Toddler bedtime without screen time

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Everybody gets books before bed. No more screen time for any except when sick or traveling. Simple.

And get the younger kid up earlier and run them around a lot so they're tired for a nap right after lunch, then ready to sleep at 7pm with the older one.

This is your correct answer.

Why even have it then?

[Anonymous]

We have a lot to screentime but it would never occur to me to have it at bedtime. It messes with their sleep! We had three under four, we divide and conquer. Two older kids get bathed together. Now that they're older they switch off or the oldest takes a shower. Everyone gets stories all together. You're over thinking this.

[Anonymous]

Screen light before bed is disruptive to sleep.

[Anonymous]

God so many of these posts are unhelpful. The OP is asking for logistical details!

Here’s what we do, OP:

1) Bathtime is together. We don’t even think about that as part of the bedtime routine, honestly. But put them both in the tub. So much easier!

2) Shorten the bedtime routine. We do a single kid in 15 mins, easily. Potty, brush teeth, diaper, jammies, read two books, quick song in bed and I’m out of there.

3) Make sure the older kids room is reasonably baby-proofed. No tiny pieces on the ground, those should be out of the little one’s reach.

4) Once you’ve got that all down, your younger can play in the older’s room while you do his bedtime. It’s only 15 mins, it’s a safe space. It might help to have a few toys that ONLY get put out during that 15 min window. Then you can do bedtime with your younger after.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have 3 and when we had 2 that were close in age we did bedtime together. Once they can read it gets a lot easier too because the older ones like to get in bed and read before lights out. Also DH and I often divide and conquer.

My almost 2 year old like to take a book to read in his crib at night. He "reads" it until he falls asleep. Hoping this transfers when we switch to a bed!