AHHH! The chaotic night of Halloween has quickly approached us. Why is Halloween chaotic? Oh, because it is usually on a week day which creates even more chaos for a mom and dad who have to work, travel home, get other kids to sports, make dinner and prepare for the next day!

Hey, guess what… the night may bring on some extra chaos, but I promise to ensure that SLEEP does not enter the chaotic definition of Halloween nights too!

Works out great because, guess what? WE ARE PUSHING BEDTIME BACK ANYWAY!

Are you braving the night and taking your little’s Trick or Treating? Then, great! There is so much fun to be had even if the night brings on some chaos, or maybe extra chaos! Trick or Treating is a time for dressing up, whether scary or cute, and making sweet memories that will forever be cherished.

Scenario 1, SAHM and Halloween:

If you are a parent who has the job of staying home with your little one, or you will be home with them on Halloween then, here are a few tips for you to follow.
If you know that you are going to be out later than bedtime then, follow these steps below.
- If they are still taking NAPS:
  - Let your little one sleep longer on their naps, if they will.
  - If you usually wake them from their nap after an allotted time, let them sleep an extra 15-20 minutes.
  - Let their latest nap, go longer. Allowing you to push bedtime back.
  - Complete the dinner routine before Trick OR Treating!
  - If they do not have face paint or hair coloring included in their Halloween costume then, do bath routine before Trick or Treating. Put their pajamas on under their costume!
  - If they have face painting or chemicals in their hair, do a quick bath/wipe bath, pajamas and bed.
  - If they are potty trained then, once home from trick or treating do the following steps…
    - Potty
    - teeth brushed
    - bed
  - If they are in diapers
    - change diaper
    - teeth brushed
    - bed
- If they are not on a nap:
  - Encourage that their Quiet-time is extremely peaceful and allow them have a lengthy time.
  - If they do not have face paint or hair coloring included in their Halloween costume then, do bath routine before Trick or Treating. Put their pajamas on under their costume!
  - If they have face painting or chemicals in their hair, do a quick bath/wipe bath, pajamas and bed.
  - If they are potty trained then, once home from trick or treating do the following steps…
    - Potty
    - teeth brushed
    - bed
  - Have conversations with them about Halloween and what to expect with bedtime. Let them know that they will feel tired, and that is okay. They are going to catch up on sleep!

Scenario 2/ Child in Daycare/School

Going to be a day where you have no control over their nap or day? That is okay, sleep is still something that we can ensure stays!
You will continue with your day as always! If you know you’ll be out past bedtime then, follow these tips below.
Tips for bath time:
- Tip 1: if you don’t have to worry about washing anything off of their face or hair then, you can do a bath before trick or treating and put some pajamas on under their costume!
- Tip 2: a quick wipe bath once home to remove the halloween make-up and skip the book and playtime!
- Tip 3: DO a wipe bath in the car and then, get them in bed as soon as you are home!
- Have conversations with them about Halloween and what to expect with bedtime. Let them know that they will feel tired, and that is okay. They are going to catch up on sleep!

Scenario 3: Enjoying Halloween but not staying out late.

If you know that you will be enjoying Halloween, but sticking with bedtime then, great! Follow your day as you should and continue with what you know.
You can prepare them still, by talking about what their night will look like becuase it will be different.
Your little may become overstimulated by all the fun, but it’s okay to remind them that it is bedtime and you know they might take a little longer to settle.

Sleep Is Still Happening:

No matter which scenario you may fall under, sleep is still going to happen for you especially, if you have installed amazing sleep habits within their consistent routine.

Little ones may become overstimulated and if they do, remember it is okay to show extra love and support.

The night after Halloween, throw them in the bed a tad earlier!