How do you do bedtime routine with 2 dc? (One baby and one toddler)

[AgentErnie]

I am looking at starting for my dc. Ds1 is 3 and ds2 is nearly 2 months.

At the moment I just get ds1 ready (whilst cluster feeding ds2) and then I sort out ds2 but I'm looking ahead to when I can sort them both at once (and get some evening back!)

I do it alone mostly also, so no dh on hand to help usually, so am after some advise and tips.

I have dc1 of 3 yrs and dc2 of 4 months. When dc2 was two months they had to be put to bed separately as dc2 was still small enough to go for an early evening nap and needed a nightcap. Now if I have to do the evening routine alone I put them both to bed at 7ish and mostly by 8 I can do my own thing. This is possible because dc1 dropped day naps and is so tired by seven that he goes to bed without much fuss. Dc2 is not a great daysleeper either and is also ok to be settled for the night then. I start with the bath of dc1. Then quick diaper change for dc2. The bed of dc1 is big enough so that both dcs and me fit comfortably together. dc1 gets a symbolic go at BF, I then BF dc2 while doing handholding and lullabies with dc1. Dc1 falls asleep in such a way and dc2 is bfed to sleep and then put sleeping to his own room and cot. At which point I get to bring out the and enjoy the sweet freedom. So for us I guess the key is the daytime sleep or no sleep habits (if dc1 napped we are talking about hours of struggle), the big bed as well as baby breastfeeding to sleep and being a decent night-time sleeper. I would not have tried this joint bedtime when alone but dc2 hated being in another room during dc1 bedtime so it was a last ditch effort and surprisingly so far works great.

Watching with interest as ds2 due in next couple of weeks

Only really got in a routine now DS is 6 months

DS and DD (2.3) in bath together at 6:30. Take DS out and dry/dress him on mat on floor while DD plays. Sit DS in bouncy chair while I wash DD properly and do her teeth.
DD out and dried then all into mine and DH's bedroom to get DD into pjs.
Everyone on to our bed for a story and cuddles. I'll sometimes be BFing DS while DH reads story.
DD tucked in with more kisses and cuddles
I take DS to his room and feed until he's passed out asleep.

DD is in bed by 7:15 and DS usually by 8 though depends on how long he feeds for.