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6 Step Simple & Calm Toddler Bedtime Routine

Inside: Start a super simple toddler bedtime routine to help make nights calm while flourishing connections and promoting better sleep.

It was 6:45 pm and my toddler was prancing around the house with her pants on her head pretending she was a superhero…

Let’s just say, it felt like bedtime was nowhere in sight.

Bedtime was kryptonite to my toddler!

So I was determined to begin an easy toddler bedtime routine that wasn’t rigid and unbending, but a bedtime routine that was structured enough to be predictable but flexible enough to help my child freely unwind.

And it was a success!

Following this exact routine, my toddler now knows what to expect from before bedtime and it helps her sleep soooo much better!

I’ll share with you the exact step-by-step toddler bedtime routine to help make nights calm, encourage your toddler to unwind, and flourish your connection with them while promoting better sleep.

Score!

Here’s an overview of the 5 step toddler bedtime routine:

Cleaning
Dressing
Drink
Bathroom
Bonding & Books
Bedtime & Cuddles

We’ll dive into the details and activities of each step and I’ll show you how you can add flexibility to each of the steps as well.

You want to make them feel as safe, comfortable and rested as possible while giving them some independence as they continue to grow and develop.

This bedtime routine can be used for little ones 18 months & up all the way to toddlerhood (4-5 years old)! I’ll show you how to add flexibility to the routine based on your child’s age.

Let’s dive in…

Free toddler bedtime routine to help your little one follow along!

Want to instantly download this toddler bedtime routine now?

If you want this toddler bedtime routine right at your fingertips, get the instant download and free printable version sent straight to your inbox!

This printable is toddler-friendly so you can print it out and place it on your toddler’s wall and they can easily learn and follow it with you throughout the evening.

Also, save the step by step guide to your device so you always have it on hand 🙂

Why is a Bedtime Routine Important?

Bedtime routines can be simple as you make them or as detailed as you like.

A bedtime routine is simply just to send a signal to your child that it’s almost time for nighttime sleep.

It’s a great way to unwind from the day, connect, and get your child ready for bed. You’ll want to send certain “cues” to your toddler that it’s nighttime and time for sleep.

These cues can be anywhere from a bath to a book before bed!

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6 step toddler bedtime routine for calmer, easier nights and better sleep

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Best Toddler Bedtime Routine

Remember, every child is different so feel free to use this routine as a guide and tweak what you need to in order to meet your toddler where they are.

This toddler bedtime routine just has all of the “ingredients” your toddler needs to successfully wind down from the day and promote a calm night with good rest. But you can mix up these ingredients in any way you see fit!

1. Cleaning

It’s bath time!

Bath time has been the start of our bedtime routine since my daughter was 6 months old. It’s a great way for a toddler to transition from dinner to “wind down” mode.

Even if you’re toddler doesn’t have an actual bath every night, this step is just the act of cleaning your child. Whether that’s a bath or a good wipe down, this step is the first one to help your child understand it’s time for nighttime.

Bath time is also a great way to let your little one get the wiggles out before bed. They can play with toys and this could be counted as their last “activity time” of the day.

This time can also be a great connection activity where you sing songs with your toddler and have fun together.

You can make up a “bath time” song or sing a Cocomelon bath song and teach your little one how to clean their body.

Here are some bath toys my toddler loves:

Safety Note: Never leave your child unattended in the bath. I always sit in the bathroom with my children and fold clothes or play with them but I’m always giving them my undivided attention and watching them.

2. Get Dressed

Now that bath time is over it’s time to get dressed in cozy pajamas.

I like to dry my daughter and apply lotion right after her bath. The lotion absorbs so much better into her skin and leaves her smooth and moisturized.

(My daughter battles itchy, dry skin so this really helps prevent her from scratching all night)

Then, if your toddler is old enough, let them dress themselves as much as possible. If your toddler is still little, get them dressed and use this time to teach them how to put each arm in the shirt and each leg in the pants.

I used to sing my baby the hokey pokey when I was getting her dressed after a 4bath. She associated that song with getting ready for bed!

I also give my children 10 minutes of playtime after they are dressed. Another opportunity to get the wiggles out!

They play with each other and clean up their room getting their beds ready for sleep. When my daughters were little and not able to do as much, I would use this time to connect with them and play little games- like peek a boo.

Remember, each step in the bedtime routine is used to help your child understand it’s almost time for bed and unwind but also connect with them before bedtime.

3. Drink

Ever since my children were little, they always loved milk before bed. Whether it was a few ounces in a bottle when they were babies or a little milk in their favorite cup before bedtime.

I like to give them milk when they ask for it at this time because it’s one of their “nighttime cues”.

I have milk as step 3 because it’s a perfect time – they haven’t gone potty yet so I like to wait a couple of minutes after they drink it and then make them go to the bathroom.

(So we don’t have any potty break night wakings!)

My oldest likes to drink her milk sitting in bed. We get our books ready and her pillow nice and fluffed, then go to the bathroom for our final potty trip.

If your little one is still getting a bottle/sippy cup for any reason, this is the step I used to give it to them. (As I mentioned, I’ve been using this routine since my babies were 1 so it’s changed a lot since they were that age as they continue to grow & develop)

4. Bathroom

Here’s the last potty break!

If your little one isn’t potty trained yet, don’t worry- it will happen when your child is ready. During this bathroom time, you can sit your toddler on the toilet if you’re in the process of potty training or you can just use this time to brush teeth.

If you’re wanting to potty train soon, you can add this to your bedtime routine as early as you like so your child can get used to the routine and it will become very predictable for them when it’s time for them to start going potty. It will be something they’re already used to!

If your toddler is potty trained, make sure they actually go to the bathroom. If they “don’t have to go”, ask them to sit on the toilet for an extra 30 seconds to a minute. Sometimes I play a counting game or sing a counting song to distract my toddler from being antsy as she waits.

Giving them that extra time just ensures they actually don’t have to go and not just saying they don’t. This can help prevent an accident or night potty trip.

If your child is younger and still in diapers, this is the time I change them and apply fresh diaper cream.

