Anonymous wrote:An adult should be brushing their teeth, they’re too young to do it properly themselves esp if they’re only doing it 20 seconds. We let our kids brush their own teeth after breakfast and after lunch so they get to practice it but at bedtime we brush their teeth. Ages 5 and 3.

Dentist told me I should be brushing until 8. Kids actually like it now but fought when around 1.5. They get to pick toothpaste flavor and toothbrush (don’t ask, they each have two) which makes them feel in control.

An adult should be brushing their teeth, they’re too young to do it properly themselves esp if they’re only doing it 20 seconds. We let our kids brush their own teeth after breakfast and after lunch so they get to practice it but at bedtime we brush their teeth. Ages 5 and 3.

6 dinner
6:30, bath (but our kids bathe together which makes things a lot easier)
6:45, brush and floss teeth, go potty, put on pjs (and our younger child wears a diaper overnight—but is potty trained during daytime)
6:50/55: read 1 book each, my husband and I each take one child to their own room and read 1 short book (5 minutes of reading)
7: lights out, white noise machine on. Our older child likes to have someone lie next to him til he falls asleep which usually takes less than 10 mins. Younger child likes to have someone sit in the chair in her room and she just talks until she falls asleep, which also takes less than 10 mins typically.
They’re both generally asleep by 7:15, 7:30 at the latest.

Get the 2nd step stool if you think it’ll help. Almost Anything to help w bedtime w young kids is worth it, imo.

My routine won't help you since we bathe kids together. My recommendation
6:30 - 6:45ish- you do bath with older kid, brush teeth once out of bath, put PJs on and younger goes to dad for books.
6:45ish 7:15 - you do bath for younger, brush teeth and PJs while older reads with dad

Everyone gets the bath and cream they need. No need to buy more stuff for a small bathroom and brushing once out of bath is perfect time. Books instead of videos promotes relaxation and is no additional time to the routine

Everyone is bed spaces by 7:20. Older into room with tuck in and back rubs. You get into room with routine and 20 min of soothing.

2 and a 4 year old
6:30-7 bath
7-7:20 we read books together in my bed (the twin was too small) This is the highlight of their night and they’re very excited for the books we read. We just moved to Halloween books and they’re thrilled.
7:20-7:30- brush teeth and bed. We put them in beds (2 is in a crib), kiss and then shut the door. I refuse to pat backs or stay with them while they fall asleep. I brush both of their teeth myself and it takes 2 minutes each. No way would I let them brush and risk cavities.

What are your bedtime routine (Bath, brush teeth, put them to bed) if you have 2 kids under 5? Each has their own room, 4 year old sleeps in bed, 2 year old sleeps in crib. DH let them watch YouTube videos on his phone in our bedroom when I take care of each kid bath/shower. They both have sensitive skin, and they use different bath & cream products, especially 2 year old has rashes all the time. It is not ideal to let them watch videos right before bedtime, but it has been working. We don’t do bedtime stories (we have lots of books) because it gets too late & we are tired. 4 years old sleeps by self closed door light out, but 2 year old need company ( pat on back, singing) for like 30 mins every night till fallen asleep.

Do you get 2 step stool for them to brush teeth at the same time? We have small bathroom, and they take turn brush their teeth like 20 seconds or less ( not ideal, better than nothing) on a step stool. How long do kids need to use step stool to reach sink & able to see themselves in the mirror in bathroom? I am thinking if I should get 1 more step stool ( but we have single sink in bathroom only) to promote the habit of brushing teeth longer. They both like to imitate or compete with each other.