Does your toddler treat bedtime like it’s their time to start a party? Establishing the best bedtime routine for a 2-year-old does not have to be overwhelming. In this post, I want to guide you through effective and simple steps that will help you create a consistent and efficient routine.
It can lead to a happier toddler and a more relaxed mom. Your little one will feel more secure and might start sleeping through the night.
At this age, toddlers experience so much going on – new emotions unlocked, bigger challenges in their development and a burst of such high energy. They need to wind down easily, but let’s be honest, for most moms, bedtime is a real warzone. Toddlers surprisingly thrive on a steady routine – the more predictable it is, the safer they feel.
The Ideal Bedtime for a 2-Year-Old
Your toddler needs 11-14 hours of sleep during the 24 hours, and if they don’t get enough, they easily turn into little grumpy cubs. Most toddlers avoid being overtired when they go to bed between 7 pm and 8 pm.
I’ve been putting my little one to bed every single day exactly at 7 pm for the last year and a half, and unless he is teething or his tummy hurts, he is sleeping through the night peacefully. Now, every toddler is different, and comparing yourself with other moms will do you no good. You have to figure out your own strategy based on your household.
Perhaps you have more people at your home (older kids, parents, in-laws, etc.), and everyone is going to bed at a different time. Or maybe you work late, and your schedule is all over the place. Either way, you can use my tips to adjust your current routine and figure out the necessary steps to help your little one fall asleep easily every night.
Bedtime Routine for a 2-Year-Old: Step-by-Step
This step-by-step bedtime routine is working for moms all over the world. I put it together when my little one was only 10 months old, and since then, it has helped many other moms. It’s simple, calm and effective, and you can start practising it today.
Burn that energy down…
After you have had a nice dinner, start your routine by winding down that extra energy your toddler has for the day. Many moms put their toddlers in front of the TV so they can have some peace after their meal. And I know how tempting this is. But believe me, if you spend 20-30 minutes actively playing with your toddler instead, it will be rewarding.
If you are too tired or you need to get some housework done, ask your partner to play with your toddler instead. For single moms, or moms whose partner works late (or out of state), try to figure out that one activity that keeps your toddler entertained but also gets them tired. For example, if you own a small trampoline or stepping stones or any game, they can stick with it and keep that activity for the end of the day.
My toddler has this one toy that walks and dances with him when he moves. I make sure to keep that toy out of his sight all day and then pull it out in the evening. He enjoys it for like 15 minutes, and then we chase each other or climb over soft obstacles (pillows, blankets, etc.). Usually, I give my toddler his dinner early, followed by a calm activity like drawing or building blocks. Once his tummy settles with the food, we are good to go bananas again.
If your toddler prefers calmer activities, that’s fine. They can spend the time building, drawing, making a mess (their favourite thing, right?), or basically anything that keeps them occupied. At this stage, I prefer to dim lights too (wintertime) and keep the noise level down as much as possible.
Bath Time (Soothing and Calming Time)…
After your toddler has managed to sweat some energy out, it’s time to clean them up. Bath time is fun, and it honestly takes a chunk of evening parenting. Depending on your living situation, fill the bathtub with nicely warm water, bubbles and toys, and your little one is ready to go. Stay with them, play with them, or grab a book to read. Do the laundry or clean that mirror.
Some toddlers love splashy play and pouring water out of the tub, and that’s okay. Don’t get frustrated; maybe your toddler still has a bit of energy left, and this is the ideal time to get it out. But if possible, keep the wash time simple and calm.
Getting Into Pyjamas…
After a nice bath, you naturally wrap up your toddler and get to the drying and dressing part. Some moms prefer to prepare everything upfront, but some let their toddler choose their desired pyjamas. Both options are completely understandable. This is also such a great time for extra relaxation. Don’t rush it or get frustrated when they don’t follow along. Some toddlers HATE getting dressed, but most enjoy the process of getting a massage, hair brushed and extra cuddles.
Believe it or not, toddlers are always down for a steady routine, and even if they resist getting out of the bath or putting on pyjamas, it’s just a phase. They will eventually adjust and accept it as a part of their everyday life. That’s why it’s so important to repeat the same routine daily, using the same space to dress or undress them. and spending the same amount of time doing so. Even if you happen to be out of the house or on holiday, or your circumstances change, try to keep it up.