5. Book

We finally made it to book time…

I love this step in our bedtime routine because it means we are one step closer to lights off (cue the mom dance!)

When my daughter was little (18-20 months) I would sit with her on the glider and read her a book after her nighttime milk and diaper change.

As my kids got older and we transitioned them from a crib to a toddler bed/twin bed, we tweaked our bedtime routine to reflect their growth.

Now my oldest is 4.5 years old and we read her books laying down on her bed. She chooses 2-3 books and we read them together.

Here are some fun books that we read every night:

6. Bedtime

That time has arrived—bedtime!

After reading, we…

cuddle for a few minutes
turn off the lights,
switch on the nightlight,
put on the sound machine,
and give her a big kiss.

I sit on a chair in her room and sing her a few songs until she drifts into sleep.

Some nights I sit for a few minutes and leave. Other nights I sit for a while until she falls asleep. It depends on my toddler’s mode and what she needs that night.

I’ve used a sound machine for my children’s naps and nighttime sleep since they were babies. It helped them sleep better and was a great sleep cue. As your baby gets older, you can begin to wean from the sound machine as you see fit.

My 4-year-old still uses the sound machine on its lowest setting. She likes the noise because we live in very noisy New York City (the city that literally never sleeps when my kid needs to sleep haha)

But I also know parents who play an hour loop of instrumental lullabies or beach waves for their child to fall asleep.

A good rule of thumb is to use whatever method has been working for your toddler to fall asleep for naps and just replicate it for bedtime.

And there you have it!

How to Get a Toddler in a Bedtime Routine

Babies and toddlers love predictability. It helps them feel secure in what they’re doing throughout the day and helps them know what to expect.

Routines are a great way to offer them that predictability and structure!

If your toddler does not have any bedtime routine whatsoever- do not fret…you can easily start one at any point.

It’s never too late to begin a new routine.

It’s also never too late to tweak or alter an existing routine. If you have a bedtime routine but it doesn’t seem to be working, don’t fear changing it a bit.

It’s all about giving your toddler what they need and meeting them where they are developmentally.

To start or alter a bedtime routine, it always begins with the first day. Don’t be afraid to just jump in and begin!

Follow the routine for the first night and see how many steps you get through.

Explain to your toddler each step as you do it so they understand the importance of each activity in the bedtime routine and how it helps them wind down.

Tell them what the next step is so they can begin to be aware of the predictability of the routine pattern.

As each night of the week progresses, continue to do the same steps in somewhat the same order (it doesn’t have to be perfect!) while explain to your child what you’re doing, why, and what’s next.

After 7-10 days you should see a noticeable improvement in your bedtime endeavor. More on this later so keep reading!

Also, be sure to download the toddler bedtime routine guide. It not only comes with a download/printable bedtime routine you can follow and teach your child but it also has a nighttime tracker to help you pinpoint changes in your child’s sleep and nighttime mood!

What you document & track will help you tweak the bedtime routine to fit your child’s needs to get you even better results.

Grab the free guide by signing up using the form below!

Keep track of how your child sleeps those nights to see if there are any changes. Tweak the routine as you see fit. Remember, this is all about following YOUR child’s cues!

How Long Should a Toddler Bedtime Routine Be?

Don’t get too hung up on doing this super long, detailed and complicated bedtime routine. A bedtime routine is simply to let your little one knows that it’s time for nighttime sleep.

I’m specific in saying nighttime sleep because nighttime sleep is much different from daytime sleep. A nap ends after 1-2 hours. Nighttime sleep lasts 10-12 hours.

A huge difference!

Little actions such as reading a book before bed or putting on lotion before pajamas are sending your child cues that it’s time for nighttime sleep.

This sample bedtime routine (that I’ve used for all of my kids) is about 45 minutes to an hour long. I begin the routine with a bath, and depending on how long bath time lasts will determine how long from that point it takes for my toddler to go to sleep.

But your bedtime routine can be 30 minutes- that’s totally fine!

You can use the steps in this bedtime routine as a guide and shorten or lengthen it as you see necessary.

Simple 9-12 Month Baby Routine to Help your Baby Thrive

Baby Routines

Inside: Learn step by step a gentle & flexible 9-12 month baby routine to communicate & connect with your baby to help them thrive- including a nap, feeding & activity schedule!

As I tried to wrestle my daughter into my favorite pink pastel footie a thought hit me like an oncoming train—my little girl is no longer as little as she once was.

Clearly too big for this adorable little outfit, it was time to wrap my head around the cold hard facts—my baby is growing and will soon be a year old.

(cue the sobs!)

But with the new journey ahead of us comes waving goodbye to late-night feedings, midnight wakings, and the unfamiliar territory of getting to know your newborn.

Now we’re onto climbing & cruising and walking & expressions…yay!

If you’re trying to navigate the new terrain of your 9-12 month old, fear not…

I’ll show you a simple and flexible 9-12 month baby routine to help you find simple ways to communicate and flourish your connection with your little one while removing those stressful stumbling blocks that make you question your #momlife confidence.

With this 9-12 month baby routine, you’ll learn:

what to do with wake windows
a useful & easy nap routine
simple activities to keep baby busy & learning
feeding tips to make mealtimes a joy

Let’s dive in!

3 Components of a 9-12 Month Baby Routine

A thriving baby routine consists of meeting your baby where they are developmentally and having flexible components that shift as your baby continues to grow and develop.

Your 9-12 month old baby is now physically exploring the world. Whether they are crawling, cruising, or walking, developmental strides such as these are the difference between a newborn and a one year old.

Your baby is experiencing the world in a whole new way.

So naturally, a 3-month baby routine will look very different from a 12 month old baby routine. But there are key foundations that will remain the same. These key principles are the foundation for every baby routine- whether 1 week old or 1 year old.

There are 3 key foundations that make up your baby routine that will never change: wake windows, activity time, and feedings.

These 3 key principles will be in every daily routine, no matter their age, but will shift as they grow and develop.

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9-12 month baby routine to help your baby thrive

All tips and advice given are based on my own experience and given to me by my own pediatrician. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your doctor. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please view Mastering Mom Life’s Terms, Disclosure & Disclaimer Policy and Privacy Policy.

