How to Set a Schedule for Toddlers

As toddlers get used to life in the big, busy world, they can gain a sense of security from well-established routines. When toddlers are able to predict what will happen next, they are able to explore the world with less worry. Providing regular routines gives children a sense of mastery, according to pediatrician and author Dr. Sears. Additionally, following a schedule helps toddlers develop into calm, confident kids.

Instructions

    • 1

      Study your child's behaviors and take note of when he gets tired, hungry or playful throughout the day. Schedule naps, meal times and activities to correspond with your child's natural patterns. Read the cues your child gives and build routines around them.

    • 2

      Arrange daily tasks in the same order every day. Assign specific activities for your toddler to do with your help, such as getting dressed, then eating breakfast, then feeding the cat. Allow for repetitiveness of experiences that help your child develop critical brain pathways.

    • 3

      Plan meals and snacks for the day, pack his diaper bag for an outing or lay out his clothes the night before. Adjust your toddler's schedule as necessary. Change the order of or eliminate activities if it appears that your routine isn't working for a few days in a row.

    • 4

      Establish a quiet bedtime routine to help your toddler recognize when it's almost time to go to sleep. Use the time right before bed for relaxing activities including bathing, reading a story or listening to soft music. Avoid playing with your toddler right before his bedtime.

    • 5

      Be consistent with your toddler's schedule as much as possible. Hold events and activities at or close to the same time every day to help him know what to expect, especially at bedtime.

    • 6

      Implement small changes in your toddler's schedule to show him how to be adaptable in case another adult must take care of him. Change the book you read before his nap or eat lunch in the backyard instead of in the kitchen, for example. Switch up who leads your child's routines to make it easier for your child to adjust when there's an unexpected change in schedule.

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