Milk Time and Teeth Brushing…
The next part is a bit more individual. Some toddlers still drink a bottle of milk before bedtime. I do this step with my toddler every evening, half an hour before sleep time; I offer him warm milk, and he happily takes it. Sometimes he only finishes half of the bottle (depends on what we had for dinner). If your toddler is over the milk-drinking phase, skip to the next step.
Teeth brushing can be a bit stressful for both parties. Your job is to make it as pleasant and fun as possible. Nowadays, many products will help you with that, from cool timers to colourful toothbrushes to rewarding charts.
Make sure the toothbrush is comfortable for use (not too tough or too soft) and teach your toddler how to hold it properly. I sing a little song about brushing teeth to my toddler every time he starts brushing the couch instead, or wants to abandon the mission. It’s important to watch and guide your toddler so they build a healthy habit of brushing their teeth with no tantrums.
Reading Bedtime Stories and Extra Cuddles…
After you tackle all the work around your toddler, get comfortable with them on the couch or directly in their own bed. My toddler still sleeps in a cot, so I prefer to do the reading in the living room and then transfer him to his bed. I love this time of the day – the whole routine is nearly over, and I get to spend that extra time cuddling my little one. Plus, he absolutely enjoys story time!
Every two-year-old has that one special book they love to read over and over again. Make sure you finish their day with this exact one. Dim all the lights, get your little one cosy, and try to read the story with a bit of theatrics. I know it must be hard to pull this one off after a long and hard day. But for your toddler, it’s memorable, and it teaches them literacy skills too.
Some parents also enjoy having a little chat. They recap the whole day, highlight some of the activities and address things that should be taught.
Changing Nappy or Potty Time…
We are all taught this one step right before bedtime – go and use the toilet. If your toddler still wears nappies (totally normal at this age), you simply change them; if they are already potty trained, even better. Take them to the toilet and say something like “We need to go weewee now”, guide them through the process, and say “Well done” afterwards.
It sounds like too much, but children should have positive associations with potty and bedtime. It helps prevent overnight accidents due to wetting.
Final Step for the Goodnight Ritual…
Your toddler should be ready for bed now. Adjust their pillow, put on a nightlight or switch on the white noise. Make sure they have their favourite toys to cuddle with and tuck them in. Try to use the same lullabies, goodnight affirmations or phrases for each and every night.
Don’t underestimate the power of reputation. I sing the same four lullabies every night, and sometimes I feel weird about it, but it does the trick, and my toddler goes down with no fuss. Holding him for about 10-15 minutes, singing or humming the melody, and then putting him down in his cot is my way to go. I brush his hair with my fingers, kiss his forehead, and then I walk away, saying “Night, night” and “I love you, sleep well, baby.” He knows exactly what I’m about to say, and he finds comfort in it. Then he turns on his side, cuddles his toys and is ready to give in.
How To Stick To Your Toddler’s Bedtime Routine
Many moms struggle with bedtime. I was once one of them. We started with sleep training when our baby turned 10 months old and kept trying until we got it right. But we had to sacrifice some events, fun activities and free time. We made sure we were at home every day around 5 pm so we could start with dinner, followed by a bedtime routine. I was so strict and not willing to change it.
Even when we travelled or visited family or friends, I tried my best to stick to the same time. We always managed to have a meal and milk around the same time, and sometimes I had to put my toddler to sleep in the buggy. I would then take him out, bathe him and transfer him to bed. Of course, no one is expecting you to give up on your life entirely. If your life is busier or you live with other people, you will need to get slightly more creative.
This is why I urge every mom to stick with what their gut is telling them. Do what feels right and easier for you. It’s okay to read about what other moms do, but try to remember that every child is different. Some toddlers love sleeping, and they can’t wait to go to bed. But some are more active, and then they will fight you to your last breath. Both cases are perfectly normal and should not be judged.
Consistency Is The Key…
The ultimate key for every routine, even for us adults, is CONSISTENCY. Keep the whole process simple and preferably under 45 minutes. For example, after your little one has had a milk, don’t allow too much time before putting them in their bed. The energy can kick back in, and you will start the process all over again. Follow each step in the same order nightly; this will help your toddler to understand what to expect, and they will fight it less.
