Routines for Toddlers

“The secret of your success is found in your daily routine." – John C. Maxwell

Routines help children organize new information. As your baby is busy making neurological connections everyday, repetition and consistency through routines helps them to solidify neural pathways and store information.
Routines help children feel safe. When we know what to expect, we can regulate more effectively. If a child grows up with no idea of what to expect from their environment, then their nervous system is in a constant state of anticipation.
For highly sensitive children, not being able to have their routines can cause behavioral disturbances.
Routines also help parents. Having strong routines for your baby can benefit your own regulation and mood.
Many people worry that having consistent and predictable routines means that your baby will become rigid. Routines actually make children more adaptable.

Create a bedtime routine. Reading, singing, a bath, massage, or all of the above! Think of calming activities that signal your baby that it is time to sleep.
Follow a clear morning routine around getting dressed, eating, self-care, even packing the diaper bag, can help you and your baby to prepare.
Create consistency around mealtimes. Healthy habits around eating can make a HUGE difference in how your baby regulates their behavior at the table, relaxes to be open to trying new foods, and learns social skills. Try to have meals where someone else is eating with your baby, focus on the conversation around the table, the use of utensils, the highchair, etc. All of these help your baby associate behaviors and routine with mealtimes.
Have a quick and clean routine for goodbyes, This can help your baby (and you) to cope with separation. Create a goodbye phrase like, “mommy always comes back,” and a kiss or snuggle or wave that you can use day after day.