Toddler Routines

Overview

Routines help toddlers feel secure, build healthy habits, and learn what to expect each day. A consistent, flexible routine tailored to your family’s needs can create a smoother day and support your toddler’s development. Routines are also a helpful way to encourage positive behaviours and cooperation.

Every family is different, so it’s important to create routines that suit your home and your child’s age. At Karitane, we recommend observing your child’s cues and responding to their needs. This means watching their behaviour, understanding what they need, and offering support to guide.

Why Are Routines Important for Toddlers?

• Security and predictability: Routines can give toddlers a reliable structure, helping them understand what comes next and feel secure in their day-to-day experiences. This sense of predictability may reduce anxiety and support emotional development.
• Healthy habits: Repeated activities, like consistent mealtimes, sleep, and play, may help toddlers form healthy habits early. Predictable routines encourage regular sleep and mealtimes, which positively impact their mood and development.
• Development of independence: Familiar routines may enable toddlers to anticipate and take part in daily tasks, like washing hands before meals or tidying toys after play. Participating in these tasks fosters independence and builds confidence.
• Smooth transitions: With a routine, moving from one activity to the next becomes easier for toddlers to manage, minimising power struggles and making it simpler to navigate the day.

Creating a Routine That Works for Your Family

Creating a routine for your toddler can make your day smoother and support their needs. Here are some tips:

• Start with key moments: Plan around important times like waking up, mealtimes, and bedtime. Keeping these times regular helps your toddler feel secure.
• Link activities: Connect steps in your routine, like putting clothes in the laundry after a bath. A picture chart of their bedtime routine can also help them understand what’s next.
• Balance play and rest: Include time for active play when your toddler is full of energy, like in the morning, and quiet time or naps in the afternoon. Set limits, like one hour of screen time per day, as recommended.
• Watch their cues: Pay attention to when your toddler seems tired, hungry, or energetic. Adjust the routine to fit their needs.
• Be flexible: While routines are helpful, it’s okay to adjust for unexpected changes or give your toddler free playtime.
• Involve your toddler: Let them help with small tasks, like setting the table or choosing their clothes. This makes them feel part of the routine.

Example Flexible Routines for Toddlers

Every family is different and with patience you’ll find what works for you. We recommend following a Flexible Feed – Play – Sleep cycle which may guide your routine without being restrictive. 

This guide encourages you to follow your toddler’s needs and respond to their cues.

In the morning, your toddler will usually wake up, have breakfast, and later enjoy a snack and lunch before showing signs of being tired. Look for these signs and respond with warm, consistent messages. When they’re tired, it’s time to give them a rest.

Sometimes, your toddler may stay awake for a few hours before showing tired signs. Other times, they might need rest after only 1.5 hours of being awake.

After their rest, follow a similar pattern. They’ll likely want an afternoon snack, playtime, and dinner, followed by their bedtime routine. For some children, a picture chart showing their bedtime routine can be helpful.

Here’s an example of how you can use the Feed-Play-Sleep routine with your toddler. This is just a guide and should be adapted to meet your child’s unique needs.