Every parent knows the struggle of bedtime. Between calming anxieties, establishing routines, and catering to different personalities, getting little ones to drift off peacefully can feel like an impossible feat. But what if there was a way to personalize bedtime for each child, creating a calming environment that sets them up for a restful night’s sleep?

This is exactly what Caitlin, a mom of two, discovered after realizing a “one-size-fits-all” approach just wasn’t working for her son and daughter. Her son, a light sleeper easily startled by nighttime noises, needed a soothing soundscape to lull him into dreamland. Her daughter, on the other hand, thrived on a predictable routine with a gentle nudge towards sleep when it was officially “night-night” time.

Here’s how Caitlin, with the help of some clever solutions, created a bedtime routine that worked for both her children:

• Creating a Calming Soundscape: A sound machine featuring calming options like white noise, rain, or nature sounds can be a game-changer for little ones who struggle with disruptive noises. Products like the Hatch Rest+ allow you to create a personalized soundscape that works best for your child.
• The Power of Routine: Children crave predictability, and a set bedtime routine can signal to their bodies that it’s time to wind down. Using a sound machine or a gentle glowing light as cues within the routine can help little ones understand the transition to sleep time. The Hatch Rest+ features a time-to-rise function with a combination of light and sound, so your child can learn when it’s okay to greet the day.
• Cozy Comfort: Beyond a sound machine and nightlight, creating a cozy sleep environment is key. This could include blackout curtains to block out disruptive light, a cuddly stuffed animal, or a favorite soft blanket.

By personalizing her bedtime routines and incorporating tools like the Hatch Rest+, Caitlin was able to address the individual needs of her children. Her son now drifts off to sleep with calming white noise, while her daughter receives a gentle light and sound cue when it’s time to wind down.