From 'Be Quiet!' to 'Let’s Be Partners': Helping Your Toddler Respect Baby’s Naptime"

Dec 22, 2025Plate&Play Team

When we only have one baby napping, we could have them in their room, turn the baby monitor on, and go about our day till the next wake window. Then comes baby number two and now, you're also managing an active toddler.

When you have a newborn and a toddler, you’re balancing two very different needs. Your toddler isn't usually trying to be "noisy" they are often reacting to:

Excitement : They just want to share something with you!
Big Changes : They are still figuring out where they fit in this new family dynamic.
A Need for Connection: Sometimes, a loud noise is just a call for your attention.

From Blame to Teamwork

Instead of focusing on what they did "wrong," try shifting the language to invite them into the process.

Instead of: "I told you to be quiet! Now the baby is awake!"
"Try: "Loud noises wake the baby up. Let’s use our 'library voices' so we can have some special play time together while they sleep.

3 Simple Ways to Help Your Toddler Adjust

The "Helper" Strategy: Give them a job. Ask them to pick out the baby’s socks or hold the diaper. Inclusion beats exclusion every time.
The 10-Minute Rule: Even 10 minutes of undivided 1-on-1 time can refill your toddler’s "emotional cup" and reduce attention-seeking noise.
Reassure Often: Remind them, "You are my baby too, and I love you so much."

Give Yourself Grace

You are the "big person" with the tools, but you’re also human. It's okay to feel overwhelmed, touched-out. Modeling a "repair" is one of the most powerful things you can do. Go back to them, kneel down, and say: "I’m sorry I used a loud voice. I got upset, but I love you no less. Let’s try again."

Take a deep breath. Reconnect. Reframe. Repair. You’re not just raising siblings; you’re building a team. You’ve got this! 🤍

Frequently asked question

What is baby-led weaning (BLW)?

Baby-led weaning is a feeding approach where babies are given safely-textured table foods and allowed to self-feed, rather than being spoon-fed purees. It's associated with supporting oral motor development, pincer grasp and jaw development.

Does Plate & Play support both baby-led weaning and traditional spoon-feeding?

Yes. Meals are made with BLW-friendly textures, but every dish can also be blended down after reheating to a smoother, spoon-feeding consistency, so families can use whichever approach suits them.

I only spoon-feed my baby, not baby-led weaning. Can I still buy Plate & Play meals?

Yes. Plate & Play meals can be blended down to a spoon-feeding consistency after reheating, so families who spoon-feed exclusively can use the meals just as easily as families doing baby-led weaning.

Are Plate & Play meals meant to replace all my cooking?

No, and they don't need to. Plate & Play meals are designed to be your baby's weekly staples, so cooking becomes something you do when you want to, not something you're obligated to do every day.

Are Plate & Play baby meals delivered frozen?

Yes. All Plate & Play meals are delivered frozen using cold-chain delivery. Someone needs to be available to receive the order and move it into the freezer promptly.

Do Plate & Play meals contain added salt, sugar or preservatives?

No. Plate & Play meals are made with no added salt, sugar or preservatives.

What age range are Plate & Play meals suitable for?

Plate & Play dishes are suitable from 6 months onward unless stated otherwise. Infant portions suit babies roughly 6-12 months, and Toddler portions suit 13-24 months, though bigger appetites can extend toddler portions to 3-4 years.

How does the Plate & Play subscription plan work?

Choose a bi-weekly or monthly delivery frequency, select your meals, and Plate & Play automatically delivers baby and toddler meals on that schedule, so the weekly rotation is sorted in advance.

How do I reheat Plate & Play baby meals?

Meals can be reheated by microwave (3-5 minutes medium-high for dishes, 30-45 seconds for finger foods), double-boiling or steaming (10-15 minutes), or on the stovetop from defrosted (5-7 minutes covered). Air frying is not recommended for dishes.

How long can I store Plate & Play meals in the freezer?

Since the meals contain no preservatives, they're best consumed within one month of receipt when stored properly in the freezer. Once thawed in the fridge, consume within 24 hours.

How are Plate & Play meals delivered in Singapore?

Meals are delivered frozen via cold-chain delivery, Monday to Saturday, typically arriving within 1-2 working days between 3pm-10pm. Self-collection is also available at the East Village Mall store.