Routine for a new baby sibling
Keeping an older child's day predictable when a new baby turns the house upside down. 6 steps, about 81 minutes, for ages 2 to 10.
The routine, step by step (the evening)
- 6:30pmStep 1: Dinner together, even if a grown-up is feeding the baby30 min
- 7pmStep 2: A big-sibling job: fetch a nappy, choose the baby's song5 min
- 7:05pmStep 3: Ten minutes of one-to-one time with a parent, no baby10 min
- 7:15pmStep 4: Bath and pajamas, the same order as always20 min
- 7:35pmStep 5: Story and cuddle15 min
- 7:50pmStep 6: Lights out at the usual time1 min
About 81 minutes, 6:30pm to 7:51pm.
Adjusting it by age
- Younger children
- Keep everything that can stay the same exactly the same, and expect a few weeks of wobbles.
- Older children
- Give them a real job they are proud of and time alone with you that the baby never interrupts.
TaskFamily runs this routine on your child's own screen: routines on their own screen, awards for being a great big brother or sister, and trusted adults who can help.
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Step times are typical for the ages shown and clock times count from the start time; nothing here is medical advice. The guide text is drafted with AI from these numbers and checked automatically before it is published.