Hellobee Boards

No advice because I don't have 2 kids yet (not until July/aug anyway). But would LOVE to hear some responses from other Bees.

I have a 22 month old and 7 month old, and honestly, the only way I've figured out how to do it alone is to get them both in pjs, set the 22 month up old with his lovey, blanket, pacifier, and some milk on the couch and let him watch a super mellow tv show (we love Kipper on Netflix) while I'm nursing the 7 month old in the nursery w/ white noise & the light off. Then, I get the 7 month old settled in (he's still sleeping in the Rock-n-Play sleeper -gotta break that soon!), and work on bedtime routine with the older one (teeth brushing, story, bedtime prayers, lights off & white noise on).

It's not ideal. I'd love to be able to do it without the TV, but right now, I can't figure out another way. It definitely goes more smoothly when my DH is home, but it doesn't fall apart when he's not, so I guess that counts for something!

@mrs_t: Thanks for letting us know your routine.

@Honeybee: I am sure you will be a pro soon enough!!

@chopsuey119: niiiiiiiice try! because none of my friends IRL do it on their own so i'm like wait, how would i ever do it then??

@Andrea: muahahaaah. just curious to know why you're so curious! dood. i can't imagine having to put 2 down on my own!!! if DH's still traveling when we have #2 I'm totally hiring a nanny!

@Honeybee: I used to be a nanny for four children under the age of 4 and bedtime was the most chaotic time of the day! I usually told the 3 and 4 yr old to go get their pjs on and pick out some books while I put the 1 yr old down. I kept the baby for last. I then had the two older ones brush their teeth and we'd read a couple books. I'd get them to bed then tend to the baby. It was a challenge.

When we have another one it'll be the same thing cause my husband works nights..

Good luck, I hope you figure something out!

@Andrea: @chopsuey119: some people have bedtime nannies in ny when the dads aren't there for bedtime. they come in from 4-8 to help with dinner, bath and bedtime!

@chopsuey119: @Mrs. Bee: ok, there is my solution then. bedtime nanny FTW!

DH and I split the two kids most of the time but he does go away on business once a quarter. Our kids are currently 2 years almost 8 months and almost 9 months. Luckily, my younger one never really fussed much for her bed time. I bathed them together, dressed the baby first, set her in a bouncer and then dressed the older one. Just a few months back, the older one took only 15-30 minutes for story time so I would put him to sleep first and then put the baby to sleep. Now I put the baby to sleep first because DS has been really difficult. I'd just do her bedtime routine with DS in the room. Luckily it doesn't disrupt her much.
It's all just trial and error really and knowing what might work for your kids. It's chaotic and I desperately count the days til DH returns but like all things kids related, you'll find a way to make it work.
Also I wonder if it'd be easier if their bedtimes are not at the same time. I haven't explored that yet.

I do this on most night by myself with 2 as my husband works late or is on call at the hospital overnight. They are 2 and 3.5 so its pretty easy at this point. I bathe them together and they take turns on who get to get out first. I lotion, diaper and put them in the pjs right in the bathroom and then the its the others turn, the one who is done can go and play in the guest bedroom which has a their play kitchen in it. When they are both done we go into my daughter room (3.5yr) and sit on the bed and read 2 stories (they each pick out one) and then I sing a few songs then leave her to goto sleep and then I put my son down for the night. It definitely got easier once my son was 18 months.

When he was younger I would bathe my son first and have my daughter help me to keep her entertained. Then when he was all dressed i would put him down in a pack and play with some toys right out side the bathroom door so he could still see us and then give my daughter a bath. When she was done i would then bring them both to her room and read a story and put her off then i would put my son down. I would always put my daughter to sleep first because she's just easier.

I'm so nervous about this - I will have a 2year old and a new born in October and...OMG.

@Andrea: You're tough!!

Theres some more accounts of bedtime for two on the blog!

http://www.hellobee.com/2012/05/30/establishing-a-bedtime-routine-for-two-kids/