7 Bedtime Hacks From a Mom of 3 (That Don't Involve Limes Under the Crib)
What bedtime actually looks like at our house — and the little rituals that make it easier on everyone.
Three kids in, I've tried every bedtime hack the internet has to offer. Yes, including the lime. If it went viral at 11pm, I probably tried it at 11:05.
None of it stuck. What finally made a difference wasn't a trick. It was doing the same few things, in the same order, every single night.
So here's what bedtime actually looks like at our house. Seven little rituals, zero citrus.
Same steps, same order, every night.
Research found that starting a consistent bedtime routine reduced night wakings in babies and toddlers, and moms' moods improved too. Often within the first few nights.
Ours is: bath, pajamas, story in the glider, cuddle, lights out. Same five steps whether it's a Tuesday or we're at Grandma's.
Bath
Pajamas
Story
Cuddle
Lights outGet the wiggles out first.
Toddlers have energy to burn right before bed. We read one of our stomp-and-roar books early in the routine so the wiggles come out before the calm part.
Tex stomps, Rory roars, Parker leaps. My kids do all three, loudly. Then we move on to the quiet stuff.
Let them pick the pajamas.
Two choices, laid out on the bed. A small choice gives a toddler a sense of control and cuts the "I don't WANT pajamas" fight.
This is also why we own more than one pair.
Dress for the room, not the season.
The rule of thumb: one more light layer than you'd wear in the same room, and check the back of the neck, not the hands. Long sleeves and pants are fine year-round when the room is comfortable.
Our bamboo viscose pajamas stretch easily over heads and diapers, so pajama time isn't a wrestling match.
Zipper Footie | Mini Monsters Blue$36.00Shop now
Two-Piece Bamboo Pajama Set | Huddles & Cuddles Blue$36.00Shop now
Story time in the glider, buddy in their arms.
The best part of our night. Baby holds their lovey while I read the matching book, so the plush becomes part of the ritual.
Loveys stay in the glider. The crib stays empty.
Buddy goes to bed first.
We tuck the lovey onto the shelf and walk around saying goodnight. To Brody, the lamp, the dog.
It's a gentle signal that the day is done, and toddlers love being the one to put buddy to bed.
Build the stalls into the routine.
Water, one more potty trip, one more hug. Make them official steps before goodnight so they stop being bargaining chips.
And give a heads-up at 10 minutes and 5 minutes before the routine starts.
Give yourself grace.
One study found that at 6 months, 38% of babies weren't yet sleeping 6 hours in a row, and at 12 months, 28% still weren't. If yours isn't there yet, you're not doing it wrong.
Build the routine, keep it cozy, and be patient with both of you.
Everything in our bedtime routine.
Questions moms ask us
When can my baby sleep with a lovey?
The AAP recommends keeping the crib completely free of soft objects until at least 12 months. We use our loveys during story time and cuddles, and the crib stays clear. Ask your pediatrician about your own child.
What should my baby wear to sleep?
One more light layer than you'd wear in the same room; check the chest or back of the neck for warmth.
Are these books good for babies?
They're sturdy board books designed for toddlers and preschoolers, with a soft plush tail little hands love.
How do I pick a pajama size?
Our sizes are age ranges: Newborn, 0-3 months, 3-6 months and up through big kid. See the size guide.
Bamboo viscose pajamas
Zipper footies, convertible rompers and two-piece sets. Stretchy, easy on and off, and made for the pajama step of the routine.
NewBamboo Convertible Zipper Romper | Mini Monsters Blue$36.00
NewTwo-Piece Bamboo Pajamas | Mini Monsters Blue$36.00
Zipper Footie | Mini Monsters Blue$36.00
Bamboo Convertible Zipper Romper | Mini Monsters Pink$36.00
Bamboo Two-Piece Pajama Set | Love You A Brunch$36.00
Bamboo Convertible Zipper Romper | Love You A Brunch$36.00
Two-Piece Bamboo Pajama Set | Huddles & Cuddles Blue$36.00
Convertible Bamboo Zipper Romper | Huddles & Cuddles Pink$36.00
Bundle & SaveLittle All-Star Zipper Footie Bundle$81.00 
🎄 Limited editionTwo-Piece Bamboo Pajama Set | Toy Soldier Green$36.00
This page shares one mom's routine and general information, not medical advice. Always follow safe sleep guidance from your pediatrician.