Settling two children to sleep
Settling two children to sleep can be tricky. Especially at the start!
So here’s my top tips for settling two kids to sleep:
Try to do their bedtime routine together.
Doing two separate bedtime routines is tiring! But if you find it easier to divide and conquer carry on!
Let go of any expectations! I know the books say do the same things in the same order every night or don’t bring the baby back out the bedroom. But this doesn’t take into account real life logistics and it’s not always possible.
Give yourself a little extra time and try not to rush. Putting time restraints on yourself adds more pressure and Smalls pick up on this!
Find out what works well for you. There isn’t a right or wrong way to put two to bed. It looks different for every family! You might find it works doing bedtime altogether or you may find doing it separately easier. Do what works for YOU
Sometimes it helps to put the one who’s usually easier to settle down first. And sometimes it helps to put the one who takes a little longer to settle first. I’ve done both of these but it can be trial and error to find out what works for YOU!
If you’re settling your youngest first I love a bed box or bag for the oldest during this time. It’s a box or bag that you fill with books/activities/toys they can use by themselves. And it only comes out at bedtime! It’s not going to give you lots of time but it can really help keep them occupied whilst you settle their sibling. You can even rotate the bits or add a surprise each night for evening excitement! It’s a great way of helping them wait for you but I have had them do this in the same bedroom or outside whilst I settle their sibling.
Sometimes one has to wait whilst you’re with the other. It doesn’t always feel good and it’s normal if you feel guilty. But you can’t always be in two places at once and it’s ok to make peace with this! I found that saying (who am I kidding, shouting) to the one who was waiting “I hear you and I am coming soon as I can!” helped.
If it’s all going bonkers, it’s always ok to take a break and try again in a bit. Path of least resistance!
If you’re sleep struggling, remember to check out my Bedtime Basics E-Course and Bedtime Boundaries E-course.