3 Toddler Routines Your Child Needs for an Easy Day

Inside: Want each day with your toddler to be a breeze? Find out the 3 toddler routines to help you prevent meltdowns!

Say goodbye to tantrums! ….and….it’s not as hard as you may think either 🙂

One of the best ways to ensure that every day is a great day for your toddler is to make sure you have these 3 routines!

Routines are amazing because it gives your baby stability, predictability, comfort, and also helps your child have an overall schedule for their day. This will help your baby not only have an overall schedule for their day but also help them anticipate and expect each day’s activities!

Don’t be discouraged by the word “routine”. A routine can be as simple or as complicated as YOU want it to be. But simply, a routine is a series of actions that are performed consistently and daily. See- that doesn’t sound hard at all!

Here are the 3 toddler routines your child needs:

1. Feeding Routine
2. Nap Routine
3. Bedtime Routine

So let’s get down to the details of these routines!

 

The 3 Toddler Routines

1. Feeding Routine

The first toddler routine that you should start is a feeding routine. A feeding routine is the easiest routine to start and implement because feedings are more consistent than any other daily activity.

A toddler feeding routine can be super simple! All you have to do is before each feeding, start a consistent action to signal to your toddler that they are about to eat.

The goal of this routine is to help your toddler know that when they start to see you do this action, or when you tell them to do a specific action, that it is time to eat.

This routine can be as simple as you setting up the high chair and telling your toddler to jump in, put on their bib, and give them a spoon. Or you can add more steps to the routine, like your toddler stepping on a stool to help you prepare the meal. This can all be a part of a routine!

Your toddler needs this feeding routine because it will help them know that it is time to eat. Not only will they know that it’s food time, but it will also help them mature and develop patience and understanding.

Having a feeding routine also helps with the flexibility of your toddler schedule.

If you are able to do the feeding routine anywhere you go, to visit a family member’s house, to eat out at a restaurant, or even to go on vacation- when you start the routine, your toddler will know it’s food time!

2. Nap routine

A nap routine, in my opinion, is the most important toddler routine. Why? Because it not only affects their naps but can also affect their bedtime sleep. Making sure your toddler naps consistently and the correct length for their age is SO important.

A nap routine can help your toddler be able to nap longer and at consistent times each day. When your toddler is napping, it benefits their whole day!

Just like with the feeding routine, a nap routine will enable your toddler to sleep anywhere, as long as that routine is in place!

If you’re convinced of the importance of a nap routine, you might be wondering “ok so what does a nap routine look like?”.

I worked really hard on my daughter’s nap routine and tried what felt like a million different trial and errors to get it right. But once I FINALLY found the perfect nap routine, she not only began to take long naps but also started taking consistent naps and started sleeping better during the night within ONE week!

I wanted to share my nap routine with you! Because it is detailed, I decided to write it in the form of a PDF download for you to download and print and make your own! This nap routine is so flexible and can be adjusted to your family.

Because of the miracle of a nap routine, I can take my daughter on road trips, vacations, to spend the night at family’s homes, and she STILL naps like if she is at home because of the nap routine that we have in place. Be sure to get your copy of the nap routine below!

3. Bedtime routine

The third toddler routine that you need is a bedtime routine. I love bedtime routines because they can be comforting and truly individualized for each of your children.

One of my favorite times during my day is when I am snuggling and cuddling with my daughter before bedtime. I enjoy making her smile and laugh each night!

As your toddler develops and grows he/she will begin to remember those warm and happy moments before bedtime. I always love to end the day with a smile!

A bedtime routine is not only fun and can be a fantastic daily family bonding time, but it also helps your toddler sleep better!

Bedtime routines are so crucial because it helps your baby know it is bedtime, helps them fall asleep faster, and ultimately stay asleep longer!

Having a consistent bedtime routine will improve your toddler’s nighttime sleep and even improve their days. Because when your child is well-rested, they are happier!

I also created a sample bedtime routine to help you start your own routine! Grab a copy of it now!

>> Well there you have it! Now you know the 3 toddler routines that are super important and that can make every day an awesome day for your child. Remember, routines are amazing because it gives your baby stability, predictability, comfort, and also helps your child have an overall schedule for their day.

Don’t forget the 3 routines:

1. feeding routine
2. nap routine
3. bedtime routine

 

If you need help starting these routines feel free to access my free resource library and get your very own sample routines so you can start them with your toddler. Access my the free routines in my resource library by filling out the form below!

Become part of the Mastering Mom Life Insider tribe and get instant, FREE, private access to my resource library filled with printables + worksheets to make mom life easier!

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