A nurse is reinforcing teaching about healthy sleep habits with the guardians of a toddler. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?

Healthy sleep hygiene in toddlers involves a calm, consistent bedtime routine. A light snack before bedtime is appropriate because mild hunger can disrupt sleep onset, and a small, non-stimulating snack can help the toddler settle down. This is a recognized component of pediatric sleep hygiene recommendations. Inducing fatigue with vigorous activities close to bedtime is counterproductive; vigorous physical activity near bedtime increases arousal, body temperature, and cortisol levels, making it harder for toddlers to fall asleep. Quiet, winding-down activities such as a warm bath, gentle reading, or soft music are preferred in the hour before bed. Allowing the toddler to choose their own bedtime is developmentally inappropriate and inconsistent with healthy sleep practices; toddlers require a firm, parent-set bedtime to maintain circadian rhythm and adequate total sleep duration (recommended 11 to 14 hours including naps for ages 1 to 3). Permitting television viewing in bed is also contraindicated; screen exposure near bedtime suppresses melatonin production due to blue light emission and provides cognitive stimulation that delays sleep onset. Nurses reinforcing toddler sleep teaching should emphasize routine, consistency, and calming pre-sleep activities as the cornerstones of effective sleep hygiene in this age group.