How To Manage Bedtime With Two (or more) Kids

This post is for all the parents that have had to do bedtime for two (or more!) kids solo. Having two children under two and doing bedtime alone on days where my husband isn't home isn't ideal, but it is a reality in our house so I understand the crazy! I know I can't be the only mom feeling the crunch and confusion when trying to put two children to bed at the same time, so keep reading to make your bedtimes easier. Be sure to share this for all your mom friends to get a leg up on bedtime too.

What Should Our Routine Look Like?

Since bedtime routines can (and should!) be implemented from birth, if you do have an infant then they are not too young to be included. The routine should occur in the older child's room. A great example of a bedtime routine with multiple children would be:

1.Bath (both at the same time if possible, or with one child in the tub at a time and the other remaining in the bathroom.) Organization is key here to have toys/entertainment and a safe place for baby nearby if both children aren't both in the bath at the same time. Reserve this time for a favorite book or toy that they may not see often to keep them engaged and not interested in wandering towards playing in the toilet or sink!

2.Diapers and PJ's for both children. Diapers for one then the other would be more beneficial to you (and your floors!) then putting on PJ's one at a time.

3. Nurse/Bottle feed child under 12 months while older child looks through books or plays quietly with toys in their room.

4. Books or Song. This part of the routine should be short and sweet. No longer than 2 books so everyone remains awake but not confusing it with play time.

5. Into cribs/beds wide awake.

How Long Should The Routine Take?

The routine should mirror the exact routine for one child. With a bath, the routine should be around 30 minutes, without a bath it should take 20 minutes. Depending on the age, this could vary if there is a nursing or bottle feeding child that is part of the routine. This can vary a bit depending on the ages of the two children and awake times. If one child needs to go to bed earlier due to awake time then the other, do diaper,PJ's and book with that child then put them into bed, then do an additional book or two with the older child before putting them into bed.

What If My Kids Share A Room?

Ideally the best bedtime routine for children who share a room will to be on the same schedule so both child can be placed into their bed at the end of the bedtime routine. However, it is not the end of the world if one child goes to bed before the other. In this case, complete the bedtime routine as mentioned above with one book, and the younger child into bed. Take the older child out of the room to complete their bedtime routine, then have them quietly enter. If the younger child has good independent sleep skills then they should not be disturbed by the older child entering.

Still having trouble getting both children in bed at a reasonable hour? Is bedtime taking you an hour or longer? Want your children to go to bed earlier in the night?

Let's get everyone sleeping better!! Start having smooth bedtimes tonight!