleep.coach, to bring you helpful sleep tips throughout Sleep Week. Harriet’s expert advice is here to make bedtime smoother and more restful for everyone. Let’s dive into her top tips for creating a calming and effective bedtime routine.
Why is Sleep Important in the Early Years of Development?
Sleep is a cornerstone of healthy growth and development during the early years of a child’s life. It plays a vital role in physical growth, as most of a child’s growth hormone is released during deep sleep. Sleep is also essential for brain development, aiding memory consolidation, learning, and emotional regulation. Consistent, high-quality sleep helps children develop better social skills, improved focus, and behaviour as the body and mind process everything learnt that day during the night. Establishing healthy sleep habits early sets the foundation for a lifetime of good sleep hygiene.
Harriet's 3 Bedtime Tips
1. Start Your Routine in the Morning
Did you know that a successful bedtime routine begins the moment your little one wakes up? Waking up at the same time every day helps set their internal body clock and creates a consistent rhythm for the day. This simple habit makes it easier for your child to understand when it’s time to sleep, setting the foundation for a smoother bedtime later on.
Consistency in the morning is key to setting up the day for success!
2. The 30-40 Minute Rule
According to Harriet, bedtime routines should be no longer than 30 to 40 minutes. Why? Short and structured routines help set clear expectations while avoiding overtiredness. When routines drag on, children may lose focus, making it harder to wind down.
Harriet suggests keeping the steps simple: a bath, pyjamas, a story, and then bed. For more details, check out her video below where she shares her go-to routine for little ones.
Harriet's top tip here is to use an amber-coloured night light rather than a blue or cool-toned light.
3. Voxblock Bedtime Mode
We know storytime is one of the most magical parts of the day. With Voxblock, you can make bedtime even more special with our Bedtime Mode. After you’ve finished reading or listening to a story, switch to Bedtime Mode for an additional 20 minutes of soothing storytelling.
This gentle audio helps your child drift off to sleep without the temptation of screens. It’s a screen-free, stress-free way to ensure your child transitions from storytime to dreamland.
Harriet’s tips are a great way to create calm and consistency at bedtime, and with Voxblock, you can take your child’s bedtime routine to the next level. Want more bedtime inspiration? Here are six fantastic stories to include in your routine:
★ Bedtime Meditations for Kids by Christianne Kerr
★ Old Bear by Jane Hissey
★ Peppa’s Bedtime Stories by Hasbro
★ Under the Stars by Lisa Harvey-Smith
★ The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
★ Stories for Bedtime by Enid Blyton
To learn more about Harriet's service, check out her website theweesleepcoach.com or follow her on Instagram @the.wee.sleep.coach
