How to Do Bedtime on Your Own with a Baby and a Toddler

Gentle strategies for surviving - and even enjoying - solo evenings

Solo bedtime with a baby and a toddler can feel like a juggling act… with no one to hand you the next ball. Whether you're regularly flying solo or just tackling the odd evening shift, it is possible to make bedtime calmer and more manageable with a little planning and flexibility.

Here’s how to navigate bedtime on your own with both little ones - including tips for keeping your baby safe, supporting your toddler, and staying calm even when things don’t go to plan.

1. Have a Safe Spot to Put Baby During Bath Time

When it’s time to bath your toddler, you’ll need a safe place to put your baby - especially if they’re not yet sitting up on their own.

Some ideas:

• A baby bouncer or lounger in the bathroom.

• A playmat nearby with a suitable toy

• A travel cot or bassinet within sight

  
  

Bonus: Narrate what’s happening to your baby so they feel included (e.g., “Now we’re washing your sister’s toes – both baby and toddler will enjoy this!”).

If your baby is fussy, consider skipping the bath or doing a quick wipe-down for your toddler — solo nights are not the time to be a hero!

2. Create a Safe Space in the Toddler’s Room for Baby

As you move to your toddler’s bedroom, set up a secure space for your baby where they can lie or sit while you do PJs and storytime. Think:

• A travel cot

• A playmat

• A Moses basket

Keeping your baby close and contained allows you to give your toddler your attention without worrying. Your toddler needs time here to connect with you to allow for a smoother bedtime. If they feel like they’re not getting your attention because your baby is then they are more likely to demand it by acting out – it’s always better to give it positively rather than getting upset with them.

3. Combine Toddler Storytime with Baby Feeding

If your baby is due a feed, this is the perfect time. Settle into your toddler’s room, nurse or bottle-feed your baby, and read stories at the same time.

Top tips:

• Let your toddler choose a few short books in advance

• Use this as an opportunity to model calm “together time”

• If your toddler likes to snuggle while you read, create space for them to sit next to you or even rest a hand on the baby

It won’t always look perfect - but this rhythm can become a really sweet and connected part of your routine. You could even allow your toddler to “read” a book to your baby.

What if Your Baby is Unsettled?

Some nights, your baby just won’t settle. And that’s okay. Here’s what you can try:

Babywearing = Your Secret Weapon

Pop your baby into a sling or carrier to keep them close and content while you move through bedtime.

• You can get your toddler ready for bed, read stories, and even settle them in with your baby snuggled against you.

• If reading is too tricky, tell a story while pacing / bouncing, your toddler will love your made-up tales just as much! My toddlers always loved a story with them as a character in it.

Even if it doesn’t go to plan, your toddler will still feel connected, and your baby will feel safe with you close.

 A Few Final Tips:

• Prep as much as you can beforehand (pjs laid out, milk ready, room dimmed)

• Keep your expectations low and your tone warm

• It’s okay if the routine is shorter or a bit messier than usual

• Some nights will be easier than others — and that’s normal

• Prioritise your toddler for a smoother bedtime, you can have time with your baby once your toddler is down for the night.

Solo bedtime is no small task, but you’re doing something amazing by showing up with love and care for both of your children. It won’t always feel smooth, but it will get easier with practice and time - and before you know it, you’ll find your rhythm.

If you're finding bedtime with both tricky then book onto a

where I can help you to create a personalised routine that suits you and your family.