Gentle Ways to Start Healthy Routines with Your Kids Before the New Year

New Year’s resolutions aren’t just for adults, or better yet, they aren’t just for January. For parents, December is actually one of the best months to ease back into healthy routines with your toddler or child.

The holidays often throw sleep, meals, and schedules off track, so instead of waiting for the new year to “reset,” you can use this month to gently guide your little one back into habits that help them thrive.

Nothing intense. Nothing overwhelming. Just tiny, doable shifts that make January feel smoother for everyone. Here are ways families can turn December into the new January with DrKids.

Reset the Bedtime Routine Before the New Year

Holiday excitement can send bedtime spiraling - later nights, overstimulation, travel disruptions. December is a perfect opportunity to slowly reintroduce structure.

Simple tricks to ease back into rhythm:

Move bedtime earlier in 10-15 minute increments each night
Re-establish calming signals like dim lights, warm baths, or quiet reading
Avoid screens 1-2 hours before bed
Create a consistent sleep environment, even when traveling

When January rolls in and school/daycare starts again, you’ll be grateful you reset early.

Support Their Gut & Immune Health as You Reset Their Routine

As you build these habits, December is also a great time to support your child’s digestive and immune foundation, especially as back-to-school season awaits on the other side of the holidays.

A helpful ally during this transition is DrKids Probiotic Vitamin D Drops, formulated specifically for infants and children.

Why parents love them:

Supports Infant & Child Gut Health: Created to help maintain a healthy digestive system in little ones, especially helpful when their routines shift during holidays.
Clinically Proven Strains: Includes a blend of research-backed probiotics
Powerful Immune Support: Each serving provides 400 IU of Vitamin D3, helping support a strong immune system, especially during colder months.
Guaranteed Live Cultures: 1.5 billion CFU per serving ensures your child gets effective levels of beneficial bacteria.
Pediatrician Recommended: Trusted for its safety, quality, and ability to support infants’ and children’s digestive health.

Introducing this during December helps your child start the new year with a healthy gut and a supported immune system, two foundations that keep energy, mood, and wellness steady.

Other Mini Daily Habits That Help Kids Thrive

Small habits go a long way, especially for toddlers and young children. Here are easy, low-effort routines you can begin now:

Hydration moments: A water sip after playtime or before meals
Micro outdoor time: 5–10 minutes of morning sunlight to support mood + sleep
Snack swaps: One nutrient-dense option added to their usual favorites
Tiny tidy-ups: “Let’s put away just 3 toys!” builds independence without overwhelm

Starting 2026 Prepared and Excited!

Instead of carrying the holiday chaos into January, these small December resets help your family step into the new year feeling more grounded and ready.