5 Must-Have Tools for Building a Calming Bedtime Routine

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Let’s be honest:

Bedtime with kids can either be a dreamy wind-down into peaceful slumber...

or it can feel like trying to wrestle a caffeinated squirrel into a straightjacket.

There’s rarely an in-between.

At All Good Things N More, we believe bedtime should be a sacred ritual, not a nightly battle.

It’s the final note in the day’s song — soft, steady, meaningful.

After years (and seven kids!) of trial, error, and occasional chaos, we’ve found a handful of simple tools that turn bedtime from frantic to fabulous.

Here are our 5 must-haves for building a calming bedtime routine — products we love, use, and happily recommend:

1. A Trusty White Noise Machine

(Our Favorite Here)

The world doesn’t get quieter just because your little ones need to sleep.

Dogs bark, neighbors mow lawns, cars zoom by... but a good white noise machine drowns out the chaos.

We love this compact, travel-friendly one that’s been a game-changer for naps and nighttimes alike.

(Plus, it’s simple enough that even toddlers can turn it on themselves — independence win!)

2. Soft, Story-Worthy Pajamas

(Snuggle-Worthy Pajamas We Adore)

You might not think pajamas matter — until you meet a kid itchy, cold, or tangled in cheap fabrics at midnight.

Soft, breathable, organic cotton pajamas make a difference you can feel (and smell, if you’re a fan of lavender washes).

We recommend investing in a few pairs that make your child want to climb into them each night.

3. A Favorite Bedtime Book (or Three)

(See Our Top Picks Here)

Obviously, we’re a little biased — storytelling is kind of our thing.

But seriously: a good bedtime book can smooth the rough edges of a hard day and anchor your child’s mind to hope, laughter, and wonder.

We suggest keeping a small rotation of 3-5 favorites by the bed. (Kids love the familiar.)

Looking for new titles? Check out our All Good Things N More book series — created to spark confidence, imagination, and resilience.

4. Calming Essential Oils

(Our Go-To Nighttime Blend)

A few drops of lavender or chamomile oil in a diffuser can shift the whole mood of a room.

Our kids now associate that scent with “time to slow down,” and the effect is nearly magical.

(Always check for child-safe blends and start with very low amounts.)

5. A Cozy Night Light

(The Gentle Glow We Use)

No harsh overhead lights, no spooky dark corners.

Just a soft, warm night light that invites peace instead of fear.

Bonus points if it’s shaped like something charming — a cloud, a moon, a sleepy animal — to make bedtime feel special instead of scary.

Small Changes, Big Impact

You don’t need to overhaul your entire evening routine to see a difference.

Just a few intentional touches — a sound, a scent, a story — can flip the switch from chaos to calm.

And here’s the best part:

It’s not just about getting your kids to sleep faster.

It’s about ending the day connected, not conflicted.

It’s about sending them into dreamland knowing:

“I am safe. I am loved. Tomorrow is a new adventure.”

If you’re ready to make bedtime a beautiful ritual again, start with one of our favorite tools.

Sleep tight, dream big, and remember:

All good things start with peace.