How to Master Solo Bedtime Routines for Toddlers and Babies

Parenting can be challenging, especially when you’re juggling a toddler and a baby—both under the age of two. A recent YouTube video titled "My Solo Bedtime Routine with a Baby and Toddler | 2 Under 2" gives a glimpse into the life of a mom managing bedtime solo, and it’s full of practical tips and insights for other moms in a similar situation. This article breaks down her routine, sharing helpful advice, challenges, and the creative ways she manages to get through it all with grace.

Prepping for Bedtime: Planning Ahead

One of the key takeaways from the video is the importance of preparation. When handling two little ones, everything from laying out pajamas to preparing the bath space beforehand can save valuable time. Before starting the bedtime routine, this mom made sure everything was in place, which helped avoid unnecessary delays, especially when both kids can get tired and cranky at night.

A notable piece of advice was how she prepped her baby’s sleep environment in a separate guest room. She uses a slumber pod tent to block out light, creating a cozy, dark environment perfect for getting the baby to sleep quickly. This forward-thinking step made bedtime transitions easier and smoother, avoiding overstimulation for the baby.

Managing Bath Time with Two Little Ones

Bath time is one of the most chaotic parts of her routine. The mom makes it a rule never to bathe the toddler and baby at the same time when she’s alone. Instead, she keeps the toddler engaged by letting her help with the baby’s bath, such as pouring water on the baby’s legs. This not only keeps her toddler occupied but also fosters sibling bonding in a safe environment.

After the baby’s bath, she quickly transitions into dressing and feeding by having everything laid out in advance. This preparedness ensures the process moves along without hiccups, even though, as she admits, bath time can still be one of the most hectic parts of the evening.

Balancing Toddler Energy with Baby Needs

For moms with two under two, the need to balance the attention between the toddler and the baby is one of the greatest challenges. The mom explains that after putting her baby to sleep, her toddler often gets antsy or needs soothing. A fun strategy she uses is allowing her toddler to bring book recommendations for her baby brother. This kept her toddler busy and made her feel included in the bedtime process, promoting both creativity and responsibility.

One significant challenge, though, was handling multiple wake-ups. The baby stirred several times after being put down, but the mom shares a crucial tip: encouraging independent sleep. Rather than picking the baby up at every sound, she uses techniques like gently giving back the pacifier, making soothing noises, or laying a hand on the baby’s chest until they fall back asleep. This routine helps the baby learn self-soothing, reducing the number of wake-ups over time.

Handling the Toddler’s Routine

Once the baby is settled, it’s time to focus on the toddler’s routine. She preps the space for bedtime by setting up the sound machine and a nightlight, making sure her toddler participates by having her help clean up toys and put laundry away. This involvement not only builds a sense of responsibility but also winds the child down for bed.

Another smart trick she shared is making toothbrushing more fun by pretending her toddler’s teeth are a dinosaur’s. Engaging imagination is a great way to tackle sometimes challenging routines, transforming them into a fun activity that the child looks forward to.

Dealing with Interruptions

Despite all her planning, interruptions are inevitable. For example, right when the toddler is about to start her bath, the mom discovers a messy pull-up. Instead of letting this stress her out, she calmly handles the situation, cleans her toddler, and moves on with the routine. Flexibility and a sense of humor are crucial here, as dealing with unexpected messes is part and parcel of solo parenting.

Winding Down for the Night

Finally, after both kids are down, the real work begins—cleaning up the mess from the day. The mom resets the bathroom, tidies up the playroom, and makes sure everything is in order for the next day. The housework doesn’t end until all the toys, dishes, and laundry are taken care of, which, as she admits, can feel like running a marathon. She emphasizes the importance of self-care, reminding herself (and other moms) to stay hydrated and carve out a few minutes to relax after the kids are asleep.

Her reward? A hot shower and a little bit of alone time before turning her attention to work for her business. The day doesn’t end until she has some time to herself, which she wisely utilizes to unwind and then get a bit of editing done.

Final Thoughts: Staying Organized and Flexible

What stood out from this mom’s routine is the delicate balance between staying organized and being flexible. Her preparedness—from laying out clothes to organizing bedtime supplies—saves time and minimizes stress. However, she’s also adaptable, handling unexpected interruptions and wake-ups with patience and calm. Her experience shows that even when managing two kids under two by herself, a well-thought-out routine and some creative solutions can make the process smoother.

If you’re a new mom with little ones, take a page from her book: plan ahead, be flexible, and always leave room for self-care.

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The content provided on EarlyDaysMom.com is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified pediatrician, medical professional, or parenting expert before making any decisions based on the information in this article. EarlyDaysMom.com is not responsible for any outcomes related to the use of the advice provided.