1. Wake windows

Wake windows are the length of time that your baby is awake between each nap. It is counted from the minute they wake up to the minute they go back to sleep.

That stretch of time is called a wake window.

Wake windows will lengthen as your baby gets older. That’s why a newborn can only stay up for 30 minutes but a 10-month-old will stay awake for 2-3 hours at a time.

Your baby’s wake window is a key foundation of their overall daily routine. The wake window will change as they grow but your little one will always have a wake window until they drop their last nap.

The average 9-12 month old baby wake window is 2-3 hours.

I’ve noticed over the years that the first wake window is shorter, can even be 1.5hours to 2 hours. But as the day progresses, the wake windows lengthen a bit.

Tired Cues

This is where it’s imperative to know your baby’s cues. Are they showing your sleepy cues?

Rubbing eyes,
Staring off into space,
Red eyebrows,
Fussy.

Sometimes my baby can make it a full 2hour wake window in the morning but sometimes she starts showing those tired cues early and I follow what she needs.

That’s the beauty of a flexible routine- it’s based on YOUR BABY. Not a minute-for-minute schedule that was designed for another child.

Follow your baby’s cues…it’s their way of communicating with you and telling you what they need.

2. Activity time

Activities are a HUGE part of the day. It’s what keeps your baby “busy” when they aren’t sleeping or eating. You don’t have to spend hourrsss every week planning super complicated activities that you found on Pinterest. Activities can be as simple as a walk around the block or a peek-a-boo book.

Keep it simple and attainable so you don’t overwhelm yourself. I’ll show you the 3 main activities I do with my baby- keep reeding!

3. Feedings

At the 9-12 month old stage, babies usually eat 4-5 times throughout the day. Whether it be all formula/breastmilk or a combo of milk and solids.

The main key is to feed your baby every 2.5-3 hours.

In my 9-12 month baby routine, you’ll see how I feed my daughter throughout the day and how I structure her feedings.

Hunger Cues

It’s best not to follow a minute-by-minute feeding schedule and to follow your baby’s hunger cues.

Some hunger cues include:

Putting hand to mouth (sign language)
Staring at you if youre eating
Moving lips
Crawling/walking to kitchen when food is
Irritibility after about 2.5 hours of eating

Let’s jump into the sample schedule (what my day looks like almost hour for hour with my 9-12 month old!)

Sample 9-12 Month Baby Routine: Step by Step Schedule

Remember this sample schedule will shift based on the time your baby wakes up that day. You do not have to follow this schedule minute for minute because it will be determined by YOUR baby’s time frame.

You can keep with the overall structure of the day, but the schedule will shift based on your baby’s wake times, nap lengths, and feeding times.

Be sure to download the 9-12 month baby Routine Guide so you have this sample schedule saved right to your device and have it at your fingertips when you need it!

The 9-12 month Routine Guide also comes with 2 sample schedules AND an instant download/printable template to help you make your own routine/schedule!

Complete the form below to get it sent straight to your inbox!

Use this schedule as a sample pattern for your own routine 🙂

7:30 am Wake

After I hear her stirring, I go into her room, turn off her sound machine, open up the curtains, sing her a good morning song and change her diaper.

7:35 am Feeding

She usually drinks about 6 ounces every morning when she wakes up. Sometimes she will drink 4 ounces and then drink the other 2 ounces over the next 30 minutes.

8:00 am Breakfast

I make breakfast for my toddler at this time and give my 9-12 month old her “breakfast”. Usually, this is something small like a couple of avocado slices or boiled pears in her high chair.

8:30 am Connection Activity

After breakfast is our first activity time! This activity time is all about connection and bonding.

Below under the Connection Activities section, I share all of the different easy activities that I rotate each week.

We’ll play together for about an hour (my toddler too!) and then I’ll watch for her tired cues to start our nap routine.

9-12 month baby morning playtime playing with toys

7:30-9:30 am Wake window

This wake window is usually about 2 hours but some days it’s 1.5 hours. As she approaches 12 months, she may be awake for 3 hours and need her second feeding before her first nap.

Remember, flexibility is key when reading your baby’s cues!

9:30 am Nap

I start her nap routine about 10 minutes before she goes down and she will sleep for 1-1.5 hours.

Don’t forget the nap routine!

10:30 am Feeding

When she wakes from her nap I usually give her another 6 ounce bottle. Remember, we feed our children every 2.5-3 hours depending on their hunger cues.

11:00 am Mid-morning snack

My daughter will usually eat 4 ounces straight at a time and then likes to eat some sort of solid food with the rest of her 2 ounces. This is why I have a feeding at 10:30 and a “snack” at 11. This snack is just a continuation of her feeding at this time.

I’ll give her a puree of some sort with the rest of her milk. At this time, she usually likes pears or apple sauce and I’ll give her a string cheese or some puffs.

If you’d like to see my homemade baby applesauce recipe, follow me on Instagram and check out my highlights!

11:30 am Activity (outside/errands)

This activity time is usually an outside activity. If the weather permits, I like to get outside at least once a day. If it’s raining or we’re unable to go out, I like to encourage some independent playtime.

This is the wake window that I usually go out if I need to run an errand or drive somewhere. It’s a good amount of time to be out and a good time to be out with kids (less traffic, fewer people out, etc.)

1:00 pm Feeding

Because the wake window is 3 hours and the feeding window is 3 hours, I feed her another milk feeding before she goes down for her nap.

Baby R was waking up after 45 minutes during this nap and I realized it was because she was hungry! So I started feeding her before the nap and she goes 2 hours now. Helps with her overall mood and her nighttime sleep.

1:30 pm Nap

It’s naptime again! This is the last nap of the day. As your baby grows between those 9-12 months, this time with shift and the nap length will shift. Just follow your baby’s hunger and tired cues!

3:00 pm Activity

After a nice long nap, it’s activity time again! I like this activity time to be a combination of independent playtime and chore time. I’ll get some chores done in the same room that Baby R is playing in.

4:00 pm Feeding

This milk feeding fades away as your baby grows between 9-12 months but I wanted to keep it in this schedule just in case it helps you better see the overall feeding routine we had. At this time Baby R would drink 4 ounces and mostly eat solids as she turned 1.

