Is there anything scarier than hearing the sound of tiny feet lurching down the hallway after bedtime? It’s the unmistakable sign that your little one’s night isn’t over, and neither is your “me time.” As tempting as it is to say, “What are you doing up?! Go back to bed!” we know this approach rarely results in the peaceful evening we dream about.

But what if there was a fun, clever way to get them back to bed—and calm their nervous system at the same time? Enter: the wheelbarrow run—a bedtime hack that’s equal parts effective and playful.

This genius strategy, which has taken Instagram by storm with over 7 million views, was shared by Lauren Cantrell, an occupational therapist and mom, known as @thekinected_ot on Instagram. One mom shared her experience, showing how her children eagerly transition back to bed with the promise of a wheelbarrow run. Her kids think it’s just a silly, fun activity (and it is!), but here’s the secret: the wheelbarrow run taps into the magic of proprioceptive input.

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A post shared by Lauren | OT & Mom (@thekinected_ot)

Why this simple trick works: The power of proprioception

What is proprioception and why does it matter? Proprioception is often called the “body sense.” It’s the sensory input that helps our brain understand where our body is in space. When kids engage in activities that activate this sense—like pushing, pulling, or bearing weight—it sends signals from their muscles and joints to their brain. This input is incredibly organizing and calming for the nervous system.

So, that wheelbarrow run? It’s more than just a game. It’s a tool to help kids’ bodies and minds settle, making it easier for them to relax and fall asleep.

Related: Exhausted mom’s baby cam moment goes viral for perfectly summing up new parent fatigue

Try these calming bedtime hacks, too

In addition to the wheelbarrow run, here are a few other sensory strategies that can help calm physical and mental stirring before bedtime:

• Weighted items: Adding a weighted stuffed animal, lap pad, or blanket provides calming deep pressure. (Reminder: Weighted blankets are recommended only for children aged 4 and older.)
• Compression sheets: These stretchy sheets provide gentle pressure, which can help kids feel secure and relaxed.

These tools are not only effective but also feel like fun additions to the bedtime routine, rather than corrections or demands.

Related: 5 reasons why milk is still the ideal bedtime snack, from a dietitian

What parents are saying about the wheelbarrow run

The viral video’s comments section is filled with parents sharing their love for this strategy:

• @sleepymomma23: “Okay, I’m trying this TONIGHT. My toddler always fights bedtime and this actually looks fun!”
• @calmlittlechaos: “Who knew proprioception was the secret sauce? Adding wheelbarrow runs to our arsenal!”
• @momlifehacks101: “This is genius. I’ve been using weighted lap pads for my son, but this is next level.”

Connection before correction

Beyond the calming benefits, the wheelbarrow run creates a moment of connection. When we take a playful, engaging approach to bedtime, it strengthens our bond with our kids and shows them we’re on their team—even when the goal is sleep. And when bedtime feels like teamwork, everyone wins.

So, the next time your little one wanders out of bed, try a wheelbarrow walk. It just might be the trick that gets everyone—parents included—the rest they need. Got your own bedtime hacks? Tag us on Instagram!

Sources:

1. What is proprioception? Gracious Growth. WHAT IS PROPRIOCEPTION AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT.
2. Things Parents Should Know About Weighted Blankets. 2019. Nationwide Children’s Hospital. 4 Things Parents Should Know About Weighted Blankets.