.png.webp)
Phoebe Burgess: "How I Manage My Newborn And Toddler's Sleep Routines"
Ugh! Sleep! It becomes the number one parenting conversation when that gorgeous little bundle becomes earth side. So what happens when you have two wee ones to synchronise? Here, mummy of two Phoebe Burgess explains her tricks for managing her baby and toddler sleep routines…
Commonly Asked Questions To Phoebe About Baby and Toddler Sleep Routine:
Was it difficult to establish a routine with your toddler and newborn in those early days?
How did you synchronise their sleep routine?
What sleep routines worked best?
What surprised you the most about going from one baby to two?
Baby steps: Was it difficult to establish a routine with your toddler, Poppy and newborn, Billy, in those early days?
Yes! At the start of this two children thing, everything was a challenge! It’s learning to juggle two of everything. Billy has ended up being my flexible baby and Poppy needs her routine or the whole household suffers! I got very good at settling Billy and getting Poppy down or distracting Poppy (with a book, colouring or even the iPad upstairs in my room next to Billy’s room) while I settled him. Some nights, all routine went out the window and we’d have a big sleepover in my bed and it was just about surviving the night. We’d get up and try it all again.
Sleeping beauties: How did you synchronise their sleep routine?
My major aim was always trying to get them both down at that midmorning mark so I could have an hour, or an hour and half if I’ve timed it really well to myself. (Well, to take care of basic hygiene or lie on the bed and waste the precious time on Instagram ha ha! Anything to recharge my batteries is what I’d do.) The juggle was difficult when they would tag team for sleeps.
Magic formula: What sleep routines worked best?
Since both Billy and Poppy were born, I have had the same bedtime routine in place, which I find is the perfect end to a chaotic and busy day: the Johnson’s 3 step bedtime routine which includes a warm bath, gentle massage and quiet time like reading a book. Although it takes time to cement a routine into your children’s day, it’s now something that both my kids look forward to, as well as being one of my favourite times of the day.
Having a go-to routine in place helps the kids start to recognize when it’s nearly bedtime and is a great way to start the evening and wind down for all of us.
We start with a bath, full of bubbles, beautiful smells, chatting, learning and lots of fun.
Then we roll Poppy and Billy up in their towels and go into the warm, dimly lit bedroom (making sure it’s nice and cosy!) for a massage and book time – Poppy usually hijacks the book and reads to Billy… it melts my heart! Once we’ve had a read, it’s bedtime.
This is such a special time for me each day; watching my kids interact during our bedtime routine makes every challenge throughout the day worth it.
Something that I find super important in this routine is the time we set aside for a massage after the bath. I use the new Johnson’s CottonTouch face & body lotion, which is great for both Billy and Poppy and fills the room with a soothing aroma, putting the kids in a mind frame for sleep and quiet time. Since becoming a mum, I’ve learnt that skin to skin bonding is so important for my babies’ development and mood and building this into your routine is a great way to ensure you are maintaining this bond. A quick tip to go alongside this 3 step routine also: use products that not only your kids love, but you do too! Make sure you’ve got yourself a gorgeous product with a nice velvety texture that makes the routine even better (and keeps your skin soft as well as bubs!). I’m always eager for a routine that works for all three of us!
Snug as a bug: Did you swaddle your babies?
The first time I swaddled Poppy at a day old, my little Houdini was out of it in about 20 seconds. I was too scared of making it too tight but the tighter the better! Her startle reflex was so strong she had to become our little burrito baby, always swaddled up tightly. Billy was a little more relaxed so we used a combo of swaddling and the Love to dream suits (amazing for mums on the go!).
Surprise! What surprised you the most about going from one baby to two?
To be honest, I was most surprised at myself. I discovered I am a lot more capable than I gave myself credit for with Poppy as a baby. Some days chaos rules and neither the kids or I have had a proper sleep, I’ve given them grated cheese to get by on the run, they might wear their pyjamas until 3pm, educational games are forgone for the iPad and I’ve eaten fish fingers with Poppy for dinner. But with two, I’ve learnt to give myself a break and reinforce my strength and capabilities instead of mentally beating myself up over a less than perfect day.
I’ve learnt to ask for help when I need it and own that instead of seeing it as a weakness. And my biggest surprise has been learning that my intuition is never wrong when it comes to my children, so I trust my gut to get me through tougher days. The biggest most beautiful surprise I have experienced with two children is that as mummies, or parents, our love knows no limits.... just when I think I couldn’t love something as much as Poppy, along came Billy and my heart just expanded.
Any other ‘one baby to two’ tips for other mums?
The best thing I ever did was get Poppy started on early toilet training. The newborn bubble was a great time to nail the training because life is already chaotic and messy! So what’s a little more chaos?!
Phoebe Burgess is a journalist, mum to two and spokesperson for Johnsons Baby.
Bedtime can feel hectic with two little ones, but keeping a calm and predictable routine really helps. Try following the same simple steps each night — bath, pyjamas, story, then cuddles. Doing things in the same order helps both kids wind down and know what’s coming next. Let your toddler help in small ways, like choosing a book or handing you the baby’s blanket. It makes them feel involved and keeps bedtime more peaceful for everyone.
It’s completely normal for nap times not to line up. Babies nap more often, while toddlers may only need one nap or quiet time. Instead of forcing them to match, aim for a short overlap when you can. Put your baby down first, then set your toddler up with books or quiet play. Even if it’s just a few calm minutes, it gives you a breather too.
Babies and toddlers go through lots of sleep changes — teething, growth spurts, or new milestones can all cause disruptions. When this happens, stick to familiar cues like dim lights, soft sounds, and a calm bedtime routine. Try to keep your toddler’s bedtime steady and work your baby’s naps around it. Flexibility and consistency together are key.
The idea that there’s a “right” way to do it. Every baby and toddler is different, and even siblings can have totally opposite sleep personalities. Some nights will feel easy, others will test your patience — and that’s okay. Don’t stress if things aren’t going perfectly or if bedtime looks a little chaotic. What matters most is that your children feel safe, loved, and cared for. Try not to compare your family’s routine to others — focus instead on what helps your kids rest best. Over time, everything will start to fall into place naturally.
Between night feeds, toddler wake-ups, and endless to-do lists, it’s easy to put your own rest last. But your energy sets the tone for the whole household. Try to rest whenever your children nap — even if it’s just closing your eyes for a few minutes. Share nighttime duties with your partner if possible, and don’t be afraid to ask for help from family or friends. Simplify your evenings where you can — fewer tasks, more relaxation. And remember, you don’t need to “do it all.” Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish — it’s what keeps you strong and steady for your little ones.
