“Just one more story! Please, Mom?”
“Dad, I’m hungry. Can I have a snack?”
“Grandma, I want more time in the bath.”
I bet you’ve heard something like this while putting your kids to bed for the night. Believe me, as a mom of three, my kids, aged seven and under, are always looking for ways to delay bedtime.
My only son, who’s 3, always says he’s hungry even if he had dinner and a snack a half hour before bed. My 2-year-old daughter climbs out of her crib and comes to the living room a dozen times before she finally tuckers herself out. She will upgrade to a toddler bed soon because of her monkey-like antics, escaping her crib every night.
My eldest 7-year-old daughter asks me to play just one more virtual game or watch one last show on her iPad. I usually let her stay up for an hour past my toddlers’ bedtime, but she even tries to delay her bedtime at this age.
Setting a bedtime routine is important for kids to wind down and rest their bodies for the next day’s adventures. Keeping a consistent bedtime routine helps kids of all ages know what to expect at the end of the day before going to sleep.
Here are 22 cartoons that teach kids about bedtime routines. Incorporating them into your television viewing time can help children learn the value of sticking to a bedtime routine. Use these cartoons to remind your children that a bedtime routine and sticking to it is important for their rest and overall health.
Daniel’s Babysitter (Season 1, Episode 3) From Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood
Prince Tuesday comes to babysit Daniel as Mom Tiger and Dad Tiger go on a date. Daniel is sad his parents are away for the night, but Prince Tuesday makes him feel better by following his bedtime routine. After some playtime, they do dinner, bath, brushing teeth, story time, and settle into bed. Daniel’s parents come back from their date night and come into his room to say goodnight to him, showing that grown-ups do come back.
What “Daniel’s Babysitter” Teaches Kids About Bedtime: Bedtime routines should stay the same whether the regular caretaker or a babysitter is helping facilitate it. Little ones will feel more comfortable if they follow the same routine with another trusted adult. When my brother babysits my three kids for me, he knows their bedtime routines to maintain consistency when I go out, usually once a month.
Daniel’s Sleepover (Season 1, Episode 20a) From Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood
Daniel has a sleepover with Prince Wednesday at his family’s royal castle. As the friends go through their bedtime routines as a team, they realize how different they are. As they get ready to go to bed, Daniel misses home. The friends hear what seem to be scary sounds and sights at first, but then they realize they aren’t that bad as they reframe their mindsets.
What “Daniel’s Sleepover” Teaches Kids About Bedtime: Sleeping in a new environment can be scary at first. Following the same bedtime routine while adjusting to these changes can help build familiarity in this new environment. My kids, especially my eldest daughter, had to go through this same experience when we started camping more at our local state forest this year.
Llama Llama Red Pajama (Season 1, Episode 4a) From Llama Llama
Based on the beloved children’s book, Llama Llama Red Pajama, this episode for the Llama Llama Netflix series brings the story to children’s television screens. Llama Llama is getting ready for bed after a fun day with Mama, but he is having trouble sleeping because she isn’t right there with him. He asks for Fuzzy, his stuffed llama, a story, and other requests. Llama Llama finally admits he doesn’t want to be away from Mama for even a minute. She assures her that she will be in the kitchen if he needs her, and they will have time together the next day after work and school.
What “Llama Llama Red Pajama” Teaches Kids About Bedtime: Feeling anxiety and fear while separated from loved ones during bedtime is natural. However, children learn to build independence and self-soothe for a good night’s rest even without their parents or guardians around as they fall asleep.
Sleepytime (Season 2, Episode 26) From Bluey
Bingo and Bluey are getting into bed at the beginning of the episode. Bingo proclaims to Mum that she wants to try a “big girl sleep” that night and wake up in her bed the next morning. Mum reminds Bingo that she’s always there through the night if she gets scared. As everyone settles in for the night, Bingo and Bluey end up in Mum and Dad’s bed as Mum goes to sleep in Bluey’s bed. In between the magical dream sequence with Floppy in space, Bingo ends up back in her bed. Mum comes to hug and sleep with Bingo for a bit.
What “Sleepytime” Teaches Kids About Bedtime: Adjusting to being away from parents is a challenge when learning bedtime routines. Children can learn that they can come to their parents or guardians as their safe space if something happens in the middle of the night. My youngest daughter sleeps in her crib, but she sometimes climbs out in the middle of the night to sleep with me.
D.W.’s Blankie (Season 1, Episode 27a) From Arthur
D.W. misplaces her blankie and asks Arthur to assist her as she looks around her home and Elmwood City to find it. She carries the blankie everywhere with her and sleeps with it, too, so they have to go back to all the places they were that day to try to find it. D.W. has a nightmare as she falls asleep about her missing blankie. Pal, the dog, brought D.W. a blanket, but she didn’t think it was hers. Upon further inspection, she realized it was her blanket. It turns out her mother had washed it that day at home, and that’s why it was gone. D.W. was able to sleep as usual after solving this mystery.
