Doodlebark
Bedtime can feel like the longest part of the day. One more drink. One more book. “I’m not tired!” A bedtime routine chart won’t fix everything, but it can take a lot of the arguing out of the evening.
Why a picture chart works
Little kids can’t read a list, but they can follow pictures. A chart shows them what comes next, so they don’t have to ask (or argue) about it. And when the chart says it’s time for teeth, you’re not the bad guy. The chart is.
Kids also like knowing what’s coming. A routine that goes in the same order every night helps them feel safe and settle down faster.
What steps to include
Keep it to about 6 to 8 steps. Here’s a simple order to start with:
- Bath (or wash up)
- Pajamas
- Brush teeth
- Potty
- Pick a story
- Story time
- Hugs and goodnight
- Lights out
Change it to fit your family. Some kids need a snack step. Some families do bath in the morning. The order matters less than doing it the same way every night.
How to get kids to follow it
- Make it together. Let your child help put the steps in order or color the pictures.
- Hang it at their height. They should be able to see it and point to it.
- Let them check things off. Moving a clip, coloring a box or adding a sticker after each step feels like a win.
- Point, don’t nag. Instead of “Go brush your teeth,” try “What’s next on your chart?”
- Start at the same time. A steady start time makes the whole routine easier.
Make the hard steps more fun
If one step is always a fight, give it a little extra help. A two-minute song for brushing teeth. A bath night calendar so kids know which nights are bath nights. A taking-turns chart for siblings who both want to go first. Small tools for the trouble spots go a long way.
Calm music for the last step
Soft music can help kids wind down once the lights go out. We made a long, calm mix called Penny’s Sleepy Lullabies for exactly that.
Get the printables
Penny’s Bedtime Routine Set comes with a bedtime routine chart with checkboxes, 8 bedtime picture cards, a two-minute brushing chart, a bath night calendar and a Who Goes First? tracker. See the Bedtime Routine Set.
Want to try one free? Grab the free Who Goes First? tracker.
Questions parents ask
What should be on a toddler bedtime routine chart?
Keep it to 5 to 8 simple steps, like bath, pajamas, potty, brush teeth, pick a book, story, hugs and lights out. Pictures work better than words for little kids.
How long should a toddler bedtime routine take?
Many families aim for about 20 to 45 minutes. The order matters more than the exact time, so kids know what comes next.
At what age can kids follow a picture routine chart?
Many 2-year-olds can follow a picture chart with help, and by 3 or 4 a lot of kids can point to what’s next on their own.