Bringing home a newborn while caring for a toddler can feel overwhelming at first. Suddenly, you’re balancing two very different schedules, two sets of needs, and very little predictability.
While there isn’t a single perfect routine that works for every family, a predictable one can make the day feel much less overwhelming. Toddlers thrive on consistency, and newborns gradually begin developing patterns that can help shape your day.
The goal isn’t to create a rigid schedule. Instead, many parents simply want a newborn and toddler schedule that provides structure while still allowing flexibility throughout the day.
Key Takeaways
- A flexible routine can help both your newborn and toddler know what to expect throughout the day.
- Prioritize overlapping naps whenever possible to create breaks for yourself.
- Use newborn nap times to spend one-on-one time with your toddler.
- Routines will evolve as your baby grows and sleep patterns change.
- Focus on consistency, not perfection.
How to Create a Daily Routine
Tracy Hogg’s book, Secrets of the Baby Whisperer, outlines the E.A.S.Y. routine to help you juggle your baby’s and toddler’s needs. Her “Eat, Activity, Sleep, You” philosophy easily adapts to you and your baby.
I usually had two-hour stretches when my baby could stay awake, and I did end up nursing him back to sleep, which was rough when I had a toddler who wanted attention.
The E.A.S.Y. method is a great place to start, and you can use it on a loop throughout your day.
Related: What It’s Really Like With Two Under Two
The routine below gives a rough idea of how to structure your day with your newborn and toddler. Keep in mind that newborn schedules are naturally unpredictable, especially during the first few months. Think of this routine as a flexible guide rather than a strict schedule. Some days may follow this rhythm closely, while other days may feel completely different. Both are normal.
Daily Routine Sample
No two families will follow the exact same schedule, but this sample routine offers one example of how a day with a newborn and toddler might flow.
Morning Routine
Mornings are often the busiest part of the day, so focusing on feeding, movement, and connection can help everyone start the day on a positive note.
Between 6 and 7 a.m.
E — Wake Up and Eat Breakfast
The first thing that everyone needs is food. If you have a partner, have him get food ready for your toddler and you while you feed the baby. My son was exclusively breastfed, so this often kept me from making my own food. Having your partner help can get everyone fed sooner.
Between 8 and 9 a.m.
A — Activity
This is an excellent time of day to get your toddler and yourself moving. I liked using this time for a walk around our neighborhood. If the weather is bad, you can still get moving with a dance party while holding your newborn.
Around 9 a.m.
S/Y — Baby Nap/Play with Toddler
My baby would often fall asleep after nursing, even though the goal was for him to fall asleep on his own. If your baby falls asleep while feeding or being held, you can have your toddler watch a show or set up another activity for her to do in the meantime. If possible, try putting the baby down so you can give your toddler some focused attention. It won’t be easy to carve out this time, and finding it where you can is important.
Around 10 a.m.
Snack and Playtime
Once the baby is up from his morning nap, you can feed him and get your toddler a snack at the same time. Then, after this, it is a good time to play. Here are some ideas for what you can do with your children:
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Midday Routine
Midday is a great time to encourage overlapping naps whenever possible and create a small window for rest or household tasks.
Around 11:30 a.m.
Baby Naptime and Toddler Lunch
The baby will be ready to go down again close to your toddler’s naptime. If you can get your toddler to eat lunch and go to nap about the same time, you may be able to get a small break for yourself.
Around 12 or 12:30 p.m.
Toddler Naptime
Toddlers will still need one nap daily, so try to schedule naps to overlap as much as possible to get a break. It took me a while to get my toddler’s sleep back on track after having a new baby, but it was so helpful once I did.
Afternoon Routine
Afternoons often bring another round of feeding, playtime, and naps, making flexibility especially important.
Around 1 p.m. or 2 p.m.
Snack and Play
The kids will be up early in the afternoon, which is a good time for another snack and playtime session.
Around 2:30 p.m.
Baby Nap/Toddler Play and Snack
Your newborn will need to go back down again in the afternoon. This is another excellent opportunity to spend time with your toddler without the baby. Make sure to get your toddler a snack and do something fun.
Around 4 p.m.
Baby Feed and Toddler Play or TV Show
Once the baby is up, he will want to eat again. This can be a helpful time to let your toddler watch a show or do another activity while you feed the baby.
Evening Routine
As the day winds down, calmer activities and consistent bedtime routines can help both children transition toward sleep.
About 4:30 p.m.
Toddler Dinnertime
After the baby finishes eating, make sure to get your toddler some food, and maybe even have some yourself!
About 5 p.m.
Baby Naptime and Toddler Playtime
Most newborns will need another short nap around early evening. This is another good opportunity to play with your toddler. Calmer activities such as building with blocks or coloring are great for the end of the day.
About 6:30 p.m.
Baby Feed
The baby will eat again before bed.
Around 7 p.m.
Bedtime for Both Children
Starting at about 7 p.m., you can go through bedtime routines for both children. This routine may include baths and books to help them calm down for the day.
Related: Good Bedtime Routines for Babies and Toddlers at Every Age
Finding a routine with a newborn and toddler takes time, patience, and plenty of flexibility. Some days will go according to plan, and others won’t. That’s completely normal.
As your baby grows and your toddler becomes more independent, your routine will continue to evolve. Focus on creating a predictable rhythm rather than a perfect schedule, and give yourself grace as everyone adjusts to this new stage of family life. You don’t need a perfect routine to be doing a great job. The fact that you’re thinking about how to meet both children’s needs already says a lot about the kind of parent you are.
