Tag Archives: bedtime

Go-To Stories for your Children’s Bedtime Bliss

Picture this: it’s that cozy time of the day when your little one’s energy starts to wind down, and the soft glow of bedtime is upon you. What do you reach for to make bedtime magic happen? We’re talking about those all-time favorite children’s bedtime storybooks that have been melting hearts and creating sweet dreams for generations.

It’s not just the stories themselves, though; creating the perfect bedtime atmosphere involves more than just words on a page. It’s about snuggling up in comfy pajamas, sharing giggles, and building a soothing routine that sets the stage for a night of restful sleep. These moments are when you and your child can bond, dream, and let imaginations run wild, all while ensuring a peaceful night’s rest. So, join us as we explore these beloved bedtime tales that have become cherished companions in countless homes.

One bedtime classic that’s as timeless as it gets is “Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown. This book, born in 1947, has been tucking kids into bed for ages with its soothing rhymes and comforting illustrations. Its secret sauce? Simplicity! The book’s repetitive, gentle words and the act of saying goodnight to everything in the room make it the ultimate bedtime ritual.

Now, let’s hop over to “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak. Max, our wild-spirited hero, sets sail to an island inhabited by, well, wild things! The imaginative journey and whimsical illustrations have been capturing young hearts for over 50 years. It’s a bedtime must-read that sparks adventure in kids’ dreams.

If you fancy a chuckle with your nightly read, “Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!” by Mo Willems is a hoot. Willems’ interactive style lets your little one take charge and tell that sneaky pigeon to hit the hay. The pigeon’s hilarious bedtime antics will have your child giggling, and it’s a relatable read for parents, too.

Speaking of imagination, “Harold and the Purple Crayon” by Crockett Johnson is a real gem. Harold, the young artist, uses his trusty purple crayon to draw his way into marvelous adventures. It’s a story that encourages kids to embrace their creativity and think outside the box—a perfect bedtime tale for budding dreamers.

Adding to this fantastic lineup is “Guess How Much I Love You” by Sam McBratney. This heartwarming tale of Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare’s expressive declarations of love is sure to tug at your heartstrings.

For a modern classic, check out “The Gruffalo” by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. This clever mouse creates a tall tale about the Gruffalo to outwit potential predators. It’s a witty and heartwarming read, and your kids will love playing along with the story’s fun patterns.

In a world full of screens and busy schedules, these books offer a moment of serenity and togetherness. They create a magical space where you and your little one can bond, dream, and let imaginations run wild. Whether you take the recommendations above or have your own favorites, bedtime stories are the glue that holds generations together. These stories weave unforgettable memories, sprinkle stardust in your child’s dreams, and create a cozy cocoon of love and joy that makes bedtime something everyone looks forward to. So, grab your favorite book, snuggle up, and let the bedtime adventures begin! 🌙💤

17 Sleep Inducing Bedtime Snacks

17 Sleep-Inducing Bedtime Snacks

How is it August already? It’s time to get back to school and back to our family routines. The long carefree days of summer sometimes encourage parents to let bedtime stretch 30 minutes… or one or two hours… later than on a school night. Getting your kids back on board with “early to bed, early to rise” might be a challenge.

Cutting out screen time at least one hour before bed is a great way to help kids (and adults!) fall asleep and stay asleep. If your kids usually have a bedtime snack, rethink milk and cookies and opt for one of these sleep inducing treats instead. Your kids will practically be begging for their pajamas.

Classic Moose Flapjack Pajamas by Lazy One

Classic Moose Flapjack Pajamas by Lazy One

Snacks That Make You Sleepy

1. Banana and Almond Butter. The magnesium and potassium in bananas serve as a natural muscle and nerve relaxant. The protein and fiber in almond butter will ensure that your kids will stay asleep.

2. Hummus and Whole-Grain Bread. Hummus is a great source of tryptophan, which gets metabolized into serotonin and melatonin, two of the main chemicals responsible for getting you to sleep. Whole-grain bread triggers insulin production, which makes you feel sleepy by naturally raising your blood sugar.

3. Whole-Grain Crackers, Cheese, and Turkey. The protein in cheese will help you stay asleep while turkey is another great source of tryptophan. The calcium in cheese will also regulate involuntary muscle movements, reducing the chance of “twitching” awake.

4. Cherries. The best way to get a good night’s sleep is to increase your melatonin intake. Cherries are a natural source of melatonin. When eaten regularly, they can help regulate your sleep cycle.

5. Chocolate Covered Almonds. Dark chocolate contains serotonin, which relaxes your body and mind. Almonds are packed with protein and fiber to curb hunger.

