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Real Moms Share: 19 Bedtime Routines and Rituals That Will Get Your Kids to Sleep

Got a kid who just won't go to sleep? These proven tips from iVillage moms can help you streamline your bedtime -- fast! (16 Photos)

Lela Davidson on Aug 22, 2012 at 11:42PM

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Real Moms Share: 19 Bedtime Routines and Rituals That Will Get Your Kids to Sleep

Patricia

Kids' Bedtime Routines That Really Work!

Ever have one of those nights when you feel you've tried everything to get your kid to sleep? Whether you've got a baby who doesn't seem to want to rest, a toddler who refuses to get into bed or a preschooler with the negotiating skills of a litigator, these proven tips from iVillage moms can help you streamline your bedtime.

Sing a Song
"My best tip is to sing, 'The Ants Go Marching.' Something about the rhythmic repetition would calm my son right to sleep. We had a nightly bedtime routine with our son, which included two short stories and some snuggling. Then we'd put him in the crib, and pat his back to the song 'Ants Go Marching' and by the time we went from 'One by One' to 'Ten by Ten,' he'd be asleep. Now that his little sister is 9-months-old, we use the same technique with her." -- Patricia, Jersey City, NJ

See how the Obamas got through sleep training their first child in this exclusive interview with the First Lady.