Why a Routine Matters (Even More with Multiple Kids)

Babies, toddlers, and older children all thrive on routine—but when you’ve got more than one little one, a routine isn’t just helpful, it’s survival. A clear plan helps everyone know what’s coming next, reduces the chance of bedtime battles, and creates a calm, consistent environment that signals “time to sleep.”

Plus, when bedtime runs smoother, you’re more likely to get that rare but precious evening to yourself (or at least 20 minutes of quiet before someone needs a glass of water).

Step 1: Stagger Bedtimes

If your children are different ages, stagger their bedtimes based on their needs.

• Younger baby/toddler: Earlier bedtime (think 6:30-7:00 p.m.) when they need more sleep.

• Older child: Later bedtime (7:30-8:00 p.m.), giving you time to settle one before tackling the next.

This staggered approach prevents bedtime from feeling like a juggling act and gives each child some individual attention. (Plus, older kids often love the “grown-up” feeling of staying up a little later than their younger sibling—win-win!)

(If you’re thinking, “My kids share a room, so this won’t work,” don’t worry—there are still ways to make it work, like using separate winding-down spaces before putting them down together.)

Step 2: Shared Wind-Down Time

Start the evening with a calm activity everyone can join—like bath time together, quiet play, or a family story.

• Dim the lights, turn off screens, and keep voices soft.

• Let each child choose one part of the routine, like picking the story or choosing the bedtime song.

(Yes, your toddler might still yell “I’m not tired!” but we can dream.)

Shared wind-down time helps signal that bedtime is approaching and gives everyone a moment to slow down together before splitting off for individual routines.

Step 3: Individual Attention

One of the biggest challenges at bedtime is making sure each child feels seen—especially when you’re outnumbered. Giving each child a few minutes of individual time helps them feel special and can prevent bedtime resistance.

• For younger babies, this might be a final feed, lullaby, and cuddle.

• For older kids, a short story, a chat about their day, or even a quick game of “Would You Rather?” can make all the difference.

(It’s short but sweet—and helps avoid the “You didn’t tuck me in!” protests.)

If you have a partner, divide and conquer: one of you focuses on the baby while the other spends time with the older child. If you’re solo parenting (you’re amazing, by the way), take it one child at a time and don’t stress if the routine isn’t perfect every night.

Step 4: Use Tools to Make Life Easier

Bedtime with multiple kids can feel like mission impossible without a little help.

• White noise: Drowns out the chaos from one room to the next. It’s also a lifesaver if one child is fussing while the other is trying to sleep.

• Blackout blinds: So no one’s waking up at sunrise when you’ve just fallen back asleep.

• Baby monitor with thermometer: So you’re not running between rooms checking temperatures, blankets, and comfort levels.

(Trust me, anything that saves you one extra trip down the hall is worth it.)

Step 5: Be Flexible (Because Life Happens)

Even with the best routine, some nights will still feel like herding cats. It’s okay.

• Stick to your main steps, but be flexible when needed.

• If your baby is fussier than usual, it’s okay to adjust the older child’s bedtime slightly or let them have quiet time in bed with a book.

• Remind yourself that a “perfect” bedtime routine is a myth—some nights will feel smooth, and others... well, not so much.

(Because some nights, survival means cuddling everyone on the sofa until they drift off.)

Top Tips from Experience:

• Tag team if you can: One parent with the baby, the other with the older kids.

• Keep it short and sweet: Bedtime doesn’t need to be a two-hour production—simple is best.

• Prep during the day: Pjs laid out, milk ready, and bedtime books chosen = one less thing to do when you’re already tired.

• Let older kids help: Whether it’s fetching a nappy for the baby or reading a short story to their sibling, getting older children involved makes them feel important and lightens your load.

(And remember: a little screen time to survive witching hour is not the end of the world.)

Final Thoughts

A bedtime routine for multiple kids is never perfect, but with a little planning, it can be calmer and more predictable. Give yourself grace, embrace the chaos, and know that a smooth bedtime does get easier with time.

(Worried about sleep training with multiple children? Many parents fear that helping one child sleep better will disturb the others—but there’s almost always a way around it. If you need support, reach out for a chat, and we’ll find a solution that works for your whole family.)

Need personalised help with bedtime routines? I’m just a message away! Book a consultation at www.thegoodsleepclub.co.uk or DM me on Instagram @the_goodsleepclub.