Claudia has had a definite routine to going to bed since she was 8-9 months old. I have to say it has worked very well. She never wakes up or complains. It is certainly her routine.

1. Bath or "tickle shower". Dry off in very specific routine. Put on pajamas (must include socks).
2. Mommy (and only mommy) detangles hair.
3. Brush teeth.
4. Give Molly kiss and hug. Give Daddy (or Mommy) kiss and hug.
5. Run to bedroom.
6. Pick out three books to read.
7. Lay down next to crib with white blanket. Mommy or Daddy next to her with blue blanket. Only recently has Claudia allowed Daddy to do this part.
8. Read books. Usually Claudia reads them to us.
9. Crawl into bed. Arrange "friends".
10. Cover with 2 blankets. Turn on fan, turn off light.
11. Tell two stories, maybe three. I always tell Cinderella. Wait about 1-2 minutes for sleep.

In the morning she crawls out of bed, stands in the middle of the room and goes "Mommy?, Mommy?" and waits for us to come upstairs.