4:30/5:00 pm Dinner

We always include the baby in our dinnertime. My toddler pulls up the high chair for baby R and we eat as a family! I give her different amounts of food based on if she had milk at 4:00 or not.

If she didn’t then we would give her a variety of things. If she did, we would give her food that we know she would like to eat.

9-12 month baby early evening playtime playing with toys

5:30 pm Activity

This activity is usually family time. We clean up dinner, play around the house and let them get all the wiggles out before we start our bedtime routine.

6:30 pm Bath/Bedtime Routine

A consistent bedtime routine is the golden nugget of great nighttime sleep. We start out bedtime routine with a:

Bath
Put on pajamas and lotion
10-minute bonding playtime
Last feeding
Put on sound machine
Close curtains/make room dark
Lay baby down
Sing a song
Parent leaves room

Having a bedtime routine helps your baby understand that nighttime sleep is next. It creates an atmosphere of calm and tranquility and signals your baby it’s time for sleep. You can read all about the amazing benefits of a bedtime routine here!

7:00 pm Feeding

This is the last feeding of the day. It’s uncommon for your baby to drink more ounces at this feeding than the rest of the day. We usually snuggle up, feed baby R and then get ready for bed—we’re almost done for the day!

7:30 pm Nighttime Sleep

After baby finishes their feeding, gets changed and all comfy, it’s time for sleep- woohoo!

Remember to download the FREE 9-12 Month Routine Guide to instantly download 2 different daily sample schedules!

Key Principles-

Within this sample schedule here are 3 constant keys:

2-3 hour wake windows
5 feedings (combination of milk and solids)
4 activity times

Let’s jump into the different activities you can do with your 9-12 month old during the day…

Grab the Tiny One’s Boredom Buster Toolkit for over 30 easy, cheap, fun, educational activties!

9-12 Month Activity Routine

The word “activities” is such a broad term.

To me, an activity can mean a walk to the park or a huge activity that took 3 hours to prep. There’s a lot of room for interpretation.

And because of that, I find that a lot of moms become completely overwhelmed with how to entertain their little ones because they feel they “aren’t doing enough”.

It’s very frustrating to feel like you have to get a mile-long chore list done every day AND plan super fun, educational 3-hour activities for your baby.

But you don’t have to!

I like to sort activities into 3 categories:

Connection activities
Independent activities
Outdoor activities

Connection Activities

Connection activities are activities that promote parent/child bonding. There are activities that you and your child are doing together. You’re playing with them, teaching them something new, and actively being a part of their playtime.

Here are some examples of connection activities:

Reading (with books that have sound is so fun!)
Simple art & craft
Playing with educational toys

You can also use connection activities to transition into independent activities. Connection activities can easily become independent activities because after you use your connection time to teach your child to do something, they can then practice it and do it themselves during independent playtime.

9-12 month baby routine to help your baby thrive! Plus a nap, feeding & activity sample schedule.

Independent Activities

Independent activities are things that your child can do on their own. These are supervised activities that your baby can try and accomplish without your immediate help such as trying to play with a puzzle, building blocks and tearing them down, sorting shapes, etc.

Independent activities are great for helping your child meet new milestones and developmental growth!

Independent time is great because it also teaches your child how to play without you right beside them. It gives them the room and space to figure things out for themselves and learn how to do things on their own.

Ever saw your baby figure out how to fit a square block into a square hole? It’s victorious! Their little brains are constantly learning, shaping and growing, and giving them this time is important to their growth.

It doesn’t mean you just leave your baby in the living room and walk away- please no. It just means your baby is playing on the floor of your bedroom while you fold clothes, make the bed, and do things you need to get done in that area.

Activities include:

Outdoor Activities

Outdoor activities are pretty self-explanatory– anything you do outside with your child. This could be walking around the block, playing in the park, roaming around the backyard or even running errands to Target!

I like to add an outside activity every day or every other day, weather permitting. Getting out of the house helps with “cabin fever” and is even good for your mental health as a mom.

Easily Plan Activities with the Tiny One’s Boredom Buster Activity Toolkit!

If you’re stuck on pause because you have no idea what to do with your baby during these different activity times, the Tiny One’s Boredom Buster Activity Toolkit will be a lifesaver!

The Tiny One’s Boredom Buster Activity Toolkit helps busy moms create a simple activity & play routine for their little one without the stress of spending hours on preparation.

Learn how to take the overwhelm OUT of planning fun, educational & affordable activities for your children while encouraging independent play AND parent bonding.

This toolkit is specifically designed to keep your baby or toddler busy, stimulated, and having fun all while helping your baby/toddler meet new milestones and practice existing skills!

It includes over 35 activity guides for babies and toddlers from 2 months old to 3 years old, over 10 templates to help you plan an easy playtime activity routine that works for YOUR family, and over 15 printable activities pages that you can whip out when you’re in a pinch.

Learn more about the Activity Toolkit Here!

9-12 Month Sleep Schedule

As you can see in this daily routine, Baby R naps twice a day with 2-3 hours of daytime sleep and sleeps 11-12 hours each night.

Your baby’s nap times and nap lengths will begin to shift in between the 3 months of when they are 9-12 months. That’s why knowing your baby’s tired cues are super important.

Some tired cues include:

Rubbing eyes
Playing with ears
Red eyebrows
Gazing off
Slow blinking
Yawning

It’s also really helpful to have a naptime routine that promotes great daytime sleep and a bedtime routine that promotes restful nighttime sleep.

Food Schedule

At this age, your baby is eating a combination of milk (breastmilk/formula) and solids. My daughter eats every 2.5-3 hours, whether it’s a mix of milk and solids, just solids, or just milk.

Remember to focus on full feedings!

Follow your pediatrician’s guide on what your baby should be eating and follow your baby’s hunger cues.

Recap time!

There you have it!

You learned my step-by-step gentle and flexible 9-12 month baby routine, including nap, feeding, and activity schedule, to help your baby thrive!

