--- title: 5 Top Tips for a Calm Bedtime Routine | Paediasure Shake UK description: Having trouble putting your little ones to sleep on special days like Christmas? Here are our top 5 tips for a calm bedtime to help your children fall asleep. --- [![PediaSure](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/hs-fs/hubfs/Abbott%202021/PediaSure%20UK/Homepage/PDS-logo.png?width=120&height=60&name=PDS-logo.png)](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/) [Where to buy![arrow-white](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/hubfs/Abbott%202021/PediaSure/Homepage/WArrow.svg)](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/where-to-buy) [![logo-black](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/hubfs/Abbott%202021/PediaSure/Homepage/abbott-logo-black.svg)](https://www.uk.abbott/) Healthy Nutritious Shakes for Kids ![close](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/hubfs/Abbott%20LP%202020/Similac%20-%20EleCare/close%20(1).svg) ![menu](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/hubfs/Abbott%20LP%202020/Similac%20-%20EleCare/menu-burger.svg) [![logo1](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/hs-fs/hubfs/Abbott%202021/PediaSure%20UK/Homepage/PaediaSure_Logo_300px.png?width=300&height=143&name=PaediaSure_Logo_300px.png)](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/) [![logo2](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/hubfs/Abbott%202021/PediaSure/Homepage/abbott%20logo.svg)](https://www.uk.abbott/) [![cart](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/hs-fs/hubfs/Abbott%202021/PediaSure/Registration/header_cart.png?width=46&height=46&name=header_cart.png)](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/where-to-buy) ![menu](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/hubfs/Abbott%20LP%202020/Similac%20-%20EleCare/close%20(2).svg) [Where to buy![arrow](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/hubfs/Abbott%202021/PediaSure/Homepage/arrow-white.png)](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/where-to-buy) *Healthy Nutritious Shakes for Kids* ![close](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/hubfs/Abbott%20LP%202020/Similac%20-%20EleCare/close%20(1).svg) [**Home**](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/) / **Healthy Life ** / Tips to Sleep ![Paediasure UK Mobile Images (12)](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/hs-fs/hubfs/Paediasure%20UK%20Mobile%20Images%20(12).png?width=346&height=346&name=Paediasure%20UK%20Mobile%20Images%20(12).png) # 5 Top Tips for a Calm Bedtime Routine We know it’s difficult to get your children to fall asleep at the best of times, but if they’re excited about a special event such as Christmas Day or a birthday, it can be an extra big challenge. But fear not, we’ve got some top bedtime tips for you at Christmas, and throughout the year, to help you get your little elves off to the Land of Nod.   ![shutterstock_710062660](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/hs-fs/hubfs/shutterstock_710062660.jpg?width=285&name=shutterstock_710062660.jpg) ## It pays to plan ahead. Whether it’s Christmas Day, a birthday or other special event, your little one will enjoy it much more if they’ve had a good sleep the night before. That may take a little bit of planning but it will be worth the effort. Making the morning physically active and getting your little ones outside to exercise will burn off energy and tire them out1. In the late afternoon, start to wind them down with a family movie or a board game. After a nutritious supper, ([check out some great recipe ideas here](https://www.pediasure.abbott/uk/recipes/)) make things even slower and more relaxing to prepare them for bedtime. If your child is able to tell the time, agree on a wake-up time for the next day. ![shutterstock_672634198](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/hs-fs/hubfs/shutterstock_672634198.jpg?width=285&name=shutterstock_672634198.jpg) ## Create a calming bedtime routine. This is good practice throughout the year. A regular pattern of quiet activities before bedtime can really help your child to sleep2. These could include: a warm bath before bed with lots of bubbles, playing relaxing music as they get ready for bed, or reading a soothing story in a cosy chair under a soft or weighted blanket. Keeping lights dim is also a good way to prepare your child for sleep. ![shutterstock_1837724476](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/hs-fs/hubfs/shutterstock_1837724476.jpg?width=285&name=shutterstock_1837724476.jpg) ## Avoid fizzy drinks or a large meal close to bedtime. Leave the late-night mince-pie munching to Santa! Giving your little one lots of snacks or a large meal just before bedtime can prevent sleep1. Many fizzy drinks contain caffeine which is a stimulant so it is best not to give these after lunchtime. Milk can help your child settle1, so try a healthy snack about an hour before bed. Why not try a snuggly [**hot chocolate enriched with PaediaSure Shake**](https://www.pediasure.abbott/uk/recipes/hot-chocolate/)? And remember to brush their teeth. ![shutterstock_600731996](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/hs-fs/hubfs/shutterstock_600731996.jpg?width=285&name=shutterstock_600731996.jpg) ## Try to keep your child’s bedroom quiet and calm2 . New toys are very exciting but if your little sleepy head is likely to be distracted by them at bedtime it is probably best to remove them from their bedroom. Keep their room quiet and exclude outside light with thick curtains. A hot room can also be hard to sleep in so try to keep the temperature between 16ᵒC and 20ᵒC. ![image (16)](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/hs-fs/hubfs/Abbott%202021/PediaSure%20UK/Pages/image%20(16).jpg?width=285&name=image%20(16).jpg) ## Switch off technology at least an hour before bedtime. Of course, kids love some down time in front of the TV or iPad, but screens can have a negative impact on your child’s sleep1. By creating a technology-free environment at least an hour or preferably two hours before bed, you can help to create a sleep-friendly zone. It’s best to remove technology from your child’s bedroom at bedtime too. Why not try a bedtime story (or two or three) instead? It will help your little one nod off nice and early, ready for the day ahead. ### Bibliography --- *1Great Ormond Street Hospital June 2020 *[*https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/medical-information/procedures-and-treatments/sleep-hygiene-children*](https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/medical-information/procedures-and-treatments/sleep-hygiene-children)*  Accessed 31st May 2022.