How giving your child a bath at bedtime can sabotage sleep

We often think a bath should be part of your child’s bedtime routine.

For some, a bath is lovely and relaxing. It’s perfect to have as part of your wind-down before sleep. A warm bath before bed helps reduce your temperature once out of the bath. This drop in temperature signals the production of melatonin. And, of course, melatonin helps us all fall asleep.

A 10-minute bath can also be a cue for sleep and the perfect way to start your bedtime routine.

Unless, of course, a bath is not relaxing for your child.

Some children, usually those with an intense sleep personality, may have difficulty relaxing and unwinding after a bath. The bath can be so fun, and they can take a long time to slow down and get ready for sleep.

We do want a bath to be fun for your child. But we want them to be able to go through the remainder of your bedtime routine without feeling like you’ve given them a shot of espresso!

If your child struggles to unwind after a bedtime bath, it’s worth having a bath at another time of day. Maybe before dinner, this will give your child plenty of time to slow down and get ready for sleep.