Toddler Moms

marshmallows

Have you figured out a good bedtime routine with both kids yet? Tips?!

Most nights I am on my own with DHs work and I keep trying to find the best routine and timing for getting both in bed and reasonably happy! DS1 is a kid that needs a predictable bedtime which I try to keep but it's hard sometimes since DS2 is not very predictable yet with feedings, sleep etc. I feel like I am always guessing whether I should get him down first and do our routine for DS1 or let DS 2 hang out during that and then put down. And I usually do it wrong!

Anyway, have you found certain things that work in your house?

beanersmommy

I am pretty lucky because DH is usually home for bedtime, but he coaches baseball in the spring, so I have been home with the kids. This is what we did:

5:30ish: Dinner for DD

6:00-7:00: play/begin to wind down

7:00: put baby in the r

yeladim

DS1's bedtime routine hasn't changed. I wear DS2 if he is awake while I get DS1 ready for bed. Then I start the bedtime routine for DS2 after DS1 is asleep.

ericalee27

DH is usually always home at bedtime so we tag team most nights.  But on the nights I've been on my own, we stick to DS1's regular schedule to the letter.  Bath at 7pm, settle down/read some books, and bed at 8pm.  DS2 still doesn't do well

joecubed

DS2 is the last for bed, just because he is the most variable. I put DS1 and DD to bed together. If DH can't help, DS2 sits in the bouncy seat while I read the story and sing their lullabies. If he fusses, I hold him. The kids are enamored with him, s

jlweasner

My husband is a fireman so I am on my own every third night. We also stick to the toddlers schedule. DD still gets her bath at 7. After I get her bathed I let her play in the tub while I bath DS. Then I put both in pajamas and we read in DDs room whil

Tulips114

I was wondering what others were doing too.  I'm not sure I like our current routine, but its kinda working for now.  DD2 is also not predictable with nursing time, etc, but so far I've been able to make this work.  Here is how our eveni

Reyka9

DH works a 2nd shift job so this is our routine:

7:30am: DS wakes, DH gives him his bath and breakfast.
8am: I wake and move to the living room with DD. She usually has her morning nap after nursing and sleeps til noon.
12:30pm:

kelly321

Honestly, I'm not worrying about a set bedtime for DD2 yet. DD1 goes to bed between 6:30 and 7pm depending on how tired she is (and how much she's getting on my nerves ;-)) and I do DD2's bedtime sometime after that, depending on her alert phases. She's a

wifeofadam

We don't really do a bedtime routine with the babies until they are much older.  The time that they want to go down varies from day-to-day, so I just focus on the bedtime schedule for the older kids.  Eventually the baby just sort of falls in

marshmallows

Thanks for the replies! It's nice to hear how others are handling things.

downtown80

530/600: dinner for LO1

630: feed LO2 while LO1 plays

700: bedtime for LO1. Includes bath, brush teeth, PJs, book, bed. LO2 is either in the bouncy seat right outside the bathroom/bedroom or in the ergo, depending if he's awake o