* *2NHS, October 2020 *[*https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sleep-and-tiredness/healthy-sleep-tips-for-children/*](https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sleep-and-tiredness/healthy-sleep-tips-for-children/)* Accessed 31st May 2022.* ![Component 49 – 3](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/hubfs/Abbott%202021/PediaSure/Homepage/Component%2049%20%E2%80%93%203.svg)![Component 49 – 3](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/hs-fs/hubfs/Abbott%202021/PediaSure/Homepage/insta-hover.png?width=92&name=insta-hover.png) ## Life with PaediaSure Shake [Follow PaediaSure Shake UK![](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/hubfs/Abbott%202021/PediaSure/Homepage/arrow-white.png)](https://www.instagram.com/paediasureshakeuk) ![Soc_mobile-bottom](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/hs-fs/hubfs/Abbott%202021/PediaSure%20UK/Homepage/Soc_mobile-bottom.webp?width=375&height=360&name=Soc_mobile-bottom.webp) [Get your discount](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/join-our-family) [![PaediaSure_Logo_300px](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/hs-fs/hubfs/Abbott%202021/PediaSure%20UK/Homepage/PaediaSure_Logo_300px.png?width=300&height=143&name=PaediaSure_Logo_300px.png) ](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/) #### FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL  [![icon](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/hubfs/Abbott%202021/PediaSure/Homepage/Group%2033.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/PaediaSureShake)[![icon](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/hubfs/Abbott%202021/PediaSure/Homepage/Group%2034.svg)](https://www.instagram.com/paediasureshakeuk/) Food supplement should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet, and a healthy lifestyle. Ask a healthcare professional for guidance regarding your child's specific nutritional needs. Do not exceed the recommended number of servings per day: 1 for 1-3 year olds, 2 for 4-10 year olds. UK Pharmacy No.1 Children’s Nutritional Supplement Drink. Source: PaediaSure Shake is part of the PaediaSure brand. IQVIA wholesaler unit sales into UK community pharmacies, year MAT April 2023, Infant & Paediatric Oral Nutritional Supplement Drinks only. To verify email [paediasureshake@abbott.com](mailto:paediasureshake@abbott.com). *Essential fatty acids are needed for normal growth and development of children. This beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 2 g of α -linolenic (ALA) and 10 g of linoleic acid (LA). Contains protein and calcium. Protein and calcium are needed for normal growth and development of bone in children. ** Triple Sure System: Immune System†, Cognitive Development‡, Essential Nutrients^. †Contains vitamin D which contributes to the normal function of the immune system in children. ‡Iron contributes to normal cognitive development in children. ^Contains protein and 26 vitamins and minerals including calcium. #Survey 84 respondents of whom 95% would recommend to a friend or family member. Source: PaediaSure Shake, Verve, February 2021. §Nielsen value sales data (year to February 2022). Number of vitamins & minerals: Market leading kids’ multivitamin contains 7. PaediaSure Shake contains 26. To verify email [paediasureshake@abbott.com](mailto:paediasureshake@abbott.com). ¶Data on File. Abbott Laboratories Ltd., 2018 (chocolate flavour, strawberry flavour, vanilla flavour) & 2022 (cookies & cream flavour). PaediaSure Shake CLT in Spain. 1McCance and Widdowson, 2021. Composition of foods integrated dataset (CoFID). Available online: [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/composition-of-foods-integrated-dataset-cofid](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.gov.uk/government/publications/composition-of-foods-integrated-dataset-cofid__;!!BBM_p3AAtQ!IXRTy7yy-ZA-5Q5G3X3nHUarvDnt3ZOtlskCaXatjJ5b-iqA_brR8jSjBxAYlUkgbc8tgONeNyyBlIdgkn_DyyP7ju5-QbqH6Ne2$). Last accessed May 2023. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. One glass of PaediaSure Shake powder is 225ml. 2RCPCH, 2012: [https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/resources/uk-who-growth-charts-2-18-years](https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/resources/uk-who-growth-charts-2-18-years) Accessed August 2025 ♢Source Euromonitor International Limited; total global retail sales in 2025 for growing up milk formula that is marketed as complete and balanced nutrition for kids 2-13 years old. Euromonitor and Abbott calculation based in part on custom research conducted between December 2025 and January 2026 and Euromonitor Passport Dairy Products and Alternatives 2025. ♦6 in 1 Supplements include: Omega 3, iron, phosphorous, calcium, protein, vitamin D  PaediaSure Shake, and related brand marks, are trademarks of Abbott in various jurisdictions. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. No use of any Abbott trademark, trade name, or trade address in this site may be made without the prior written authorisation of Abbott Laboratories, except to identify the product or services of the company. This website and the information contained herein is intended for use by residents of the UK. The product images are for illustrative purposes only. Registered Number: 329102 England. Registered Office: Abbott House, Vanwall Business Park, Vanwall Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 4XE. © 2025 Abbott Laboratories Limited. 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