RoutineKit

Toddler routine chart

Big pictures, very few words, two per row. For two- and three-year-olds who are just learning that the day happens in a predictable order.

Steps (10)
Look & print settings
My day
  1. Wake up
  2. Breakfast
  3. Get dressed
  4. Play
  5. Lunch
  6. Nap
  7. Outside
  8. Bath
  9. Story
  10. Bed

In the print dialog choose Save as PDF for a file, and turn on Background graphics to keep the colours. Your chart saves automatically in this browser.

Making a chart work for a toddler

  • Swap icons for photos. Take a photo of your child on the potty, at the table, in the bath. Recognising themselves is powerful at this age.
  • Cut it into cards. Choose the “Cut-out cards” layout, laminate, add Velcro dots, and let your toddler pull each card off into a “done” envelope. Toddlers love the physical action.
  • Say the word as you point. The chart doubles as early vocabulary practice.
  • Expect to do it together. At two, the chart is a shared script, not an independence tool yet. That comes later.

The CDC’s developmental milestones note that by around age 2 many children point to things in a book when asked, and by about two and a half many follow two-step instructions such as “put the toy down and close the door”. That’s why short picture sequences suit this age so well.

Questions parents ask

At what age can a toddler use a routine chart?

Many children start to enjoy picture charts around age 2, once they follow simple directions and recognise pictures of familiar things. Before that, a chart is mainly a prompt for the adult.

How many pictures for a toddler routine chart?

As a general suggestion, 3 to 5 big pictures per chart. Use two charts (morning and bedtime) rather than one long one.

Should I use photos or drawings for a toddler?

Photos of your own child doing the step are often easiest for very young toddlers to understand. Tap a picture and choose “Use your own photo”. Clear icons work well from about age 3.

What is a good toddler schedule?

Most toddlers do well with wake-up, breakfast, play, snack, outside time, lunch, nap, play, dinner, bath, story and bed at roughly the same times each day. Sleep needs for ages 1–2 are 11–14 hours including naps (AASM, endorsed by the AAP).

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