The 2-2-3 Custody Schedule
A 50/50 schedule where children never go more than three nights without seeing a parent. The trade-off is more frequent exchanges.
50% / 50%
overnights split
6
exchanges / cycle
14
day cycle
How the 2-2-3 schedule works
Week 1: Parent A for 2 nights, Parent B for 2 nights, Parent A for 3 nights. Week 2 flips: Parent B for 2, Parent A for 2, Parent B for 3. The pattern repeats every 14 days and keeps time exactly equal.
Advantages
- Children see each parent every few days
- Great for toddlers and preschoolers who need frequent contact
- Weekends alternate fairly
- No long stretches away from either parent
Things to consider
- The most exchanges of any common 50/50 schedule
- Frequent moves can be disruptive for older kids and school routines
- Requires parents to live very close and coordinate often
By age
Best for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Many families graduate to 2-2-5-5 or alternating weeks as children reach school age.
School considerations
Manageable if both homes are near the school, but the frequent mid-week moves need a tight shared routine for homework and gear.
Holidays
Because weekends already alternate, a simple odd/even holiday overlay keeps things fair.
Compare with other schedules
Frequently asked questions
Who is the 2-2-3 schedule best for?
Younger children who benefit from seeing each parent every few days, and co-parents who live close together.
How many exchanges does 2-2-3 have?
Around four to five per two-week cycle — more than any other common 50/50 pattern.
When should we move off 2-2-3?
Often around ages 5–8, when children can handle longer stretches and school routines favour fewer transitions.
Related schedules
Put this schedule to work — free.
Save it to a shared calendar, track expenses, and invite your co-parent so you're both in sync.