6. Watermelon. Each 2-cup serving is half water, which will hydrate kids before bed and eliminate post-dinner hunger pains with its fiber and volume.

7. Whole-Grain Crackers and Tuna Salad. Whole-Grain foods are great for regulating your blood sugar and fish such as tuna, halibut, and salmon are high in vitamin B6, which your body needs to make melatonin and serotonin.

'Bear Cheeks' Flapjack Pajamas by Lazy One

‘Bear Cheeks’ Flapjack Pajamas by Lazy One

8. Honey-Sweetened Hot Chocolate. Milk, dark chocolate powder, and a touch of honey warmed on the stove is a drink that will send anyone off to dreamland. Dark chocolate is a natural source of serotonin and the calcium in milk helps the brain use the tryptophan to manufacture sleep-inducing melatonin. The natural sugar in honey slightly raises insulin and allows tryptophan to enter the brain more easily.

9. Pistachios. A handful of pistachios packs protein, vitamin B6, and magnesium, all of which contribute to better sleep.

10. String Cheese. If your kids are complaining of hunger pangs, “string cheese” — part-skim mozzarella cheese — is packed with protein and makes for a satisfying pre-bed snack.

11. Pretzels. This one might surprise you. Pretzels have a high glycemic index, which means they will spike your blood sugar and insulin levels, shortening the amount of time it takes you to fall asleep. Combine with nut butter for a snack with some staying power.

12. Whole-Grain Toast, Smoked Salmon, and Cream Cheese. If your kids are happy with tuna, give this one a try. Given what we already know about whole-grains and dairy, this snack should be no surprise. Like tuna, salmon is rich in vitamin B6, which aids in melatonin and serotonin production.

13. Oatmeal with Dried Cherries. Oats raise your blood sugar naturally and make you feel sleepy. Oats are also rich in melatonin, which relaxes the body and helps you fall asleep.

14. Baked Sweet Potato “Toast”. Baked sweet potatoes are a great source of potassium, magnesium, and calcium to help you relax. Drizzle with honey or a tablespoon of almond butter for a pre-bedtime treat.

15. Whole Wheat Banana Muffins with Walnuts. The vitamin B6 in bananas converts tryptophan into serotonin, increasing the body’s ability to relax. Walnuts are another natural source of melatonin, which will help regulate your sleep cycle.

16. Bowl of Rice Cereal. A bowl of rice cereal before bed could help your kids get better sleep. The snack combines calcium from milk with carbs and the blood sugar spike from rice to help them get to sleep faster.

17. Cantaloupe. Dehydration can impact your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep, so choosing to snack on a watery fruit like cantaloupe will help make up for any deficits.

For more back-to-school tips and tricks,  visit The Pajama Company at our blog, thepajamacompany.com/blog.

back-to-school kids pajamas

5 Bedtime Rituals for Better Sleep

Have you ever noticed that how you get ready for bed can have a big impact on how easily you fall asleep?

Here are some tried and true things to do before bed to help you sleep better:

1. Wind down before bed.

We know you probably love to catch up on your favorite shows in the evening, but it’s best to do your TV or movie watching a little earlier in the night.

Give yourself time to wind down – at least 30 minutes – before it’s time to close your eyes.  Turn off the TV and grab a book or magazine and get cozy.

2. Quiet your mind.

Mind chatter can get in the way of good sleep. If you have something on your mind, it can be hard to shake. Journaling is a great way to empty your mind of those thoughts.

Spend a little time reflecting on your day or simply do a brain dump of thoughts, things you need to do, or bright ideas. This will help you to get to a more peaceful place so you can rest with ease.

3. Indulge in some aromatherapy.

Essential oils are a really nice way to end the day.  Scents like lavendar, chamomile, and sandalwood are known for their calming properties.  You can simply take a few drops and rub them into your skin or incorporate into your hand lotion and give your hands or feet a brief massage.

Or treat yourself to a cozy pair of spa slippers complete with scented grain packs for relaxation.

4. Listen to soothing music.

There’s nothing like music to change your state. Find some relaxing music and make a practice of listening to it before you drift off. We love this set of soothing music with nature sounds.  I-tunes and Youtube have many varities of music to calm you, so find what you like!

5. Try a relaxation practice.

Take a few minutes to ease into relaxation.  Kind of like counting sheep, but a little less active. Try a muscle relaxation exercise or visualization. These breathing techniques may also help you to relax.

How about you?  What rituals have you incorporated into your nightly routine for better sleep?  Share with us in the comments below…

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