This 9-12 month baby routine was created to flourish communication & connection with your baby without feeling overwhelmed with questioning yourself if you are “doing the right thing” for your baby all day.

YOU know your baby best! Follow your instincts and follow your baby’s cues—they will never fail you <3

Don’t forget to download the 9-12 Month Routine Guide equipped with 2 sample schedules and templates to help you create your own routine based on your baby’s cues!

You got this, mama!

The Best Tips for Traveling with Kids Post Pandemic

Family Life

Inside: Find out 10 easy tips, steps & precautions for traveling with kids post-pandemic to keep your little ones safe and healthy on your family vacation at your hotel, flight & theme parks.

Mask fogging up my glasses and disinfectant wipes in hand, I ran down through the terminal determined to remain 6 feet away from passing families.

They called our boarding group and my family of 4 huddled into each other waiting for the other families to board first.

Traveling with kids post-pandemic can be intimidating and frightening, enough to make you want to sprint to the phone and utilize those cancellation policies…

But with a few tips and tricks, you can keep your little ones safe and healthy without sacrificing the joy of a family vacation!

We recently traveled by plane on our annual family vacation that we postponed 3 times. I was head-deep in anxiety prepping for the trip but I felt prepared and confident that we could fly with our 1 and 4-year-old in the safest way possible.

We returned home a week later after using all of these tips that I’ll share with you and I’m beyond ecstatic to say that we are all healthy and safe!

These are the exact steps, tips & precautions I used to keep my family safe and healthy during our family vacation and traveling with kids post-pandemic.

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10 tips for traveling with kids post pandemic

The Best Tips for Traveling with Kids Post Pandemic

If you are planning to travel on a family vacation that includes flying on a plane, staying at a hotel, and visiting theme parks, you’re in the right place!

The goal of these tips is to help you take the stress out of everything you have to juggle WHILE traveling with a toddler/baby and keeping them safe and healthy!

Whether you’re traveling by plane, booking a hotel, or visiting theme parks, here are the 5 main tips to keep your family safe and healthy through it all…

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please view Mastering Mom Life’s Terms, Disclosure & Disclaimer Policy and Privacy Policy. I wholeheartedly believe in all of the products I recommend and use them all!

1. Pack smart

One of the main things you want to avoid is fiddling around in 5 different bags trying to find the disinfectant wipes or toddler snack.

You also want to avoid placing bags on the ground, as the floor is one of the biggest breeding grounds for germs.

Use bags such as book bags where you don’t have to place down in order to find something. Pack in categories- place diapering items in one section of the bag, place snacks/food in one zippered part, etc.

Packing your diaper bag/toddler bag in a way where everything is organized will help you save valuable minutes when you’re in the throw of hunting for something you need!

2. Have disinfectant wipes easily accessible in every bag

Disinfectant accessibility is key when traveling with littles!

Place a pouch of travel disinfectant wipes in the most accessible zipper in every single bag. Trust me, you will thank yourself!

In the heat of the moment between juggling book bags, carry-ons, and keeping your kids insight, it’s easy to forget where you put those ever-so-important disinfectant wipes!

But if you place them in every bag, in relatively the same location in each bag- things will go a lot smoother!

3. Hang hand sanitizer holder on every bag

The same goes for hand sanitizer…

Hang a hand sanitizer holder on every bag you are traveling with, so there’s no room for error.

After every touchpoint- elevators buttons, escalator rails, chairs, etc- disinfect everyone’s hands with hand sanitizer. Then when you have a free moment, wash your hands thoroughly.

4. Disinfectant everything before touching

The last main health and safety key is to wipe them down surfaces before touching them! Not everything can be cleaned before touching it, such as a bathroom door handle, that’s why have hand sanitizer is important for those scenarios.

But disinfectant main touch areas that you know you will be using before you use them are important! Whether it’s a public table or chair before sitting or a ride lap bar.

That’s why having disinfectant wipes easily accessible is crucial!

5. Load up on vitamins

Immune boosters will be your life-saver. If your little ones are old enough, be sure to give them immune-boosting vitamins starting about a month before you travel. I usually give my toddler elderberry, zinc, and vitamin c.

These 5 main tips will lay the foundation for keeping your family safe while traveling post-pandemic!

Let’s dive into specific tips, steps, and hacks for flying, hotels, and amusement parks…

Flying with a Baby or Toddler Post-pandemic

Here are my famous tips for flying with a toddler or baby without wanting to pull out your hair. Of course, there will be hiccups. Yes, there may be some frustration crawling under your skin.

But remember, the goal of flying with a toddler or baby isn’t to just make it “easy” – (because let’s face it, that’s probably impossible)…

Plan your outfits with easy travel in mind

The key to traveling with kids post-pandemic is avoiding disruptions. One of the easiest ways to do this is to avoid airport wardrobe catastrophes.

Dress your toddler with comfy shoes with socks (in case they need to remove their shoes their feet are protected from the dirty floor)
Baby wear your littlest one so they are not being handled right before touching dirty touchpoints, such as security bins.
Put layers on each child so if the outer layer gets dirty or falls on the floor, it can be put away without your child being cold. (Airports are notoriously chilly!)

Have toddler hold on to your bookbag or stroller strap while walking

Depending on the time of your flight, your toddler can be really tired and ready for a nap..orrr…ready to take on the world!

If your toddler is super excited and can’t contain their eagerness to fly it usually ends up in them wanting to run all over the airport (and if your toddler is anything like my energetic daughter– touch e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g!)

I found that giving your toddler options is always best. They can either

sit in the stroller
wear a book bag with a strap/harness that I hold
hold on to the stroller hook and walk beside me

This keeps your toddler with you at all times and limits their ability to touch anything so they are staying safe.

Wipe down airplane before sitting

Before sitting down after you’ve found your seat, give everything a good wipe down.

Focus on:

seats,
seat backs
arm rests,
buckles,
front trays
trays surface when opened
pocket in front of you
window

I even check the pockets to see if there is any reading material and usually wipe that down as well. It may be overboard- but it’s all for the safety and health of your family!

During our last flight, my husband would hold the girls and I would clean everything as fast as I could. This would help us step out of the aisle so others can move past us. Then when we were sitting, I would deep clean the surfaces that I know the kids would be touching more often (window, buttons, etc.)

