Printable Toddler Schedule for Free: Daily Routine

Inside: Learn how your toddler can stay on track, managing everything their active life brings with a daily rhythm. Plus, find a free printable sample schedule to help you build a toddler routine of your own!

Dreaming of the day when you can set a daily toddler schedule that helps everyone in your house function?

That day is now, and the time is right! There is no better time than the present to make up a set schedule for your toddler to follow.

If you think it’s just pie in the sky, I can assure you it’s not.

Kids are a lot like adults. They thrive and grow when some structure is involved.

This means that by setting a few boundaries and actions, you can create an atmosphere for your toddler that will instill the importance of organization and planning from a very young age.

Key Takeaways

• Creating a toddler schedule is more than just a way to provide structure; it’s a foundation for your child’s development and family harmony.
• Tools like toddler schedule templates and daily toddler schedule printables are invaluable for establishing a routine.
• A balanced toddler daily routine supports emotional security and promotes healthy growth.

“With toddlers around, times are always interesting.”

~Beth Ann Fennelly

The Science Behind Routines for Toddlers

Is there something magical about adhering to a daily routine for your toddler? You bet!

Science has lent its voice to affirming what many parents have observed: routines and structure breed a sense of security and predictability for young ones. When your day evolves around a toddler schedule template or routine chart, it’s not just about keeping things orderly.

According to developmental experts, children thrive in an environment where they know what’s coming next. This predictability helps reduce anxiety and meltdowns, making way for a smoother, happier home life.

Furthermore, a daily toddler schedule with elements such as nap time, quiet time, and structured play supports their intellectual and emotional development.

It turns out that following tailor-made toddler schedule ideas or using a daily toddler schedule printable does more than just organize your day—it lays down the cornerstone for your little one’s growing mind and emotions.

Implementing a Daily Schedule for Your Toddler

If you’re ready to learn the basics of implementing a daily schedule for your toddlers, these simple tips can help you accomplish just that:

• Follow a routine. Toddlers thrive on predictability and consistency. Maintain a consistent daily schedule with meals, naps, recreation, bedtime, and other tasks specified.
• Include some downtime. Schedule quiet time such as reading books, puzzles, or independent playtime after meals and naps when they are not as active.
• Limit screen time. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than one hour of high-quality viewing per day.
• Schedule meals and snacks. Toddlers must eat every 2-3 hours, so include nutritious options at regular stretches throughout the day.
• Make time for outdoor activities. Fresh air and exercise are crucial. Plan a walk, a play date at the park, or some free play out in nature.
• Set a nap schedule of 1-3 times per day, based on your toddler’s age. For most toddlers, 1-2 hours between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. is necessary to recharge their batteries.
• Schedule time for baths. Doing it regularly every day helps them wind down before bed.
• Read books before bed. Make reading a part of your toddler’s bedtime routine to help them relax.
• Make the necessary changes. Be adaptable since your toddler’s sleep and wake habits may alter. As their needs evolve, make slight modifications to their existing schedule.
• Enlist the assistance of your older kids. Allow your other children (if you have any) old enough to be your toddler’s role models to help remind your little tyke of the daily schedule.

The key is to keep things consistent while allowing flexibility for their energy levels and development. Sticking to a routine gives your toddler a sense of security and stability.

Now, let’s tackle these essential questions every new mom asks:

Should I take my toddler outside every single day?

Yes, you should. If it’s possible to get them outdoors, do so. Some outside time will help them build up their immune system naturally while also helping them burn energy.

An hour of outdoor activities per day is a great goal, but even if you can only squeeze in 30 minutes at a time, that is still wonderful.

Get them outdoors during the morning hours when it’s cooler weather-wise, and at the end of the day when the heat wears off.

You’ll soon find out from your daily outing that your toddler will be less restless at night and will sleep for longer spurts.

How many naps should a 2-year-old take a day?

A two-year-old child might nap once in the morning and again in the afternoon, or mainly in the afternoons for a few hours.

We aim for 11 to 14 hours of good sleep a day for little kids this age, so work that into your toddler’s schedule accordingly.

Incorporating naps into your toddler’s daily routine can’t be overstated. Their tiny bodies require rest, re-energizing, and refocusing.

If you’re a parent who works from home, this is an excellent time to buckle down and get some work done.

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How do I get my toddler on a daily schedule?

This is the million-dollar question!

Having your toddler on a daily schedule sounds fantastic, and you have what it takes to make it happen.

Filter through all the ways you can think of to know what motivates your toddler and what does not. I find setting up a consistent routine is a simpler way of living.

