Before we sorted out our bedtime routine, putting my toddler to bed took 90 minutes and involved four rounds of one more drink of water. A consistent bedtime routine works because it signals to your toddler brain that sleep is coming. The sequence of activities acts like a countdown that helps melatonin production begin. The ideal toddler bedtime window is between 6:30 and 8pm depending on nap schedule. Overtired toddlers actually have more trouble falling asleep not less. A good routine is 20 to 30 minutes: start with a warm bath, then pajamas, then brushing teeth, then 2 to 3 books, then one song or quiet cuddle, then into bed awake but drowsy. Screens should be off at least one hour before bed. Keep the bedtime environment consistent: dim lights, white noise if helpful, a comfort object if they have one. The secret weapon against stalling is a bedtime pass: one physical card your toddler can exchange for one extra request per night. Research shows this dramatically reduces curtain calls. Once the pass is used it is gone. Consistency is everything. The routine only works if it happens the same way every single night.