That’s why it’s so handy to have those disinfectant wipes in an accessible pocket in all of your bags!

Traveling with kids post pandemic tips for flight, hotel and theme parks

Staying in a hotel with kids post-pandemic

Remember the 4^th key health and safety tip for traveling with littles…wipe everything down!

The most important factor when staying in a hotel post-pandemic is cleanliness.

You’ll want to disinfect the room before unpacking.

Here are some areas to focus on:

Remote
Night stand
Light switches
Lamp knobs
Sink handles
Door handles
Room phone
Door lock
Etc.

I also pack disinfectant spray and give the closets and bedspreads a good spray down before we fully unpack.

Basically, anywhere that someone else would touch that you know your family will come in contact with.

Of course, the hotel staff will do a great job with cleaning and getting the room ready for you after the last guest- but I really don’t like to leave anything to chance.

It takes 5 minutes to clean something and offer my family extra protection rather than assume it was already cleaned. (…I know, I know…sometimes my husband thinks I’m a bit of a clean freak)

Visiting a Theme Park with Kids Post Pandemic

As I held my daughter’s hand trembling with excitement standing on Main Street in Magic Kingdom, I was beyond relieved that life was getting back to normal.

Watching her curtsey to princesses with melted ice cream dripping down her chin, my world was complete.

We’ll take all of the health and safety tips above and use them to help you stay germ-free during your visit to theme parks!

Remember the 4 Key Tips:

1. Pack smart

Whichever bags you chose to bring into the parks with you, pack them with precision and organization.

Here’s a great post all about what to bring to Disney World for your toddler!

You can use this list for any theme park too…not just a Disney trip. It’s loaded with toddler essentials and must-haves!

2. Have disinfectant wipes accessible in every bag

In every one of those bags hide a little pouch of travel disinfectant wipes in the front zipper. When you need them, you’ll know exactly where they are!

Disinfect toddler’s hands after every touchpoint!

3. Carry hand sanitizer holders

Don’t forget to hang hand sanitizer holders on every bag that you’re bringing with you to the theme park! That way, after you touch something, before touching anything else, you quickly and easily pop open the hand sanitizer bottle and clean your hands within seconds.

This is a lifesaver in between rides!

4. Wipe surfaces before using

You’ll need to wipe down all surfaces before using them…

Wipe down:

tables and chairs before sitting
handles before touching
door knobs (if you have the time to do so before touching them)

Basically, you’ll want to clean down any high touchpoint area where you will be located for an extended period of time (more than 5 minutes).

WIpe down bars and high touchpoint areas on rides!

Here are some other little theme park tips to avoid pesky germs…

Use a stroller

If your little one is big enough to walk, I would still recommend bringing a stroller. I put my toddler in the stroller when we are in stores because it reduces the number of things she can touch and also helps me keep a better eye on her.

Your toddler will also get tired throughout the day so even if they don’t usually use a stroller at home, having one can really save the day.

It’s also super convenient to hold all of your bags! A stroller hook is game-changing.

Use travel disinfectant spray to clean changing pad/area

I always bring a couple of travel disinfectant sprays with me so I can quickly clean areas that are normally hard to wipe down. I usually spray down baby changing areas before using and then disinfect my changing pad after using.

I’ll disinfect the toilet before using it as well, even though I bring a little travel potty seat for my toddler.

Disposable masks are lightweight & breathable- perfect for toddlers.

Traveling with kids post-pandemic Recap!

Family vacations are one of my absolute favorite things in the world! Choosing to take a family vacation in the current times we live in can be daunting.

But remember, with a few tips and tricks, you can keep your little ones safe and healthy without sacrificing the joy of a family vacation!

By using these exact steps, tips & precautions I kept my family safe and healthy during our family vacation and I don’t regret for a moment the vacation we had!

Yes, it looked different but it was still full of wide-grinned smiles and cherished memories.

Don’t forget the 5 key tips:

Pack smart
Have disinfectant wipes accessible in every bag
Hang hand sanitizer holders on every bag
Disinfect every surface before touching
Load up on vitamins & immune boosters

Book the vacation. Savor the moments. Obsess over every smile. Take loads of pictures. Cherish every memory.

You got this, mama!

When to Change Baby Bottle Nipple Size- 5 Easy Tips You Should Know

Baby Routines

Inside: Find out all the signs you need to know when it’s time to change bottle nipple size! Read how to switch, increase or change your baby’s bottle nipple tear-free.

I gazed down at my daughter’s sweet little apple-red cheeks as she was struggling to drink her bottle.

After every 5 seconds, she would sway her head and push the nipple from her mouth…

Why wasn’t she drinking??

Then a thought hit me like a ton of bricks—maybe she was frustrated with the nipple!

Thankfully I had the next size bottle nipple stored away in my kitchen cabinet. I popped it on the bottle and voila…she drank the whole bottle fuss-free.

There are many signals your baby can begin to show you when it’s time to size up on their bottle nipple. I’ll show you all of the different tips, tricks, and signs you should know when it’s time to change your bottle nipple size.

If your baby is starting to struggle when drinking the bottle and she was normally doing great, here’s everything you need to know!

When to change bottle nipple size

Is your little one suddenly refusing the bottle or becoming fussy during a feeding?

I’ve noticed over the years that sometimes what “seems” like bottle refusal can really just be your baby telling you that the nipple flow is too slow.

If your baby is suddenly refusing the bottle or showing one of these signs then it’s time to increase the nipple size:

Taking longer to finish a bottle
Becomes irritated or fussy while eating (when baby was normally acting like himself/herself)
Falls asleep toward the beginning of a feeding without eating much

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How do nipple sizes affect bottle refusal?

Bottle refusal is a very real thing. And many factors can be the cause of bottle refusal. Some reasons include:

Taste of milk
Need to change formula (digestive issues, etc.)
Baby wanting to return back to nursing
Sickness
Time to change nipple size

(Always talk to your pediatrician if you are experiencing sudden bottle refusal.)