What “D.W.’s Blankie” Teaches Kids About Bedtime: A blanket or stuffed animal can be a great way to feel comfortable and help kids self-soothe during bedtime. It’s difficult when this special item goes missing, as it can throw off the entire bedtime routine. Placing this beloved item in a safe place and keeping open communication about its whereabouts can help bedtime routines go more smoothly.
Sleep? Who Needs It?! (Season 2, Episode 20) From Sid the Science Kid
Sid wakes up in this episode with the question of why he can’t stay up all night to keep playing. Teacher Susie takes Sid and the rest of the class on a relaxation exercise and sings a song about animal sleep. When he gets home from his playdate with Gabriella, he goes on a pretend rocketship ride with his mother as his one last play activity before bed.
What “Sleep? Who Needs It?!” Teaches Kids About Bedtime: Sleep is needed to think clearly and have enough energy for eating, attending school, and playing. Children learn that sleep is essential for healthy development and growth, benefiting their brain and body. Bedtime routines, like scheduling play time (or after) dinner and other preparations, help little ones have fun before winding down for the night.
Bedtime (Season 1, Episode 45) From Pocoyo
Pocoyo and Pato prepare for bedtime. However, as Pato drifts off to sleep, Pocoyo keeps waking him up because he’s not ready to settle for the night. The constant interruptions frustrate Pato, but Pocoyo eventually gets too sleepy to keep staying up and drifts off with his duck friend into a peaceful sleep.
What “Bedtime” Teaches Kids About Bedtime: It’s frustrating to have to go to bed after such a fun day with family and friends. Kids will learn to find ways to self-soothe around bedtime, even if they “aren’t sleepy yet,” as many little ones love to say. I put ocean waves soundscapes on our Alexa to help my youngest two children drift off to sleep. My daughter prefers to fall asleep to ASMR videos.
Pato’s Bedtime (Season 3, Episode 23) From Pocoyo
Pocoyo and Pato are on another bedtime adventure later in the series. This time, Pato wants to go to sleep before Pocoyo. He’s comfy in his pajamas and snuggling with his teddy bear. However, Pocoyo prefers to keep playing instead of settling into bed, which keeps Pato awake. Pocoyo eventually falls asleep from tiring himself out, comedically enough holding Pato’s teddy bear.
What “Pato’s Bedtime” Teaches Kids About Bedtime: It’s best to follow a bedtime routine rather than to keep playing to the point of exhaustion. Be mindful of other people who are trying to go to sleep before you. Play quietly until it’s your bedtime. When my two youngest children are sent to bed first, my eldest daughter knows it’s quiet time for the last hour that she’s awake. I let her stay up an hour later (her bedtime on school nights is 8:30 pm) than my toddlers since she’s a little older.
I Am Not Sleepy And I Will Not Go To Bed (Season 1, Episode 3) From Charlie And Lola
Charlie and Lola are getting ready for bed. Lola denies that she’s tired at the top of every hour from 6 pm to 10 pm. She proclaims at 11 pm that she can be the exception to kids being unable to stay up until midnight. Charlie gives his little sister pink milk as her bedtime drink and plays along with a game that three pretend tigers need this drink, too. Lola continues to delay the bedtime routine by saying that a lion ate her toothbrush and that whales are swimming in the bathtub. She even jokes around, saying she does not own bedclothes and that dancing dogs got away with them. Lola finally climbs into bed and falls asleep exhausted.
What “I Am Not Sleepy and I Will Not Go to Bed” Teaches Kids About Bedtime: Delaying steps in a bedtime routine can lead to overtiredness. Becoming overtired can make you feel more cranky and unable to relax when it’s time to lie down. I can tell my son gets overtired when he pops into the living room and tries getting away from me by jumping onto the couch.
Angelina’s Sleepover (Season 4, Episode 1) From Angelina Ballerina
Angelina persuades her mother to let Viki and Grace sleep over at their home after finishing their hat creations for an upcoming Silly Hat Carnival. Instead of getting to bed on time, the girls stay up too late. They attend ballerina rehearsals the next day, but Ms. Mimi sends them home because of their impaired focus. The girls must miss the Silly Hat Carnival to do a make-up rehearsal session so they can have a stellar dancing performance at their upcoming recital.
