Ask Dr. Hirsch

Weekly Q and A with Dr. Shari Hirsch, Pediatrician andLactation Specialist at Lev Pediatric Care

This Week’s Question:
“Why do bedtime routines matter so much, and how can we make one work forour family?”

Dr. Hirsch’s Answer:
If bedtime at your house sometimes feels more like a marathon than a peacefulwind-down, you’re not alone. Snack requests, water refills, and last-minutequestions are common. Bedtime can be one of the hardest parts of the day forfamilies.

A bedtime routine isn’t about strict rules or perfection.It’s about predictability and comfort. When children know what to expect, theirbodies and brains get the message that it’s time to rest.

Why bedtime routines matter
Children thrive on routine. A consistent bedtime routine helps signal thatsleep is coming, reduces resistance and anxiety, and often helps kids fallasleep more easily and sleep better overall. Think of it as a bridge from abusy day to a calm night.

What makes a good routine
A routine does not need to be long or complicated. Simple works best. Mostroutines last about 20 to 30 minutes, follow the same steps in the same order,and include calm activities. Ideally, the routine ends with your child in bedfeeling sleepy but still awake.

Common routine building blocks
Many families include a bath or wash-up, pajamas and brushing teeth, reading abook, quiet cuddles or conversation, and saying goodnight or Shema. Chooseactivities that are soothing. Bedtime is not the moment for high-energy play.

Screens and sleep
Screens can interfere with sleep by stimulating the brain. Try to turn them offat least 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime. If screens are part of your evening,keep them well before the bedtime routine begins.

Consistency over perfection
Late nights, travel, and special occasions happen. What matters most is gettingback to your routine the next night. Children do not need perfect bedtimesevery day. They need predictability most days.

When kids resist bedtime
Resistance is common, especially during transitions or developmental changes.Giving a short warning before starting the routine, offering limited choices,and staying calm and consistent can help. Setting bedtime boundaries is notbeing harsh. It gives children a sense of security.

A note about babies
Even babies benefit from a bedtime routine. Simple steps like a bath, feeding,and a song help them learn the difference between day and night and supportbetter sleep over time.

Bottom line
A good bedtime routine doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. It just has towork for your family. Some nights will go smoothly and some won’t. Consistency,patience, and realistic expectations make a real difference. Sleep is a skillchildren learn with time and support.

 ​Dr. Shari Hirsch, MD, specializes in infant feeding, including expert newborn support, lactation guidance, and frenotomy (tongue-tie release). She also offers emotional wellness care, with guidance and medication management for attention, mood, and anxiety support.

Lev Pediatric Care is located at Evergreen Uptown Mall in Pomona. Their hours are Sunday through Thursday, 10:00 am to 7:45 pm, and Friday, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Same-day appointments are available. To schedule, call 845-579-5700. They also provide free car service to and from doctor visits.

Have a question for next week’s column? Send it to Lev Pediatric Care, and Dr. Hirsch may feature it in an upcoming Q&A