If you can rule out all of the other bottle refusal signs, then it’s most likely time to change the nipple size. Some babies will refuse the bottle when the flow is too slow. And some babies will refuse the bottle when the flow is too fast and they need a smaller nipple size.

Here are some signs when to know the flow is too fast and it’s time to decrease the nipple size…

5 signs when it’s time to decrease nipple size

If baby is consistently:

Coughing/choking with milk
Guzzling too hard
Milk is pooling out of mouth during swallows
Hard gulping with head movements

…then try to go back to using a slower nipple flow (smaller nipple size) to see if you see any feeding improvements.

If at any point you see your baby struggling to eat because the flow is too fast, don’t be afraid to change the nipple size back to a smaller one immediately. Even if that means mid-feeding.

(As always, talk to your pediatrician about your feeding concerns!)

What is the difference between nipple flows?

In a nutshell, a smaller size nipple is a slower flow and a larger size nipple is a faster flow.

Nipple flows are based on baby’s age for most baby bottles.

Here is a sample breakdown for Dr.Brown’s bottle nipple sizes:

Level 1- 0+ months
Level 2- 3+ months
Level 3- 6+ months
Level 4- 9+ months

How to Change Bottle Nipple Size

Now that you *what to do*, it’s time to jump into *how*!

1. The first step to changing the bottle nipple size is to have the different nipple sizes on hand.

I always like to be prepared and have an extra nipple in the next size up on hand. This prevents the hassle of needing to scurry to the store in a pinch when my baby is struggling to eat.

2. The second step is choosing the easiest feeding of the day to make the transition.

For my oldest, the easiest bottle of the day was the morning feeding right after she woke up. For my youngest, her best feeding was right before bed.

3. If you are increasing your nipple size, you can begin feeding with the smaller nipple to see if the feeding struggles continue.

After 1-2 minutes, switch to the larger nipple size.

4. Place the bottle horizontal to the floor, with milk inside of the nipple tip but not completely filling the nipple.

This should help you regulate the flow of the milk and help your little one adjust to the faster flow without having too much milk pool in their mouth.

You should see an improvement in his/her feeding.

5. If you are decreasing your nipple size, you can switch to the smaller nipple first and see if the feeding improves.

You’ll want to make sure your baby is no longer coughing/pooling milk in their mouth for the whole feeding.

5 tips to switch baby bottle nipple size

Bottle Nipple Differences

Not all bottle nipples are created equal. Some nipples are narrow and long, some are wide and short and some nipples are created to replicate breastfeeding.

If you find that changing the bottle nipple size is not helping the feeding issues then perhaps it’s time to try a different bottle and bottle nipple.

My daughter adamantly refused Tommee Tippee bottle nipples. And I have no idea why!

After troubleshooting nipples sizes, I found it was time to switch bottles altogether- and it worked!

Changing bottle styles might be the trick if you find yourself stuck in a bottle pickle. If you are sensing that there is another cause of your baby’s feeding issues, do not hesitate to contact your baby’s pediatrician.

Do I have to change bottle nipple sizes based on the chart?

No 2 babies are the same!

There is no “perfect age” to switch your baby’s nipple size so it’s always best to follow your baby’s feeding cues. Look for the signs that he/she would show when it’s time for a faster nipple flow and meet your baby’s needs accordingly.

My daughter didn’t move to a level 3 nipple until she was almost 8 months old. If I were to follow the chart I would have automatically sized up her nipple when she turned 6 months. But if I would have done that then the faster nipple would have disrupted her feedings and maybe even her whole day!

Always follow YOUR baby’s cues. Watch for their signs- you know your little one best!

On the other hand, if your baby is younger than the recommended age for a certain nipple level but your baby is showing signs that he/she needs a faster flow, feel free to try it! After a feeding or 2 then you will know if the nipple is just right or too fast.

Some babies are slow eaters and some babies are aggressive eaters. How your baby normally eats will directly affect their nipple size. Remember, you know your baby best!

Baby Schedule Collection Free Printables: Baby Tracker | Baby Schedule | Nap Schedule | Feeding Schedule | #momlife #parentingtips

Download a FREE Baby Feeding Tracker!

The best way to know when your baby is acting differently during a feeding is to consistently track their feedings! By tracking your baby’s feedings, you can easily see a pattern and notice their feeding cues.

Knowing your baby’s feeding cues can help you anticipate their needs and solve any feedings that may arise in the future.

Download a Baby Feeding Tracker inside my FREE Baby Schedule Collection.

Receive 3 instant downloads including a weekly feeding tracker, daily baby schedule, and overall baby tracker!

Use the form below to have the trackers sent straight to your email!

Recap: When to change bottle nipple size

Bottle feeding can seem overwhelming at times but remember, hope is not lost!

By following your baby’s cues, you can meet them where they are developmentally and anticipate their needs.

Here are some signs when it’s time to change bottle nipple size to a faster flow:

Takes longer to finish a bottle
Becoming irritated or fussy while eating (when baby was normally acting like himself/herself)
Falling asleep toward the beginning of a feeding without eating much

Here are the signs when it’s time to change bottle nipple size to a slower flow:

Coughing
Choking with milk
Milk is pooling out of mouth during swallows
Hard gulping with head movements

Remember to follow your baby’s feeding cues (don’t forget to download the Free Baby Feeding Tracker inside my Baby Schedule Collection!)

You know your little one best!

FirstCry PlayBees Educational App

Toddler Routines

Inside: Find out how to make screen time learning fun with the FirstCry Playbees Educational App!

Ready to make screen time learning fun?

As a new mom, I was extremely anti-screen time. I thought screens for toddlers were counterintuitive to learning…but man, was I wrong!

With the right boundaries and with the right apps you can make screen time for your toddler full of learning fun.

When my daughter reached 2 and a half years old, I began to implement educational screen time filled with apps that promoted age-appropriate learning alongside our morning learning time.

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How to make learning fun with learning apps

It taught my daughter independent learning while reiterating what I was teaching her, such as helping her learn colors, sharps, and rhymes. And we’ve continued to search for educational apps ever since.

I recently partnered with FirstCry to try their brand new educational app and it was a completely hit!