Visual schedule cards and picture cards are fantastic tools to get your toddler on a daily schedule! They inform your little ones about what to expect throughout the day and assist them in developing healthy habits. This visual chart is an excellent example, especially since most toddlers can’t read yet!

There are also numerous free printable visual schedules and routine cards available online. You can print them out, laminate or frame them, and then use a dry-erase marker for multiple uses.

Establishing a Daily Toddler Schedule (with Examples)

A daily schedule is a powerful tool! It can help you manage daily tasks with ease and avoid power struggles with your toddlers altogether. They are also an easy way to jumpstart your little ones into forming good habits and practical life skills.

What you’ll see below are examples of established daily schedules for toddlers. Please note that these are merely guides and are not one-size-fits-all models for your child.

Undoubtedly, every family, toddler, and daily needs are different and should be treated accordingly.

If you remember, the biggest reason for all these is to set a schedule that allows for structure. It really will help make the whole thing a lot less cumbersome.

Sample Toddler Schedule and Routine Appropriate for Stay-at-Home Moms

• 7:00 AM: Wake up, go potty, and wash hands
• 7:15 AM: Enjoy breakfast together at the table
• 7:45 AM: Get dressed for the day and read books
• 8:30 AM: Playtime
• 9:45 AM: Go potty and wash hands
• 10:00 AM: Eat a morning snack and have lots of snuggles
• 10:30 AM: Watch an educational morning show
• 11:00 AM: Draw or do crafts
• 11:45 AM: Go potty and wash hands
• Noon: Eat lunch
• 12:45 PM: Head outside to play (or switch this to the morning hours during the hot days)
• 1:45 PM: Come inside for a quiet time, clean up, and get ready for a nap
• 2:00 PM: Nap time
• 4:00 PM: Wake up, go potty, wash hands, and have some snacks
• 4:45 PM: Time for physical activity again
• 5:45 PM: Watch some educational shows
• 6:45 PM: Get ready for supper
• 7:00 PM: Suppertime
• 7:30 PM: Bedtime routine (take a bath, brush teeth, read bedtime books, etc.)
• 8:00 PM: Sleep

In-Depth Explanation of Your Toddler Schedule

7:00 AM: Wake up, go potty, wash hands

Our toddlers’ circadian rhythm urges them to start their day at a specific time. Typically, this time is between 6 and 7:30 a.m. Depending on how much sleep they got the night before, a child this age may wake up earlier or later than these approximate times.

Here’s what I advise you to do if your toddler follows this sample schedule and starts their day at 7 a.m.:

• greet them with hugs and kisses
• lead them to the restroom to potty (or change their diaper if they are not yet potty-trained)
• help them wash their hands

If your toddler wakes up as early as 4 a.m., consider it a night waking and get them back to sleep as quickly and calmly as possible.

7:15 AM: Enjoy breakfast together at the table

Head to the kitchen to share a hearty breakfast with the whole family. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Never skip it. Your toddlers require morning sustenance to fuel their active bodies for the day ahead. And what better way to make it enjoyable than to spend it with their loved ones?

7:45 AM: Get dressed for the day and read books

Getting dressed on their own can help satiate your toddler’s developmental needs. Putting on clothes advances their fine motor skills. In addition, deciding what to wear and getting it on encourages your child to practice planning and sequencing.

Let them select a book or two for you to read with them once they’ve dressed. By doing so, you can help equip their developing minds for what lies ahead. It’s like warming up their brains for the day’s activity!

8:30 AM: Playtime

You can either set up some indoor activities for your toddlers or head out to engage in outdoor play. Choose engaging pastimes to help your bouncy toddlers strengthen their gross motor skills.

9:45 AM: Go potty and wash hands

After consuming all the food and drink over the past two hours and a half, it’s time for a trip to the bathroom. If you’re still out, guide them to a restroom, head home, or maybe swing by the grocery store to pick up a few things before going home; if you’re back home, assist them with their hygiene needs.

10:00 AM: Eat a morning snack and have lots of snuggles

After cleaning up, have as many snuggles as you want and share a little treat.

10:30 AM: Watch an educational morning show

Some parents dislike screen time for their toddlers, while others embrace it. If you allow some screen time at home, ensure it’s informative.

11:00 AM: Draw or do crafts

Doing arts and crafts with your toddlers has several advantages. It enhances their problem-solving, communication, and fine motor skills. Aside from that, an exciting and creative setting is best for your kids to learn in.

11:45 AM: Go potty and wash hands

Another bathroom break for your active little one. And, of course, handwashing right after! Cultivating solid, healthy habits requires consistency.