What “Angelina’s Sleepover” Teaches Kids About Bedtime: Going to bed at a reasonable hour is beneficial for staying focused on the next day’s activities. It’s better to be well-rested than cranky and irritable with too little sleep. Sticking to an exact bedtime every night for the kids is most challenging with summer activities. However, I get started on their bedtime routine at 5 pm on school nights, so there’s little to no resistance when it’s lights out (7:30 pm for my two toddlers and an hour later for my eldest daughter). The routine is dinner, play/TV time that ends at 6:30 pm, baths, story time, and bed.
Bedtime Story (Season 1, Episode 12a) From Tumble Leaf
In this episode of Tumble Leaf, Gourd the Turtle is having trouble going to sleep, so he calls on Fig and Hedge for help. They try many different methods to help their turtle friend fall asleep. What finally helps Gourd rest is a bedtime story from his friends that’s playfully presented as a puppet show.
What “Bedtime Story” Teaches Kids About Bedtime: Bedtime stories are fun and imaginative ways to wind down before going to sleep. Kids may even have a fun dream related to the story if it was that engaging for them. Don’t be afraid to ask a grown-up for help getting to sleep like asking for soundscapes, a pat on the back, or an extra hug before bed.
Full disclosure for me: Some nights are more hectic than others as a single mom, so I try to fit in story time when I can. My youngest daughter stays more engaged with bedtime reading than my son. However, I’m starting to realize that letting him pick a book I read to him keeps his attention better than my selections. My
Sleepover (Season 4, Episode 6a) From Little Bear
Little Bear is excited for his first-ever sleepover with Owl and Duck. They play fun games and hear a scary story and a fairytale (Goldilocks and the Three Bears) from Father Bear, who playfully acts out the fairytale. The kids were only supposed to get the scary story, but they persuaded Father Bear to do the other one. Everyone fell asleep together in Little Bear’s bed.
What “Sleepover” Teaches Kids About Bedtime: Even during sleepovers, everyone should be asleep at a reasonable hour. Setting and sticking to an activity itinerary is essential for a fun time and a restful night.
The Kingdom of Sleepwell (Season 6, Episode 10) From Bubble Guppies
Deema plays as the Queen of Sleepwell during the Bubble Guppies’ story time in this episode. She is having trouble getting enough sleep for an important event she has to attend the next day. Her Royal Court tries using magic to lull her into slumber. After many failed attempts, the Queen finally realizes she just needed to stick with her bedtime routine.
What “The Kingdom of Sleepwell” Teaches Kids About Bedtime: It’s natural to be excited or anxious about something happening the next day to the point it’s difficult to sleep. Sticking to a usual bedtime routine ensures familiarity as comfort, which can help one keep calm as they fall asleep. My eldest daughter gets restless if she knows there’s a fun event the next day. However, I guide her through her bedtime routine (she likes a nightlight and soundscapes even at age 7) so she’s comfortable and falls asleep peacefully.
Run Down Race Car (Season 1, Episode 2b) From Doc McStuffins
Ricardo Racecar is experiencing depleted energy during a race. Doc McStuffins and the team take steps to diagnose why this happened. Doc realizes Ricardo Racecar has no energy because he wasn’t charged (equivalent to sleeping for a toy car). She recalled that Donny played with him the entire night before without placing him on the charger. The episode features a catchy song called “Get Your Sleep On” to help kids remember the importance of a good night’s rest.
What “Run Down Race Car” Teaches Kids About Bedtime: Rest is crucial to perform activities well the next day. Good sleep equates to feeling recharged and refreshed to tackle the day’s challenges ahead. Seeing this episode also taught me a fun way to get my son into bed by saying, “Okay, my little race car.. Time to sleep so you can charge your batteries to go, go, go tomorrow!”.
Go To Sleep, Sheep (Season 3, Episode 3a) From Maggie And The Ferocious Beast
Maggie and her friends are reading stories to prepare for bed. They all brush their teeth, and a dream sheep who is having trouble falling asleep comes up to them. Hamilton, Maggie, and Beast try to help the sheep go to sleep with different strategies, like a bedtime snack with milk and having the sheep count them as they jump over the fence. Maggie and Hamilton finally listen to Beast’s suggestion of him singing a lullaby, which puts the sheep to sleep.
What “Go To Sleep, Sheep” Teaches Kids About Bedtime: There are many ways to establish a bedtime routine for a good night’s rest. Having a full stomach with a healthy dinner, wearing comfortable pajamas, and doing a calm activity (song or book) can help little ones wind down before falling asleep. Facebook parents (insert) stated they have their kids stop electronic usage at least an hour before bed for a bath and a story. I’m considering their suggestion, especially for my eldest daughter. I usually let her use her tablet until a little before bed, but it might be better for her to have a half hour of reading instead.
