Six months into life with two children under two, our bedtime and nap routines have evolved—especially with my toddler’s ongoing sleep anxiety. She’s struggled with sleep since she was about 11 months old, and despite our best efforts, it hasn’t shown signs of improving. Knowing that traditional sleep training wouldn’t work for her, I had to get creative.
Now, with a 21-month-old who needs extra reassurance and a 6-month-old who still requires a calming transition to sleep, I’ve found a new method that works beautifully for our family. This approach keeps things peaceful, helps my toddler feel secure, and allows me to manage both girls’ needs without frustration. If you’re struggling with bedtime, this might be something to try—especially if your little one has trouble settling on their own.
If you’re earlier on in your 2 under 2 journey, check out our sleep routine from the early days!
A Toddler-Centered Approach
At 21 months, my toddler still experiences significant sleep anxiety. She struggles with being left alone in her crib, and bedtime resistance has been a challenge for months. Instead of focusing on getting her to sleep directly, I turned the routine into a nurturing moment for her beloved stuffed animals.
Here’s what we do:
- Tucking in the Stuffed Animals – I tell her that her stuffies need to go to sleep, just like she does. We carefully lay them down in her crib together, making sure each one has a cozy spot.
- Helping with Blankets and Cuddles – I guide her to gently cover them with a blanket, telling her they need snuggles to feel safe and sleepy.
- Saying Goodnight – We whisper goodnight to each of them and give kisses (her favorite), reinforcing that they’re ready to rest.
When shifting the focus to comforting her stuffed animals, she naturally winds down, feeling secure in her role as their “caretaker.” After a couple of days of practicing this routine, she began climbing into her crib on her own, pulling her stuffies close, whispering goodnight, and drifting off to sleep without a fight.
The Baby’s Routine
While all of this is happening, I’m sitting in the rocking chair in the room with my 6-month-old, holding and feeding her to help her settle down. She gets the comfort of a quiet, dimly lit space while I focus on my toddler. Once my toddler is asleep, I gently lay the baby down in her own room for her nap.
If you’re room-sharing, this setup could still work since everything stays peaceful and calm. There’s no major talking or distractions—just a quiet, predictable rhythm that helps both children feel safe and secure.
Why This Works
- It gives my toddler control – Instead of feeling pressured to sleep, she gets to be the one helping her stuffed animals, which naturally soothes her.
- It removes bedtime resistance – No battles, no drawn-out negotiations—just a simple, comforting ritual that helps her feel in charge of her own sleep.
- It allows me to care for the baby at the same time – Since I’m sitting nearby but not actively engaging, I can meet both of their needs without anyone feeling ignored.
Final Thoughts
This routine has been a game-changer for us. If your toddler has ongoing sleep anxiety, separation struggles, or just needs a little extra comfort at bedtime, try making the routine about something other than sleep itself. A simple shift—like caring for stuffed animals—can turn bedtime from a stressful event into a peaceful and predictable part of the day.
No sleep training, no tears, just a gentle way to help little ones feel safe, secure, and ready to rest.
Have you tried a creative sleep routine with your toddler? I’d love to hear what worked for you!