And if you have to adjust the routine, don’t even worry about it. We all get sick, travel, have unexpected visitors or have other circumstances. You are doing a great job, and even if your toddler is going through a developmental stage or teething, they will soon sleep better again!
Common Sleep Struggles and What To Do About Them
Even with the perfect bedtime routine, you might still face some challenges every now and then. The most common sleep struggles in toddlers are:
- Night wakings
- Nightmares
- Resistance to bedtime
- Skipping naps
Because at this age they start discovering independence, they might all of a sudden challenge their routine and start asking for “one more bedtime story” or “another glass of water”. It’s quite frustrating, but very common. What helped me was to avoid screentime one hour before bedtime and try to spend it in a calm and relaxing way.
Give your toddler a small choice like “Do you want to sleep with a teddy bear or bunny tonight?” and explain why they have to sleep now. Keep repeating the process of taking them back to bed and offering extra cuddles. Many parents give in and stay with their toddler until they pass out. But that’s not necessary. Children are very smart, and they can figure things out easily.
Night Wakings and Nightmares…
Our little one starts to work with their imagination at this age too, and it’s important to handle situations such as fear of the dark or monsters well. You should always validate their fear and help them calm down. Offer them a soothing toy or blanket, use a soft nightlight or play them quiet melodies or white noise.
Ensure them that even though they are scared, Mommy and Daddy are there, and they are safe. Be very mindful about the content your child consumes during the day from videos, cartoons and also books. If you notice that a certain story causes them discomfort, stop with it immediately.
Night wakings are happening due to separation anxiety. developmental milestones, teething, or poor sleep habits. You know best what action to take when this happens – if you want to take your toddler to your bed and soothe them, you should go for it. There are certain things to avoid before bedtime, like offering snacks or screentime. And you can also offer reassurance and avoid turning lights on that could signal waking time.
But at the end of the day, we all try to keep it brief and quiet. Do what works best for you to put your toddler back to sleep. Better to get those few hours of sleep than try to prove a point.
Skipping Naps or Napping Too Late
Honestly, this is one of the main reasons why your toddler wakes up during the night. If they don’t suffer from pain or go through a new phase, the issue might be in your napping schedule. Observe the changes in their needs; maybe it’s time to drop one of the naps or go to bed earlier than usual.
Watch for sleep cues (irritation, rubbing eyes, yawning) and think about transferring from the buggy to the cot. I merged the 10 am nap and the 2 pm nap into one nap around 11 am. We have an early lunch (second breakfast, if you will), and right after that, I put my toddler to sleep. He sleeps for 2 hours, and then he does not nap until 7 pm, which is his bedtime. He is perfectly happy and goes to sleep right away in the evening.
One midday nap between 12 pm and 2 pm should be enough at this age. Avoid late naps or sleeping in the car. And if the weather allows it, try to take your little one outside right after they wake up.
Final Thoughts
Creating the perfect bedtime routine for a 2-year-old should be about the progress. Some nights will be amazing, and your little one will sleep without waking up once. Others might feel overwhelmed and chaotic. But remember, no matter what obstacles life throws at you, with love, consistency, and patience, you can turn those times into manageable experiences.
Don’t give up too soon; if you think that something is the right choice for your toddler, keep it up. They will eventually find comfort in a new routine and adapt to it.
I highly recommend watching Emma Hubbard and her YouTube channel. Especially the “The Right (and Wrong) Time To Drop a Nap” and “An Incredibly Easy Way to Improve Baby Sleep (Science-Backed)” videos.
You’ve got this, mama!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What time should a 2-year-old go to bed?
A: Between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM is ideal for most toddlers.
Q: How long should the bedtime routine last?
A: Aim for 30 to 45 minutes — long enough to relax, not drag on.
Q: Is a bedtime routine really necessary at 2 years old?
A: Yes! It creates structure, eases anxiety, and helps your child fall asleep more easily.
Q: What if my toddler resists every part of the routine?
A: Offer small choices (book, toy, pyjamas) to give them a sense of control. Stay consistent.
Q: Can I include screen time in the bedtime routine?
A: It’s best to avoid screens at least 1 hour before bed, as blue light disrupts melatonin production.
Q: Can sleep training still work at this age?
A: Absolutely — toddlers can learn new bedtime habits with patience and consistency.
