Tips on establishing a bedtime routine for an 18 month old?

Question

Lately she just doesn't nap and stays up till like 11 or 12. My husband and I need some alone time. Any ideas on what to do to get them sleepy? Does sleepy bath stuff work? Etc. Best bed times?

Answer

We give my 17 month old oatmeal before bed. Since we started doing that he’s been going to bed great and sleeping through the night!
We also make sure that he goes to bed between 7-745 every night. Even if he’s crying he sits in his crib and usually after 5 minutes he passes out. If he’s hysterical or lasts longer than 5 mins I’ll check on him but if every need is met and he just doesn’t want to sleep then he stays in his crib.

Answer

Try to get a nap in again. We had our 18 mo old taking a nap right after lunch and then bedtime at 7:30

Answer

Most toddlers should be in bed by no later than 9. I would start by making sure they are up at a specific time, do naps earlier in the day if they need one, a bath (I do think the lavender helps, but not everyone does) this is our last step before stories, and then we read one children’s book and a chapter out of a larger book. It’s then lights out. We shut the door with the light off, and white noise does help us a lot. My daughter is a light sleeper, and I notice a distinct difference in the quality of sleep, and how long it takes her to fall asleep if we forget white noise.