Establishing a routine can provide comfort, help with development and make parenting more manageable. Building a routine isn’t about having a rigid schedule – it’s about consistency, with room for change as and when required.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to create a flexible yet effective routine that works for you and your little one.
Why Create Routine?
Routines help babies feel secure by providing an idea of what to expect next. When they know that feeding, playtime and naps happen regularly, they are less likely to feel overwhelmed – with the structure helping them to develop an understanding of time, especially as their internal clock develops at around 6 weeks old.
For parents, a routine will help to plan your day, and offers a predictable time-scale of when you can have some time for yourself and when you need to be with your baby. This is particularly helpful for new parents who may feel stressed with everything they need to do for their new arrival, whilst also having to take care of their own needs too.
Observe Their Current Behaviour
Before setting a routine, spend some time observing when your baby eats, sleeps, and is the most alert. Babies follow their own patterns, and you have to align the routine with them, so keeping a log will help you identify consistent behaviours such as whether they wake early, they nap at a specific time each day, if they get hungry at the same time etc. By making your routine similar to the one you currently follow, it’ll be easier for you and your baby to get used to, rather than changing and confusing what you currently do.
Plan Their Morning & Night Routine
Morning and Night routines help to set your baby’s internal clock, which aids them with sleeping and waking up naturally. A calming bedtime routine can include starting with a bath, changing them into a fresh sleepsuit, having lots of cuddles, reading a book or singing a lullaby and giving them their final feed before putting them down to sleep.
With a morning routine, if your baby is waking up between say, 7-8am every day, continue this pattern instead of focusing on a fixed specific time. This will help to regulate their understanding between morning and night, and having a flexible structure will accommodate their needs on the days where they may wake earlier or later.
Include Feeding Times
Feeding is a significant part of your baby’s day, and you’ll be aware of their hunger cues, so keep track throughout the day and begin to create a routine where they’re being fed at regular intervals. For newborns this may mean feeding them every couple of hours, whereas for older babies this may mean they’re fed less, but are eating a more substantial and filling meal. Over time, you’ll have to change the timings of feeds to suit your growing child so don’t be concerned if you notice their cues beginning to change every few weeks or months and them falling out of their current routine.
Incorporate Play & Learning Time
Playtime is essential for babies, so set aside some time when they’re the most alert for interactive and sensory play. You could include Tummy Time for younger babies, whilst toys and books are great for those approaching their first birthday. Make playtime stimulating but not overwhelming, rotate toys to keep them interested and engaged and use activities that promote sensory and motor skill development.
Don’t Miss Naps
Naps are crucial for your baby’s growth and mood. Add in regular naptimes to your routine, following their natural sleep pattern – many newborns will take regular naps throughout the day, whereas older babies will gradually transition to one or two longer naps. Look at your nighttime routine and use similar features, such as telling stories and giving them lots of snuggles – this’ll help them to associate these actions with sleep, making the routine easier to follow over time.
Adapting The Routine
Your routine will evolve as your baby grows and their needs change. During growth spurts and times of development, your little one may eat or sleep more frequently, requiring you to adjust the routine to accommodate these changes and maintain a consistent schedule. Don’t feel stressed out if your routine isn’t working anymore – making a couple of changes to suit their new needs will help to keep them at a similar pace with new additions that better suit their needs.
Building a routine will help to bring a sense of calm and structure to your family. It isn’t a one-size-fits-all process, and should be based on what works best for you and your baby. With patience and persistence, you’ll fall into a routine that sets your little one up for a happy and healthy childhood.