Let me guess: bedtime at your house is a nightly circus act featuring a hyperactive preschooler, a missing stuffed animal, 12 bedtime stories, and at least three fake potty emergencies? Oh, and somewhere in between, you’re begging the sleep gods for mercy while Googling “why won’t my child just GO TO SLEEP?!”
I see you, tired mama. You are not alone. The good news? You’re probably making one (or more) of these common sleep mistakes, but that means there are easy fixes! Let’s get that little tornado of energy tucked in without the drama.
1. Letting the “One More Story” Game Go Too Far
We’ve all been there. You say “just one more” and suddenly you’re 17 books deep into a gripping tale about a talking train. The problem? Your little one is now more awake than ever.
Fix it: Set a hard limit (2 books max!) and stick to it. Use a timer if necessary. If your kiddo is still asking for more, introduce a bedtime music playlist or an audiobook as a compromise.
2. Bedtime Is Too Late (And You’re Paying for It)
If bedtime is a battle every night, your little one might actually be overtired, making it harder for them to fall asleep. (I know, it makes no sense, but kids are basically tiny, illogical geniuses.)
Fix it: Start bedtime before they’re rubbing their eyes and melting down. Most preschoolers need 10-12 hours of sleep, so work backward from wake-up time to find the ideal bedtime.
3. The Sneaky Effects of Screen Time Before Bed
That 30-minute episode of Paw Patrol before bed? It might be sabotaging sleep. Screens suppress melatonin, making it harder for kids to wind down.
Fix it: Shut down all screens at least an hour before bedtime. Instead, opt for calming activities like puzzles, coloring, or (gasp) actual conversation.
4. The Room Isn’t Sleep-Friendly
If your preschooler’s room is brighter than a Christmas tree or filled with distractions (looking at you, noisy plastic toys), falling asleep will be an uphill battle.
Fix it: Invest in blackout curtains, a white noise machine, and a cozy sleep environment. Pro tip: The Hatch Rest+ nightlight and sound machine is a total game-changer, soft glow, customizable sounds, and even a time-to-rise function for early risers. Trust me, you need this.
5. The Bedtime Routine Is Inconsistent
One night it’s a five-minute rush job; the next, it’s a two-hour saga. If bedtime is all over the place, your child won’t know what to expect, and that means more stalling.
Fix it: Stick to a predictable routine: bath, books, snuggles, sleep. Same order, same time, every night. (Yes, even on weekends!)
6. Your Child Is Getting Out of Bed… Again. And Again.
“I need water.” “I forgot to say goodnight to my stuffed unicorn.” “I just wanted to tell you I love you for the 27th time.”
Sound familiar? The bedtime escape artist routine is real.
Fix it: Try a “bedtime pass”, give your child one (physical!) pass they can use for ONE extra request. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. This helps kids learn to stay in bed while still feeling a little bit in control.
7. They’re Afraid of the Dark (or Something in the Closet)
Monsters, shadows, and “the scary thing under my bed” can turn bedtime into a nightmare (for both of you).
Fix it: A dim nightlight (again, Hatch Rest+ for the win!) and a “Monster Spray” (just water in a spray bottle) can work wonders. Also, check under the bed together, sometimes, a little reassurance is all they need.
8. They’re Not Getting Enough Daytime Activity
If your child has been parked on the couch all day, don’t be surprised if they’re bouncing off the walls at bedtime.
Fix it: Make sure they’re burning energy throughout the day, outdoor play, dancing, running, SOMETHING. A well-exercised kid is a sleepy kid!
Time to Take Back Bedtime, Mama!
If you’re nodding along thinking, “Yep, we do at least half of these,” don’t stress, small changes can make a huge difference! Try these fixes and let me know which one worked best for your little sleep-fighter.
And if you’re ready to seriously up your bedtime game? Get the Hatch Rest+ now and thank me later. (Seriously, it’s a lifesaver.)
Sleep tight, super mama, you got this!