How Ella’s Bedtime Routine Can Help Your Toddler Wind Down

Inspired by the lovable pup in "Ella Has a Book"

Let’s be honest — bedtime with toddlers can feel like herding tiny, giggling tornadoes. After a full day of running around, snacking, asking a thousand questions, and probably refusing a nap (or two), getting them to wind down isn’t always smooth sailing.

Well, here's Ella — my adorable fluffy fur baby and the star of Ella Has a Book. Many of Ella's human friends say she is exactly like a well-behaved human toddler, for the most part. She is often used as a reference point for my nieces and nephews to follow and mimic, and they do! Leaving Ella for some time meant that my family had to look after her, and her fur siblings, alongside my niece and nephew - Irish twins, mind you, and that can be a handful. Her simple nightly routine is surprisingly similar to what helps toddlers settle in as well. But Ella has surprisingly reminded everyone that routines don’t have to be complicated — they just need to feel safe, comforting, and consistent. And that’s something both toddlers and fluffy pups seem to thrive on.

So, if you’re looking for ways to help your little one ease into bedtime, here’s a little tried-and-tested inspiration on how Ella’s habits might just work for you and give your little one the nudge they need to snuggle in and say goodnight:

1. Tidy Up After the Day

Every night before bed, Ella does a final sweep of her toys — with a little nudge from us, of course. She usually tries to get one more playtime in, but she knows the phrase "it's time for bed" and that means 'time for cuddles and a warm tuck-in'. She knows her favourite toys go in her toybox, with a little help from us, and there’s something about this little ritual that feels like saying, “Okay, the fun is done for today.”

Toddler Tip:
Invite your toddler into a clean-up game. Sing a silly song, set a timer and make it a “beat the clock” challenge, or pretend to be clean-up robots as the last game for the day. Whatever works! It helps them feel like they’re wrapping up their day with purpose and play.

2. Switch to Quiet Mode

After the toys are put away, Ella slows things right down — a good stretch, some belly rubs, quietly sitting with us while we chat or read. When we're ready to wind up finally, we head out for an evening walk in the garden. We take a moment to look at the stars, feel the fresh evening air, 'listen to the quietness', watch the little geckos crawling on the walls, and Ella and her fur sisters sniff around the flowers for a while before they get tucked into their beds.

Toddler Tip:
The hour before bed should feel like a soft landing. Swap out screens and high-energy games for something gentler: colouring, reading a book together, or playing with blocks. A bit of quiet, low-stimulus time helps kids shift gears from “zoom!” to “zzz.”

3. Brush, Wash, and Wind Down

Ella loves her bedtime brush — it’s soothing for her and helps us check that all is well before sleep. It’s our version of “wash up and wind down.” I have realised that Ella loves it when her fur is brushed on her bed because it's very calming for her, and she's ready to fall asleep without moving much.

Toddler Tip:
Brushing teeth, washing faces, and putting on cosy pyjamas can feel like a chore unless you let your toddler take the lead. Let them choose their pyjamas or “help” with the toothpaste. Maybe, like Ella, they would enjoy their hair brushed in bed? These little rituals help signal to their brain: it’s bedtime.

4. Cuddles and Connection

Once Ella’s brushed and ready, she settles down for one last cuddle — usually with a big sigh and a sleepy look that says, “Yep, I’m done for the day.”

Toddler Tip:
Never underestimate the power of a snuggle. Bedtime stories, talking about the day, or just lying next to your little one and whispering sweet nothings helps them feel safe, loved, and ready to drift off.

5. Keep Their Space Familiar

Ella’s bed setup doesn’t change much — same soft blankets, favourite plushie (that has been with her since she was a pup), and her usual corner. That consistency helps her feel safe and fall asleep faster.

Toddler Tip:
Toddlers love familiarity. A favourite stuffed animal, a dim nightlight, and their own little bedtime “nest” can go a long way in helping them settle. If they’re still figuring out how to self-soothe, these little sleep cues do a lot of the heavy lifting.

Final Thoughts

If Ella’s bedtime routine has taught us anything, it’s that a calm evening can be simple and easy for the young ones to remember — it just needs to be consistent, comforting, and a little bit cuddly.

So the next time bedtime feels like a wild ride, take a deep breath and channel your inner Ella.