Wondering what to do with your toddlers or older children when you’re putting baby to bed so it’s a calm environment? Read on.
Have you ever noticed this?
When you research an issue to a problem. Find a solution or two and then think… but how do you actually DO that?
Like… there is tons of help on baby sleep issues. What to do if baby won’t nap. If baby wakes up super early. Or still wakes up multiple times a night.
And sometimes these articles give you tips.
And these tips may work – if your toddler wasn’t Causing Issues.
What if you have toddlers or preschoolers who get into trouble, make loud noise, or keep running into the baby’s room when you’re trying to put baby down to sleep?
Well, my mama friend, I’m glad you’re here. I will tell you.
Get my cheat sheets and find your family’s groove. Chore, independent play, meal, nap, bedtime, and MORE routine ideas!
How to put baby to sleep in peace – and what to do with your toddlers and older kids
So if any of the following things are familiar to you, then buckle in and stay tuned.
- toddler comes rushing into the baby’s room when you’re in the middle of a wind-down routine
- when you’re putting baby down for a nap your toddler trashes the joint
- you try and put baby in their play pen so you can put baby to sleep and then hear screaming and wailing and gnashing of teeth while you’re trying to create a Peaceful Sleeping Environment
Stagger daily schedules to fit
If possible, stagger your family’s daily routine so that your toddler is occupied while you need to put baby into bed. This isn’t always possible but will be possible a few times a day.
- Nap time for baby can coincide with independent play for your older kids.
- Nap time for baby can coincide with rest time / quiet time for your toddlers and preschoolers.
The key is that if your toddlers or preschoolers are occupied already when it’s time to put baby down for a nap then it’ll be easier. They won’t feel they are missing out on something and try and interrupt the process.
Also, many toddlers want to help mom put the baby to bed, kiss baby, do the wind-down routine, etc so it’s less stimulating for baby overall to have your older kids outside of the room.
Find a safe (contained) place for your toddlers
Sometimes you’ll need your hands and some space to get things done.
The things that need doing may be part of your daily routine, or at other times, urgent matters to deal with.
- unclogging toilet
- dealing with people at the door
- answering an urgent phone call
- doctoring someone’s boo boo
And on and on. The fact is, whether you want to admit it or not, you need to have safe places to put your toddler when you need them safe and contained. When you’re putting baby to bed, you can use one of these places as well.
- high chair
- play pen
- crib
- gated in play area
These are 4 places to start. Have some safe toys nearby, make sure baby isn’t able to get out, and don’t push your limit on how long you leave your toddler there.
Have a “go-to” spot
Kids absolutely love routine and predictability. They also have far less resistance to transitions when they know what to expect. If possible, have set areas where baby can be safe while you put baby down to sleep.
- If baby’s room is upstairs, have an area upstairs you can put baby (crib, play pen, etc.)
- Don’t put baby somewhere too far away for your mental capacity. You’ll be worried the whole time that you can’t hear your toddler and it’ll give you manic energy. This will trickle down to the baby you’re attempting to comfort.
- If your toddler is finishing a meal or snack, you can leave him in the high chair (strapped in) with a book or something safe. He’ll likely throw it down, but hey, he’ll be safe.
Want your days to feel more peaceful (less stressful) with plenty of time to care for your littles AND for yourself?
Well, I’ve got a foolproof strategy for you and it’s this: ROUTINES 🕑
Grab your FREE daily mom routines checklist and begin uncomplicating family life today!
Do what you have to do without the guilt
There’s this guilt that comes with moms that says “I shouldn’t have normal issues. I should be able to do all aspects of mom life without having to juggle or prioritize things.”
Nope. Sometimes your baby needs your full attention. Other times your other children need your full attention. As a mature capable adult you are able to discern which is which and make appropriate choices in each situation.
And you can do so without the guilt.
Be free, mama, and go forth with a peaceful daily routine!
Jackie says
You are a life saver! All your articles are so helpful. May God continue to bless your work. You are helping us desperate for information mommas.