Sweet Dreams, Timmy (Season 2, Episode 12) From Timmy Time
As the other little animals take a nap one day, Timmy the sheep prefers to skip his afternoon sleep to keep playing. He reaches a point of extreme fatigue for the rest of the day, unwilling to admit his exhaustion. Harriet and Osbourne help Timmy calm himself with a comfy place to sleep in an unlikely place.
What “Sweet Dreams, Timmy” Teaches Kids About Bedtime: Being overtired can disrupt a bedtime routine. It’s hard to focus on preparing for bed when you’re too tired and want to play. Listening to one’s body is an important part of growing up and staying healthy.
Franklin’s Blanket (Season 1, Episode 6b) From Franklin
Franklin is excited for a sleepover at his aunt’s house. However, he’s upset that he can’t find his favorite blue blanket, which he sleeps with every night. He ends up finding it under the kitchen table, covering up brussel sprouts from the prior night’s dinner.
What “Franklin’s Blanket” Teaches Kids About Bedtime: Not having a specific comfort item can hinder a bedtime routine. Placing this special thing in a safe place, like on a bed or dresser, can ensure uninterrupted sleep.
Caillou’s Summer Goodnight (Season 1, Episode 21) From Cailou
Caillou’s grandmother comes to babysit Caillou and his sister, Rosie, as their parents go on a date night. They have fun playing games together until bedtime. Caillou can’t fall asleep because his bedroom curtains are at the cleaners. Grandma makes a starry night sky by cutting small stars in cardboard to put over the window to darken the room. This fun tactic helps Caillou to self-soothe to sleep.
What “Caillou’s Summer Goodnight” Teaches Kids About Bedtime: Bright lights can be distracting for bedtime. Small nightlights or a tiny bit of natural light from a window can be comforting for little ones afraid of the dark while still guiding them to a restful sleep.
Bedtime (Season 2, Episode 3d) From Peppa Pig
Mummy and Daddy Pig help Peppa and George prepare for bed. The kids go jump in muddy puddles after dinner. Peppa asks if they can jump in muddy puddles more. Daddy reminds them that it’s time for a bath. When bathtime ends, she asks to stay in longer. Daddy Pig gently reminds them it’s story time. As they brush their teeth and get into bed, Peppa asks for many stories, to which Mummy replies that Daddy will read the kids one story.
What “Bedtime” Teaches Kids About Bedtime: Budgeting time for each step in the bedtime routine helps kids get to sleep promptly. Spending too long on one step could make parents and kids lose track of when they can go to bed. I allot 20 minutes to bathe my two youngest toddlers, and then they start getting to bed as my eldest daughter bathes herself.
Don’t Stay Up Late From Sheriff Labrador
Characters endure hardships because of a lack of sleep in this Sheriff Labrador cartoon on YouTube. Sheriff Dobermann stays up late watching television and runs late the next morning for police patrol. He even forgets his phone. A little bunny wakes up late, and the police crew has to get her to a field trip to an ice castle on time because her mom’s car tire goes flat. A monkey driving a truck is swerving on the road because he didn’t get enough sleep.
What “Don’t Stay Up Late” Teaches Kids About Bedtime: It’s hard to think straight or keep on top of a daytime routine when staying up late. This is why I’m adamant about my children’s bedtime during school nights so that they’re refreshed and ready to learn the next day.
Sleep (Season 1, Episode 5) From Yo Gabba Gabba!
The Yo Gabba Gabba team thinks of fun activities to do before bed to wind down each night. These activities include counting sheep, singing lullabies, bedtime stories, and thinking of great dreams. Fun and catchy songs throughout make this episode more appealing.
What “Sleep” Teaches Kids About Bedtime: Stopping a fun day to go to sleep can be a drag. However, there are different and creative ways to keep a bedtime routine fun. I try to do an exercise-based activity before my kids go to bed, like a brain break video on YouTube or taking a walk around our rural neighborhood.
Bedtime (Season 1, Episode 5d) From Maisy
I loved watching Maisy growing up. In this episode, Maisy is getting ready to go to bed. She yawns and looks outside to see an owl hooting. Maisy starts preparing herself for bed by brushing her teeth, bathing, getting into pajamas, and reading a bedtime story. She settles into bed, but then has to use the bathroom. Once she’s finished her business, she cozies back into bed and falls asleep.
What “Bedtime” Teaches Kids About Bedtimes: As children get older, they can do their bedtime routine independently. Remembering to use the bathroom before lying down for the night prevents sleep disruptions or bed-wetting accidents. Hence, this is an important step to remember.
As a parent, I know bedtime can be the most hectic portion of the day with your children. You can make bedtime more fun by having your kids watch some of these cartoons on this list. Hopefully, your kids will grow to understand the lessons in each episode and apply them to their bedtime routine.
