How To Create a Bedtime Routine For Multiple Kids

It was 7:30 p.m., and my living room looked more like the aftermath of a tornado than a peaceful space winding down for bedtime.

My oldest was jumping off the couch like it was a trampoline, my middle child was sprawled on the floor refusing to pick up her toys, and the baby, wide awake, was determined to chew on the one cord I forgot to baby-proof.

Sound familiar? I knew something needed to change.

I remember sitting down one evening, overwhelmed, and Googling “how to get multiple kids to bed without losing your mind.”

Every site seemed to have conflicting advice, and none of them considered the unique blend of energy, personalities, and ages in my house.

But after some trial and error, I found a routine that didn’t just calm the chaos—it turned bedtime into one of my favorite parts of the day.

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7 Steps To A Bedtime Routine With Multiple Kids

Step 1: Set a Consistent Time for Lights Out

The first thing I learned was the importance of setting a firm bedtime that works for everyone.

If one child stays up later than the others, it can create a sense of unfairness and disrupt the routine. Choose a time that’s reasonable based on your kids’ ages and activity levels.

Tip: Use a light-up alarm clock to signal when it’s time to start winding down. The visual cue is especially helpful for younger kids who don’t yet understand the concept of time.

Step 2: Create a Calm-Down Activity That Everyone Can Do Together

To prevent the last-minute burst of energy that often happens after dinner, introduce a relaxing activity the whole family can enjoy. This can be reading a story together, coloring, or listening to calming music.

Our favorite? Family storytime in the living room, complete with a stack of our go-to bedtime books. The shared activity helps everyone transition from playtime to bedtime mode.

If your kids have different preferences, try rotating the calm-down activity each night. One night it can be drawing, and the next could be quiet play with sensory toys. This way, everyone feels included.

Step 3: Stagger Bedtimes for Different Ages

If you have a baby, a toddler, and an older child like me, staggering bedtimes might be your secret weapon.

Put the youngest to bed first to free up time for the older ones. While the baby is getting their bedtime bottle in their rocking chair, the older kids can be engaged in a quieter, independent activity (hello, coloring books!).

Once the baby is down, spend quality time with the next youngest child, doing an activity that’s meaningful for them—like reading or talking about their day. Your oldest, who usually has a later bedtime, can then have some one-on-one time with you before finally winding down.

Step 4: Keep It Short and Sweet

No matter the ages of your kids, the key to a successful bedtime routine is keeping it short. Aim for 20 to 30 minutes total. Start with teeth brushing (cue the fun character-themed toothbrushes), a quick face wash, and then slip into pajamas. Make sure each step is simple and predictable. The less complicated the routine, the less likely your kids are to resist it.

Step 5: Create a “Bedtime Basket” for Each Child

For older kids who tend to stall (“Just one more story, please!”), I found that having a “bedtime basket” with one or two special books or a stuffed animal helps curb the constant requests.

The rule is that they can choose one item from their basket to sleep with, which gives them a sense of control without dragging out the routine.

If your child is a night owl, consider adding a sleep sound machine to their basket. The soothing white noise can make it easier for them to settle down, especially if they have siblings who might still be awake in another room.

Step 6: Make It Fun With Bedtime Rituals

End your bedtime routine with a fun little ritual. Maybe it’s saying a special goodnight phrase, singing a lullaby, or using a few drops of lavender essential oil on their pillows to signal it’s time to sleep. These small rituals make bedtime feel like a comforting routine instead of a rushed task.

Step 7: Expect Changes and Be Flexible

The reality is, even the best bedtime routine won’t be perfect every night. Some nights there will be giggles and whispers under the covers, and other nights there may be tears.

When we started our bedtime routine, it took about two weeks to really find our groove. But stick with it.

Consistency is what helps your kids feel secure, and over time, bedtime will go from chaotic to (mostly) calm.

Bottom Line

And remember, mom—you’re doing great! Even when bedtime feels like an impossible puzzle, you’re creating a sense of stability and comfort that your kids will carry with them forever.

So grab those favorite pajamas for each child, stock up on bedtime storybooks, and get ready to create a bedtime routine that works for everyone, no matter how many little ones you have tucked under the covers. Sweet dreams!

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