Putting two under two to sleep can feel like solving a complicated puzzle, especially in the early days. Every family has their unique rhythm, but I wanted to share what worked for us during those first few months. Having a 14-month age gap between my girls made bedtime a balancing act—but with a little creativity and patience, we found our groove. Maybe it could even be your new naptime routine, assuming you’re a one-parent show for sleep times.
If you’re a little bit further along in your 2 under 2 journey, this article might be more suitable for you and your nap time routine!
My Toddler’s Routine
My older daughter, who was 14 months old when her baby sister was born, loved being rocked and sung to sleep. Her bedtime routine was comforting and familiar, so I knew it was important to keep that consistency as much as possible. I’d hold her close in the rocking chair, softly singing her favorite lullabies while gently swaying back and forth. She needed that connection to feel secure, especially with all the changes happening around her.
The Baby’s Setup
Right next to my rocking chair (like, super close), I had a Momcozy swing set up for the baby. She would lay there, snug and content, while I focused on getting my toddler to sleep. To keep her calm and entertained, I stretched my arm out and relied on a mix of sensory stimulation. I’d rub her little legs, feet, or tummy, lightly squeeze her hands, or use a soft stuffed animal to distract her from fussing. These small, gentle gestures were enough to keep her settled and quiet while I tended to my toddler. If I was lucky, she’d sometimes even fall asleep!
Finding Balance
There were definitely moments when it felt overwhelming. This routine might sound a little hectic, but it worked for us. My toddler’s routine could take time, and I was always mindful of keeping the baby soothed. But as I got more comfortable juggling their needs, I found a rhythm that worked for us. The key was staying patient and flexible. Some nights were smooth, and others were full of interruptions—but we kept adjusting until naptime and bedtime became less chaotic. All in all, once the toddler was sleeping, I’d set her down in her crib. I’d then quietly take the baby out and put her to sleep as normal.
When the Baby Got Impatient
After a few months, my baby started to get more active and less content just lying in the swing. Bedtime became a little trickier, as she’d fuss and coo more often while I was trying to get my toddler to sleep. This stage required a new approach and fresh strategies to keep both girls happy and relaxed.
If you’re curious about how I adjusted their bedtime routine as they grew, stay tuned for a future article where I’ll share what worked for us once my baby turned six months old. Spoiler: it involved some creative problem-solving.
Final Thoughts
In those early days, putting two under two to sleep required patience, trial and error, and a willingness to adapt. It wasn’t always easy, but the little victories—like seeing them both peacefully sleeping—made it all worthwhile. If you’re in the thick of it, just know that it gets easier with time. Do what you believe is best for your family, and you typically can’t go wrong!
