Caring for a toddler

Toddler Routines: A Daily Routine to Help Your Child Thrive

Why Toddler Routines Matter

Every child has their own personality, and although discovering who they are is part of the excitement, we can start planning for the future by introducing toddler routines that fit in with everyone. Whether you are a first-time or tenth-time parent, routines help young ones predict what will happen in their day. This gives security and reassurance in a day full of new things to see, hear and learn, so your child feels safe, loved and confident to explore their world.

Morning Routine

After getting your toddler up, change the nappy (or take the child to the toilet, depending on their age). Get dressed and then eat breakfast together. This is an opportunity to model appropriate table manners and eating habits for your child, ensure a healthy start for yourself, and spend some quality time together before the day really begins.

Nappy Changes

Make this a fun, special moment by talking to your child so it becomes an expected part of their day. It may not be fun for us to change a dirty nappy, but it can be a few minutes of making eye contact with your toddler and giving them the attention they need.

Meal Times

Try to keep meal times around the same time every day so your child can learn to predict their schedule. Eat with your children as much as you can to allow communication, modelling and a sense of family. Meal times are also a great chance to give children responsibility, such as setting or clearing the table.

Afternoon Nap

Some parents and carers give the child some lunch, then have a quiet time to settle after eating before snuggling down for a nap. If you establish this sort of routine from a very young age, there is less chance of a fuss because it will simply be expected.

Bath Time

After dinner, your toddler probably wants quality time with parents who were busy during the day, or to wind down. About 10 minutes before bath time, let your child know the bath is coming so they can prepare for the next part of their schedule. Warm baths are soothing and relaxing, so avoid too many stimulating toys, keep your young one calm and quiet, then put their pyjamas on.

Sleep

Whatever bedtime routine you choose, keep it consistent. Some families have both parents come in for kisses, cuddles and a story in bed; others read in the lounge, then move to the child's room with some peaceful music playing. Whatever you decide, make sure your child knows what to expect so there is little fuss at the end of a tiring day. Children and adults respond well to routines, but keep in mind that things don't always go to plan, so flexibility is important too.

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FAQs on Toddler Routines

Routines help toddlers predict what will happen in their day, which gives them security and reassurance. This helps a child feel safe, loved and confident to explore their world, even with so many new things to see, hear and learn.

A simple daily routine can include a morning routine, nappy changes, regular meal times, an afternoon nap, bath time and a consistent bedtime. Keeping these around the same time each day helps your child learn to predict their schedule.

Choose a bedtime routine and keep it consistent. You might have both parents come in for kisses, cuddles and a story, or read in the lounge then move to the child's room with peaceful music. The key is that your child knows what to expect.

Start establishing routines from a very young age. If habits like an afternoon nap are set early, there is less chance of a fuss because they will simply be expected as a normal part of your child's day.

That's completely normal. While routines help children feel safe and secure and reduce anxiety, things don't always go to plan, so flexibility is important too. Set up schedules but be ready to adapt them when needed.