How to Get Kids Ready in Half an Hour or Less

How to Get Kids Ready in Half an Hour

Posted on 02. Jan, 2010 by Mary Lutz in Time Savers

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In my previous post, How to Get Ready in Half an Hour, I gave you steps to get ready from shower to full makeup. One of the comments by Stephanie was, “now if only I could do something about moving my kids that fast…”. I thought, “why not?”; you can get your kids ready in half hour or less too by following these steps.

Whether you have small babies or toddlers, there’s always some advance preparation needed in order to be most efficient at getting you and your kids out the door.

Refill your diaper bag after each trip. Check to make sure you have enough diapers, wipes and clothes so you’re prepared for the next quick trip out.
If you use bottles or sippy cups make sure they’re ready to go too by having them in filled and stored in the fridge.
Set a routine with your children. If they’re old enough to dress themselves, have their clothes, coats, shoes, boot, hats and mittens in a set place where they know they can reach them easily. Tell them when to start getting ready so when you’re ready to walk out the door, they’re ready too.
If at all possible, bathe your kids at night. This will save lots of time in the morning.

Okay, now that we’ve got advanced preparations taken care of, here are the steps you should follow in order to get your kids ready in half an hour or less.

Bath time-10 minutes or less

If bathing more than one child, bathe them at the same time, if they’re young enough. If you have older children teach them how to get ready quickly using the steps in my previous post.
Use a cup to wet hair, then shampoo with baby shampoo or tearless shampoo. If conditioner is needed, apply to child’s hair or use a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner.
Using a washcloth, apply baby wash and wash child’s body all at once, rinse body and hair with cup.
Remove your child from the tub, dry off excess water and wrap tightly in a towel.

Hygiene-10 minutes or less

Brush or comb through their hair.
Apply baby lotion all over their body.
Brush teeth

Getting dressed-10 minutes or less

Have clothes set out ahead of time.
Apply creams, ointments or powder to their bottoms if necessary.
I’m sure I don’t have to tell you how to dress your baby

See, easy peasy. Okay, okay, I know there will be those times when nothing goes as planned. You’re 3 year old wants to play in the tub longer or your 3 month old looks so cute and loves the bath you just hate to get her out. That’s okay. These are just steps to help you get in some sort of routine with your kids. Kids love routine because then they know what to expect and it will help you in the long run.

What steps do you take with your kids to help aid the “getting ready” process?

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