How to Create a Morning Routine with Toddlers (Without Losing Your Mind). Let’s be real for a second—mornings with toddlers are like waking up in a blender. One second you’re sipping coffee, the next someone’s crying because their banana broke in half. If your mornings feel like a three-ring circus with zero popcorn and lots of spills, I’ve got you. Creating a morning routine with toddlers isn’t about perfection—it’s about survival with a splash of joy.
Over time, with trial, error, and a lot of peanut butter toast, I’ve figured out a few things that actually help. So, here’s what worked for me, with a little wiggle room built in. Because, let’s face it, toddlers don’t do strict schedules. They march to the beat of their own tiny, sticky drum.
1. Start the Night Before: Future You Will Thank You
Trust me, future-you deserves a medal. Or at least a cup of hot coffee. Laying out clothes the night before (for both of you), prepping a simple breakfast, and packing any daycare bags can take your morning from mayhem to manageable.
I also do a quick 5-minute “toddler sweep” in the living room—just clearing blocks, stray socks, and that one sock puppet that always stares at me sideways. It helps set the tone for a smoother morning.
Bonus tip: A consistent bedtime routine helps your toddler and you wake up less grumpy. Think bath, books, and cuddles. Keep it calm and predictable.
2. Make a Visual Routine Chart
Toddlers love being in charge. Give them a laminated morning chart with pictures for each step—wake up, potty, brush teeth, get dressed, eat breakfast. Suddenly, they’re not being told what to do—they’re following the “plan.”
My kid lights up when she gets to move a magnet from “To Do” to “Done.” It’s like toddler magic. There are tons of free printable charts online, or you can make one together with stickers and construction paper.
3. Wake Them Up Gently (Even When You’re Rushed)
I used to flick on the lights and practically shout, “Let’s go!” Yeah… that didn’t go well. Now I play her favorite wake-up song (Baby Shark still haunts me), open the blinds, and gently rub her back. It takes a minute longer, but we both start off on a better foot.
If your little one is more of a “grumpy gremlin” in the morning, give them five minutes of quiet cuddle time before diving into the routine. It’s a simple connection that softens the day.
4. Break It Down (Baby Steps for the Win)
Toddlers don’t do well with, “Let’s get ready!” That’s way too vague. I break it down like this:
-
Step 1: Go potty
-
Step 2: Brush teeth
-
Step 3: Get dressed (choose between two outfits)
-
Step 4: Eat breakfast
-
Step 5: Shoes on, ready to go!
Same order, every day. No surprises, no confusion. It becomes muscle memory—with enough practice.
5. Add a Little Fun (Because You’re Basically a Morning DJ Now)
Turn toothbrushing into a race against the timer. Let them pick their own spoon for cereal. Sing songs while getting dressed (we made one up called “Put Your Pants On” to the tune of Baby Shark. It’s absurd and it works).
When toddlers are having fun, they’re more cooperative. Even if they’re doing the same tasks, the vibe feels lighter.
6. Expect the Chaos—and Stay Cool Anyway
Look, some mornings will still be bonkers. Someone will refuse to wear pants. Someone will demand toast in the shape of a dinosaur. And someone (probably you) will spill coffee on the dog.
That’s okay.
Take a breath. Laugh when you can. Cry when you must. And give yourself credit for showing up—day after day—doing your best to guide your tiny tornado into the world.
7. Practice, Tweak, and Be Patient
The first week? It might be rough. But over time, toddlers learn through repetition. Keep showing up. Keep using the routine. And tweak it as needed. Maybe your kid hates brushing teeth first—switch it with getting dressed. You’re not locked in.
This isn’t about being a Pinterest-perfect parent. It’s about finding your groove. And that groove will shift and shimmy as your toddler grows. Be flexible and forgiving—with them and yourself.
Sample Morning Routine You Can Try:
Here’s what our weekday morning looks like:
-
7:00 AM: Wake up with a song and a cuddle
-
7:10 AM: Potty and brush teeth
-
7:20 AM: Get dressed (toddler chooses outfit from two options)
-
7:30 AM: Eat breakfast (prepped the night before)
-
7:50 AM: Shoes, coat, and out the door
I keep it simple. If we hit 4 out of 5 steps without drama, that’s a win in my book.
Final Thoughts: Progress Over Perfection
You don’t need a picture-perfect routine. You just need something that works most of the time. Toddlers thrive on predictability—but they also thrive on love, laughter, and the space to be little.
So here’s to you—the parent wiping oatmeal off your shirt while singing about socks. You’re doing great. And with a little structure (and a lot of grace), your mornings can feel less like a battlefield and more like a dance. A slightly clumsy, very loud, but joy-filled dance.
