bedtime struggles

My 4-year-old is a dream at bedtime.

How many mamas can say that?

I know it is probably 75% her personality, 15% due to our easy going, but consistent bedtime routine, and about 10% because of trial and error. We tried lots, and lots of things to make bedtime comfortable for her and we have finally hit on what works. I hope you aren’t rolling your eyes right now thinking that I have no idea what it is like to have a difficult sleeper. My son didn’t sleep for almost 4 years. We walked around like Zombies all that time. Never once did we think to play music at bedtime. I am kicking myself now.

Here is what we do: Take meds (our daughter has epilepsy), get pj’s on, brush teeth, pick out a story and hop into bed. Meanwhile, the chosen parent that night fills the diffuser with water and usually Roman Chamomile essential oils, the salt crystal light goes on, and we read the chosen book. The last thing that happens before turning on the light is the music. We have a rotating Top10 Bedtime Songs for Preschoolers playlist on Spotify and another through Amazon Prime, so we can change it up depending on preference. My daughter loves to listen to music while falling asleep and once we added that in, all the whining, fussing, begging, up and downs, and requests for water stopped. Yes we still have some back rubs and occasionally it takes a little more time, but the music has really cut down on night time struggles.

So here are our Top 10 Bedtime Songs for Preschoolers according to my 4-year-old.

1. Sing Me a Song, Laurie Berkner Band. This is off the Laurie Berkner Lullabies album. This song paints a picture that parents struggle with every night. The child who has a request at bedtime that may frustrate us as adults, but at the heart of that request is a need for closeness. Every time I hear this song it reminds me to hug my baby just a little bit longer. They are only little for a short time.
2. Look How the Light Dances With Trees, Francis England. This is from our favorite kid’s album, Blink of an Eye. My daughter falls asleep to this beautiful, lyrical song every night. Learn all about Francis England and hear her music over here.
3. Little by Little, Francis England. Off her fabulous new album, Explorer of the World. Can you tell we love Francis England? This song puts it all together. All the wonderful little things our children do throughout the day. It’s so easy to lose sight of those things? The cadence of this song helps little ones drift off into dream land.
4. Forever Young, Andrew & Polly. Off their debut album, Odds and Ends. This song is a cover and their version is perfect. This is one I always sing along to even when I am not in the room. My daughter absolutely loves Andrew & Polly. If you don’t know this duo yet, check them out on Amazon Prime.
5. Goodnight Baby, Rachel Coleman.  I think this can be found on the Signing Times Songs CD, but it has been around for years. I had a set of the original Signing Times DVD’s when my son was a baby, almost 15 years ago. The newer version is a little more produced, but the lyrics are beautiful and it is easy to learn so you can sing and sign the entire song with your preschooler.
6. Up All Night, Caspar Babypants. This is on the Night Night album (the entire album is fabulous!). His songs are so sweet and simple, but this one especially is lovely and your preschooler will be able to guess what animal he is singing about.
7. Pony Boy, Elizabeth Mitchell. This is from her first album, You Are My Flower. This is another throwback from when my now 14-year-old son was a baby. If you have a son, this is the perfect song to sing. It will be your own special lullaby to see him off to sleep. Even now, if I sing this song, but son’s eyes light up.
8. Best Part, Charlie Hope. The album is called World of Dreams: Soothing Songs and Lullabies. Get ready, this song pulls at the parental heart strings. Your preschooler won’t really get it, but he or she will enjoy the music and Charlie Hope’s beautiful voice. Hear it here with Spotify.
9. Goodnight, Laurie Berkner. This is an oldie that is timeless, originally from the Victor Vito album. This is a chance to be quiet, calm, and a little bit interactive at bed time. “I’m a little owl and my Daddy loves me…” Such a sweet song.
10. Through the Woods, The Okee Dokee Brothers. The is the title song on their 2nd album. It is so beautiful and paints a lovely picture to imagine as you fall asleep.  As a treat, you can listen to it right now, just look below.

I would love to hear what you think about my Top 10 Bedtime Songs for Preschoolers. What is your favorite? What song do you think should have made the list? Please reach out to me.