Everyday Routines & Care for Toddlers 18 Months to 4 Years

Routines are important

Routines help toddlers feel safe and confident. Predictable patterns like morning, mealtime, and bedtime, support daily learning, emotional regulation, and independence. Flexibility is also key when changes happen.

Simple routines make daily life easier and support healthy development by:

Building a sense of safety and trust.
Supporting emotional regulation and reduce stress.
Encouraging independence and cooperation.

Did You Know?

Toddlers respond well to repetition—it helps them learn what comes next.

Learn more about creating routines

Learn More

Creating Healthy Routines for You and Your Family Parent Resource | Durham Region Public Health. Practical strategies for building family-friendly routines.
Creating Routines for your Child | Childminding, Monitoring and Advisory Support Canada. Tips for creating routines.
Getting Out the Door on Time | Triple P Parenting. Tips for smoother mornings.
Healthy and Secure Transitions: A First Look | Circle of Security International. Resource on making daily changes easier for children.
Routines that Make Family and School Life Easier | Halton Public Health. How routines support young children at home and in childcare.

Everyday Care

Toddler Sleep

Toddlers need 11 to 14 hours of sleep every day, including an afternoon nap. Most toddlers sleep through the night by this age; healthy habits are key to supporting that.

Healthy Sleep Habits

Ways to establish good sleep habits include:

Keep a consistent bedtime and calming routine each night.
Create a quiet, dark, and cozy sleep environment.
Offer a comfort object like a blanket or stuffed animal.
Encourage sleep independence—support your child in falling asleep and returning to sleep on their own.

Common Sleep Struggles

Understanding common sleep disruptions can help you respond calmly and effectively. Some common sleep struggles are:

Sleep deprivation that leads to crankiness and frequent waking—often caused by missed naps or late bedtimes.
Nightmares that may be triggered by stress, illness, or fever—respond with calm reassurance.
Nighttime wakeups are best handled with gentle words and reassurance.
Difficulty settling is often resolved by sticking to a predictable bedtime routine.
Overstimulation delays sleep—avoid screen time before bed.

Did You Know?

A calm, consistent bedtime routine helps toddlers feel secure and settle more easily into sleep.

Learn More

Babies & Toddlers Sleep | Niagara Region. Parenting resources for sleep.
Healthy Sleep for Your Baby & Child | Caring for Kids. Pediatrician-approved tips for children’s sleep.
Infant Sleep Needs | Stanford University
Sleep | Kids Health. Health information on sleep for parents and caregivers.
Sleep for Babies and Toddlers | KFLA Public Health. Guidance for healthy sleep routines.
Age Specific Do’s and Don’t's | Sleep On It Canada. National campaign raising awareness about the importance of sleep. Research-based insights on child sleep patterns.
Toddler Sleep | Health Link BC. Health advice on toddler sleep.
You, Your Child and SLEEP (Video 1) | HPPH. Hear from local parents about sleep.
You, Your Child and SLEEP (Video 2) | HPPH. Hear from local parents about sleep.

Toilet Learning

Most children show signs of toilet readiness between 18 to 36 months but every child develops at their own pace.

Did You Know?

EarlyON programs in Huron and Perth County support families with resources, guidance, and practical tools to help children build confidence and readiness at their own pace. To explore programming in your area, visit: KeyON.

Support Through EarlyON

Toilet learning (often referred to as potty training) works best when children are supported, not pressured. EarlyON programs offer helpful sessions for parents and caregivers to:

Access parent/caregiver sessions and workshops on toilet learning.
Learn child-led strategies that promote independence and comfort.
Gain practical tips for dealing with setbacks and resistance.
Connect with EarlyON educators for one-on-one guidance.

Learn More

Explore more expert guidance on toilet learning:

Toilet Learning | SickKids. Helpful resource to support parents during toilet learning stage.
Toilet Learning | Canadian Child Care Federation. Developmental approach to toileting in early childhood settings.
Toilet Learning | Canadian Pediatric Society. Trusted information from Canadian pediatricians.

Screen Time

Screens are part of modern life—from video calls to entertainment—but young children benefit most from real-world interaction. The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends avoiding screen time (except for video chatting) for children under age two, as early brain development is shaped by responsive, hands-on experiences.

Why Limit Screen Time?

Too much screen exposure in the early years can affect:

Language development – Children learn best through back-and-forth interactions, not passive screen use.

Sleep – Screens before bed can disrupt healthy sleep patterns.

Attention and behaviour – Early, frequent screen use may impact attention span and emotional regulation.

Did You Know?

The goal is balance. You do not need to be perfect. Occasional, co-viewed, or supervised use is okay. Focus on real-world play, human connection, and following your child’s lead.

Learn More

Screen Free Brochure | Fraser Health. Screen-free activity ideas for families.
Screen Time | Canadian Paediatric Society. Guidelines and recommendations for healthy screen use in early childhood.
Screen Time for Children | Fraser Health. Practical tips for managing screen use and promoting active play.
Be Tech Wise With Toddler | Screen Time Action Network. Tips on creating a healthy tech environment for your toddler.

Choosing Childcare

As a parent, you want your child to grow up in a healthy, safe, and nurturing environment. Childcare options in Ontario include:

licensed home childcare agencies
licensed childcare centres
unlicensed (private) childcare

Subsidized childcare may be available to families in Huron and Perth Counties who meet certain employment and financial criteria. Subsidies apply to licensed childcare centres or licensed home providers, depending on available funding.

Learn More

Childcare Fee Subsidy | Government of Ontario
Huron County Children’s Services
Stratford Children’s Services