A Day with a Toddler and Baby: Mom’s Survival Guide
Hello, lovely mamas out there! If you’re navigating the exciting (and let’s be honest, sometimes chaotic) waters of motherhood with a toddler and a baby, you’re in the right place. Today, I’m going to share a daily routine that has worked wonders for me and might just do the trick for you too. This routine balances the needs of your little ones while carving out those much-needed moments for yourself. So, grab a cup of coffee (or whatever helps you recharge), and let’s dive into a day that’s as structured as it is flexible.
Our Daily Blueprint: Balancing A Day with a Toddler and Baby
6:30 AM: Rise and Shine The day begins early but at a slow pace. I try to wake up a bit before the kids to have a few moments of peace. This is my time to stretch, meditate, or just enjoy a hot cup of coffee in silence. It’s amazing what these quiet moments can do for your mindset for the day.
7:00 AM: Baby and Toddler Wake-up Time Now it’s time to get the little ones up. My toddler usually wakes up with all the energy of a mini tornado, while the baby takes a bit longer to get going. We start with diaper changes and then move on to a simple breakfast. I keep breakfast hassle-free, often opting for oatmeal, yogurt, and fruits. It’s nutritious, quick, and something both can eat without much fuss.
8:00 AM: Playtime After breakfast, we dive into playtime. I direct the toddler to a mix of independent and guided play. Think blocks, puzzles, and picture books. For the baby, it’s tummy time and some interactive toys. This is a great time for them to engage with each other too, under your supervision.
9:30 AM: Morning Walk or Outdoor Activity Getting outside is crucial. Whether it’s a stroll around the block with the stroller or some time in the backyard, fresh air does everyone some good. It’s also a great way for your toddler to expend some energy and for the baby to experience new sights and sounds.
10:30 AM: Snack and Wind Down After our outdoor adventure, we head inside for a snack. I keep this super simple, like sliced apples or cheese sticks. Post-snack, I try to wind the toddler down with a calm activity like reading a book or playing with dough, while the baby might be ready for a morning nap.
11:00 AM: Baby Nap Time / Toddler Creative Play While the baby naps, I engage my toddler in something more creative, like drawing or crafts. This is an excellent time for a little educational activity, like color sorting or simple counting games.
12:30 PM: Lunch Time Lunch is typically something make-ahead like a batch of homemade chicken nuggets, veggies, and dip or sandwiches. I eat with the kids, which not only models good eating habits but also gives us time to connect and talk about our day so far.
1:30 PM: Quiet Time After lunch, we start quiet time. While the baby may not be ready for another nap, having them in a playpen with some soft toys can work. For the toddler, quiet time can consist of audiobooks, puzzles, or quiet bin activities. This is also when I might catch a short break to check emails or sip on that probably now cold coffee!
3:00 PM: Afternoon Snack and Free Play We all need a little refuel, so here comes a simple snack! Post-snack is more relaxed; I let the kids decide what they want to do within reason. It’s a good time for sensory bins or a mini dance party to get the wiggles out.
4:00 PM: Prep Dinner / Kids’ Helper Time Getting dinner ready with little ones can be a challenge, but I try to involve them where possible. My toddler loves being my ‘helper,’ adding ingredients or stirring things (with supervision). The baby enjoys watching from the high chair with some kitchen-safe utensils to play with.
5:30 PM: Dinner Time We aim for an early dinner to keep the evening from becoming too rushed. It’s family time, so everyone is at the table. We talk, laugh, and enjoy our meal together—no tech allowed!
6:30 PM: Bath and Bedtime Routine Post-dinner, we start winding down with baths. A warm bath can be soothing and signifies that the day is ending. After baths, it’s pajamas, teeth brushing, and then bedtime stories.
7:30 PM: Kids’ Bedtime Both kids usually head to bed around the same time. After kisses goodnight, it’s time for you to enjoy your evening. Whether it’s tidying up, reading a book, catching up on a favorite show, or planning for the next day.
8:00 PM: Evening Wind Down After the kids are in bed, I take some time to reset the main living areas. A quick tidy-up helps keep the chaos manageable and means a less stressful start to the morning. Then, it’s time for me to wind down. I might take a shower, do a skincare routine, or prepare anything needed for the next day, like packing the diaper bag or setting out clothes.
8:30 PM: Relax and Recharge Now it’s truly “me time.” I make it a point to do something that I enjoy and that helps me relax. Sometimes it’s catching up on a TV series, other times it might be reading a book or journaling. This time is crucial as it helps me recharge my batteries after a busy day. Engaging in activities I enjoy is not just about relaxation but about remembering that I am more than just a mom; I am also an individual with my own interests and needs.
9:30 PM: Reflect and Plan Before heading to bed, I spend a few minutes reflecting on the day. What went well? What could be improved? I jot down any significant moments or changes I might want to make to our routine. Planning for the next day can also include checking the weather (to plan outfits or activities), noting any appointments, and making a to-do list. Staying organized keeps the mental load from becoming overwhelming.
10:00 PM: Lights Out Getting enough sleep is crucial, not just for the kids, but for me too. Heading to bed at a reasonable hour ensures that I can wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle another day.
This routine doesn’t have to be set in stone. Some days will go smoothly, and others might feel like you’re herding cats. And that’s okay! The important thing is to find what works best for you and your family, and be flexible. Kids thrive on routine, but they also need room to explore, be curious, and sometimes, just be kids.
Tips for Success: Getting you through the day with a toddler and a baby
- Stay Flexible: While routines are great, being too rigid can lead to frustration. Adapt and adjust as needed based on your family’s needs.
- Communicate: Talk with your partner or support system about how they can help you throughout the day. Sharing responsibilities can be a game-changer.
- Prep in Advance: Doing a bit of meal prep or setting out clothes the night before can save you a lot of stress during the busy mornings.
- Keep Expectations Realistic: Some days will be messier or more challenging than others. Celebrate the small victories and don’t be too hard on yourself.
Join Our Community! If you found this routine helpful, I’d love for you to join our community! By signing up for my email list, you’ll not only stay updated with the latest tips and stories from the blog, but you’ll also receive a free downloadable version of this daily schedule. It’s perfect for printing out and sticking on your fridge or carrying in your planner. To get your free download and join other amazing moms just like you, click here and start making every day a little easier. Together, we can master the mom-life, one day at a time!