Noon: Eat lunch

Prepare a nutritious and tasty lunch that your child will love. Join them at the table to demonstrate healthy eating habits.

12:45 PM: Head outside to play (or switch this to the morning hours during the hot days)

If the weather permits, take your child to the nearby park and let them have fun with other kids. Being around their peers can help them improve their social skills.

Don’t forget to fill their diaper bag with the essentials for their day out. Pack lots of water and no-mess munchies for snack time to guarantee they are well-hydrated and energized.

Of course, before handling their food, they must wash their hands. So, remind them to thoroughly wash their hands before eating.

If it’s scorching, wet, or freezing outside, you’ll have no choice but to arrange exciting indoor activities for your little ones. Here are a few ideas you can do at home:

• play some musical instruments
• have a dance party
• bake cookies
• solve mazes
• complete puzzles

1:45 PM: Come inside for a quiet time, clean up, and get ready for a nap

Prepare your toddler for some alone time or a restful afternoon nap. 

2:00 PM: Nap time

It’s time for a snooze to refuel your toddler’s active little body! Provide them with non-stimulating activities to encourage rejuvenating, quiet time if they have completely stopped taking their afternoon shut-eye.

4:00 PM: Wake up, go potty, wash hands, and have some healthy snacks

Remember to schedule regular bathroom breaks and follow strict handwashing routines to maintain cleanliness.

4:45 PM: Time for physical activity again

It is time for your child to engage in another physical activity to boost their growth and development.

5:45 PM: Watch some educational shows

Indulge your toddler into the world of educational television for no less than one hour while you prep dinner! Let them tune in to enlightening shows that will widen their knowledge and spark curiosity.

Screen time is not for everyone, but if you think a little viewing time can beneficially stimulate your child’s mind and broaden their horizons, let them watch informative shows.

6:45 PM: Get ready for supper

After a whole day of physical exertion, nothing beats sitting down with loved ones to share a delicious supper. Whether it’s a homemade dish or takeout from your favorite restaurant, the prospect of a good meal can bring joy and warmth.

So help your toddler clean up, and try to let them assist you with setting the table. Get ready to delight in a feast for the stomach and soul!

7:00 PM: Suppertime

Every meal is an opportunity for family time. We can’t always eat together because life throws us curveballs, but we should commit to eating as a family whenever possible.

7:30 PM: Bedtime routine (take a bath, brush teeth, read bedtime books, etc.)

Your toddler’s evening routines set the tone for how comfortable their sleep will be. Maintain consistent nightly practices to ensure they get adequate sleep.

Warm milk or hot chocolate can calm your toddler’s restless body. If they dislike hot beverages, try rubbing magnesium lotion into their belly or legs about 15 minutes before bedtime.

Calming strategies can include bathing, bedtime tales, and other similar activities.

8:00 PM: Sleep

After creating a soothing bedtime routine and setting the stage for a tranquil sleep environment, it’s time for your toddler to drift off into a deep, restful slumber, free from anxieties or disruptions.

Give it your best to provide them with a peaceful night’s sleep, so your little one can wake up refreshed and ready to take on the next day.

Sample Toddler Schedule for the Stay-at-Home Mom (Printable PDF)

You can download this Stay-at-Home Mom Daily Toddler Schedule Template for free without signing up for my email list. Use this as a starting point for your toddler’s morning routine chart and individual schedule. You decide!

As you can see, this sample toddler schedule is pretty laid out and easy to navigate. I have broken it up into 30-minute to 1-hour sections, but you can do smaller increments of time or more significant ones.

You and I most likely have different needs. Simply modify it to include your routine tasks, and you’re ready to go!

You can also tweak your schedule depending on the days of the week. You could choose only a morning routine or an afternoon schedule! It’s all up to your individual needs.

When it all comes down to it, having some schedule and structure for the day is better than having no structure at all. Structure helps you with better time management.

Daily Toddler Schedule for Moms Working Office Hours

Tweak this daily routine schedule to meet your family’s needs. Your toddler’s daily daycare schedule will differ. The following example could represent a typical day at home. Remember, this is merely a guide.