The FirstCry PlayBees educational app is great for children to build and work on existing skills while keeping the fun in learning. From colors and numbers to rhymes and letters, your child can begin learning in a fun, new way!

In this review, I’ll walk you through the complete app and show you the best features my daughter enjoyed as well as share my personal thoughts on this educational app.

FirstCry PlayBees Educational App

How to Download

The FirstCry Playbees learning app can be easily downloaded and installed on any iOS or Android device. You simply open the app store, search for the app, and then you’ll be prompted to download it.

Here are the direct links to the PlayBees app in the app store for each device:

Android PlayStore
iOS AppStore

The First Cry Playbees app is free to download so you can poke around the app and get a feel for it.

How it Works

What I love most about the First Cry PlayBees educational app is the ability to download certain games within the app that can be used with an internet connection. Which is great for car rides and errand runs!

There is a free section in the app which includes some stories, games, and songs. You can let your little one play around with the free section to see if this educational app is the right fit.

You can also start a free 14 day trial to access the entire app that includes all of its features:

Educational Games
Stories
Rhymes
Read Aloud
Flip Books & more!

It currently has over 1,000 games, rhymes, stories and books.

Use the red arrow to download the activity to your device

Within the app, you can set the age range for your child so the app gives you age-appropriate games and activities for your little one. I love this app because it can grow with your child and meet their developmental needs as they continue to learn!

There are 3 age ranges:

0-2 years old
2-4 years old
4-6 years old

How to settings page looks & how to change the age range

My Honest Review

I’m usually skeptical to purchase subscription-based learning apps because I usually find all of them to be the same. And honestly, it’s sometimes cheaper to just download different free learning apps instead of purchasing a yearlong subscription to one app that your child will get bored with…

But I can honestly admit, this is the first educational subscription-based app my daughter has truly enjoyed.

So far, my daughter has enjoyed most games and really likes the story section of the app. She has used it long enough to switch her age range from 2-4 years old to 4-6 years old.

She recently turned 4 so I was afraid the app wouldn’t be able to meet her where she is in her developmental transition from 3-4 but the creators did a good job with the difficulty levels and activity variety.

I also really like the ability to download different games and activities within the app that you can use without internet. You can tap the little red arrow in the top right corner of the activity for it to be downloaded within the app.

When I first started poking around the app my daughter was a bit confused with how it worked but we later figured out that you have to individually download each activity you want to play with. I prefer this because it saves on device storage!

That was honestly the only hiccup we had with the app when we first started using it.

How I Schedule Screen time

As you know, screen time is a controversial topic in the parenting world but I believe screen time can be used as a great educational tool when boundaries are set.

Every day after our morning activity lessons, my daughter is able to have 30 minutes of educational screen time. This helps her independently play while reiterating what we were just learning!

For the first 10 minutes, I sit with her on the app to engage and use that time for bonding and for the last 20 minutes she is able to play on the educational app as she wants. I personally have very strict standards for what my daughter is exposed to at such a young age so having an educational app that I trust really makes all the difference!

Subscription Details

Basic– includes rhymes, games, and stories for $24.99 a year

Gold– includes rhymes, games, stories and read aloud books for $34.99 a year

Platinum– includes rhymes, games, stories, read aloud books, and flip books for $39.99 a year

Each subscription package does include a monthly subscription option starting from $2.99 a month.

Disclaimer: I was gifted with a year subscription to the First Cry PlayBees app but this in no way affects my review of the app. My opinions and views are my own.

Recap:

Educational screen time can be a great tool to practice existing skills with proper boundaries.

The FirstCry PlayBees educational app is one of these great tools to help your child learn new milestones and exercise existing skills!

Seasonal & Holidays

Want to instantly download this toddler bedtime routine now?

Why is a Bedtime Routine Important?

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Best Toddler Bedtime Routine

1. Cleaning

Related Reading:

2. Get Dressed

3. Drink

4. Bathroom

5. Book

6. Bedtime

How to Get a Toddler in a Bedtime Routine

How Long Should a Toddler Bedtime Routine Be?

Related Reading:

Tips for Toddler Bedtime Routine

Be Consistent

Give Your Toddler Options

Will I see an improvement in our night times?

FREE Download/Printable Toddler Bedtime Routine & Tracker

Recap Time!

Related Reading:

3 Components of a 9-12 Month Baby Routine

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1. Wake windows

Tired Cues

2. Activity time

3. Feedings

Hunger Cues

Sample 9-12 Month Baby Routine: Step by Step Schedule

7:30 am Wake

7:35 am Feeding

8:00 am Breakfast

8:30 am Connection Activity

7:30-9:30 am Wake window

9:30 am Nap

10:30 am Feeding

11:00 am Mid-morning snack

11:30 am Activity (outside/errands)

1:00 pm Feeding

1:30 pm Nap

3:00 pm Activity

4:00 pm Feeding

4:30/5:00 pm Dinner

5:30 pm Activity

6:30 pm Bath/Bedtime Routine

7:00 pm Feeding

7:30 pm Nighttime Sleep

Key Principles-

9-12 Month Activity Routine

Connection Activities

Independent Activities

Outdoor Activities

Easily Plan Activities with the Tiny One’s Boredom Buster Activity Toolkit!

9-12 Month Sleep Schedule

Food Schedule

Recap time!

Related Reading:

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The Best Tips for Traveling with Kids Post Pandemic

1. Pack smart

2. Have disinfectant wipes easily accessible in every bag

3. Hang hand sanitizer holder on every bag

4. Disinfectant everything before touching

5. Load up on vitamins

Related Reading!

Flying with a Baby or Toddler Post-pandemic

Plan your outfits with easy travel in mind

Have toddler hold on to your bookbag or stroller strap while walking

Wipe down airplane before sitting

Staying in a hotel with kids post-pandemic

Related reading!

Visiting a Theme Park with Kids Post Pandemic

1. Pack smart

2. Have disinfectant wipes accessible in every bag

3. Carry hand sanitizer holders

4. Wipe surfaces before using

Here are some other little theme park tips to avoid pesky germs…

Use a stroller

Use travel disinfectant spray to clean changing pad/area