• 6:00 AM: Wake up, go potty, and wash hands
• 6:15 AM: Eat breakfast and get dressed for the day
• 6:45 AM: Leave for daycare

Important Note: Ensure the state licenses your toddler’s daycare provider. That way, you will rest assured that your kids are safe, knowing their daycare follows state regulations. Here’s where you can check for state-registered childcare programs and daycare centers: childcare.gov

• 5:00 PM: Head home with Mom or Dad
• 5:30 PM: Go potty, wash hands, and have lots of snuggles
• 6:00 PM: A little screen time to watch some educational shows
• 6:30 PM: Get ready for supper
• 7:00 PM: Suppertime
• 7:30 PM: Bedtime routine (take a bath, brush teeth, read bedtime books, etc.)
• 8:00 PM: Sleep

It might seem straightforward, but we all know it’s not always a walk in the park. Your little ones are in their exploratory phase, testing their limits and discovering independence. Stay patient and consistent. The good news: progress is just around the corner!

Sample Daily Toddler Schedule and Routine Chart for Working Moms

Taking care of young children can be overwhelming. Visit our “Freebies” page and download free printables specially created for moms with littles.

Parenting Tips for Creating Daily Routines For Your Toddler

The hardest part about creating a schedule and sticking to it is overcoming the obstacles that will pop up and derail your success.

Just know that no matter what, this is going to happen.

I firmly believe that keeping an open mind is significant to achieving a thriving toddler schedule that will work regularly.

Remember that you might need to adjust your schedule some days to accommodate a visitor or activities in town that you want to attend as a family.

Adjust the schedule as needed

Even if you want to stick to a strict schedule, being adaptable can eventually benefit you.

A solid schedule for your toddler is critical, but you must also be realistic and allow for some wiggle room.

This empowers you to be kinder to yourself and your toddler when things don’t go as planned on certain days.

Be flexible in your schedule

If the pandemic has taught us anything, it is the fact that life is unpredictable and ever-changing.

So, adopting a flexible schedule can benefit the whole family. That way, if something happens out of your control and you have to change course abruptly, you won’t feel lost doing so.

You can pivot, adjust, and move forward without much difficulty.

Don’t immerse yourself in what I like to call “comparison chaos,” in which it seems everyone has their “stuff” together but you. (We all know that’s not the case!)

Get your Toddler Involved in Making His Schedule

There are several ways to involve your little one in their daily routine. Here are two you can try out:

1. Brainstorm what they want with them. Little kids have curious minds. You’ll be surprised at the things they can think of. (or)
2. Give them options. Let them choose among the activities they love to include in their schedule. This is a great way to teach them the importance of making choices as well! Win-win!

Use visual cards

To get your toddler more involved in setting up their routine, free picture schedules and visual charts for digital download are widely accessible online. They can be outstanding visual aids for young children. Because most toddlers can’t read, the clear illustrations help them recognize what needs to get done.

If you prefer to create your own, you can make a visual schedule pocket chart in just a few simple steps.

Materials Needed

• Cardboard or thick paper (poster board works well)
• Scissors 
• Laminating sheets (optional but recommended)
• Clear contact paper or laminating pouches
• Picture cards for activities 

Instructions

1. Cut the cardboard or paper to the desired size. Generally, 12×18 inches works well for toddlers.
2. Use scissors to cut horizontal slits across the top of the board, spacing them about 1-2 inches apart. These will be the pockets.
3. Laminate any picture cards you’ve created for the scheduled activities to protect them from wear and tear. 
4. Place the laminated cards into the pockets by sliding the top slit edge into each pocket space. Arrange in the order of the daily schedule. 
5. Optionally, cover the front of the board with clear contact paper or seal the pockets by trimming laminating pouches to size and adhering over the front to protect the surface.
6. Use velcro dots or strips on the back to hang the pocket chart at toddler eye level, such as on a wall in the play area.
7. Point to the cards throughout the day to reference the schedule. Allow your toddler to move cards as activities are completed.

A simple homemade version works wonders for involving your toddler in understanding their daily routine.

Major Takeaways from the Daily Toddler Routine and Sample

Always keep in mind three things that you should consider when establishing a good routine for your toddler:

• First, be flexible.
• Secondly, adjust as you see fit.
• Lastly, get your toddlers involved.

As you can see, creating a perfect toddler schedule can be done quickly.

Eventually, you adopt a proactive approach to organizing your daily activities and avoid reactive behavior altogether. Aside from that, you stay on top of your to-do list, avoid unnecessary stress, and enjoy easier transitions.

Predictable routines will also give your child a sense of stability, letting them know what to expect throughout the day.

This free printable toddler schedule template is primarily for you, so you can at least provide a little structure to your day, especially with little kids running around.

What else would you add to your toddler’s daily schedule?

If you have a valuable trick up your sleeve, leave a comment below.

Please go ahead and share this with your mama friends as well!

Just hang in there, Mama! Enjoy your new routine! You’ve got this!

Talk to you soon,

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