Do you want to be able to care for your baby in a way that lets you balance all your other daily tasks without going crazy? To get to the end of the day and see that you managed to handle everything without so much confusion? Of course, there are so many things to do each day, and on some days even more to get done, that it’s almost impossible not to feel exhausted by the end of it. But when we create a routine for the baby—what they need and when they need it—it becomes easier to get everything done at the right time and pace.
Baby care and routine aren’t abnormal or complicated, but with all the rush and other responsibilities, sometimes we get all mixed up and what was simple becomes complicated. Plus, experts point to routine as a healthy habit for raising children—when kids get used to it, they already anticipate when it’s time to play, nap, read a book, or do whatever activity they like with their parents. Pediatricians also note how beneficial it is to create a routine for your baby and how much it helps their development. After all, a calm baby is better able to explore and discover the world productively. The routine should be set around your household’s lifestyle, and you will set the best times—after all, no one knows your home better than you. Wake-up time, breakfast, playtime, watching TV, nap time, afternoon snack, reading time, and so on.
How about creating a weekly routine, and fitting your child’s favorite activities in among the everyday essentials like meals and bath time? There are three types of baby routines you might follow—of course, each family identifies with a different teaching style and habits. One is a parent-led routine, where the times and durations for each activity are followed strictly. This means setting how many minutes the baby can sleep, how much time they have to finish eating, and how long they can play.
The second option is a baby-led routine, where the parents follow the child’s cues and attend to their immediate needs. At first glance, this kind of routine may seem “messy” or without rules. But in reality, once the baby establishes their own routine, within a few days they begin to stick to their own schedule, requesting things at the same times as before. The third and final option is a mixed baby routine, a blend in which parents’ choices about scheduling are balanced with the baby’s needs and wishes.
With this option, activities are scheduled but with less rigidity than in the parent-led routine. The child’s pace, development, and desires are respected. Different families and various experts support different ways of raising and educating children, so there is no single correct way to do it. The right way for your family is whatever works best for you all—what lets you live healthily, without unnecessary worry and stress. Family time must be productive, healthy, and above all pleasurable. Some mothers easily keep to routines and handle all their other activities, even with more than one child. Others have a hard time dividing their time productively, and may need help from others to round out their routines.
How to Establish a Daily and Nightly Routine?
As we mentioned above, each family should follow their own lifestyle and habits, but one thing all parents are advised to do to avoid an overwhelming and exhausting life is to create habits that also support the nighttime period, which is something many parents struggle with. A baby who is busy all day and who stays active into the night often ends up having restless nights. After all, who hasn’t spent sleepless nights with an overtired, sleepy baby fighting to go to bed? Afternoon naps for babies are the key to calmer nights.
Throughout the day, the routine of eating, playing, and bathing should match the house’s routine, but those afternoon minutes for the baby to recharge energy should be respected. When they wake up, they’re in a better mood and ready to play and explore another piece of the world, and once evening tasks are done, following the bedtime routine helps ensure a peaceful night. Avoid stimulating activities at night, crowded places, and even too much excitement at home—all of this helps control their agitation. If you’ve set a time for the crib or bed, make it your sleep routine. Tuck them in, read a book, or maybe sing a lullaby. You can use this time to show affection and give lots of cuddles. This will help your baby get used to sleeping peacefully, feeling protected and comfortable, and will give the whole family the restful night they deserve after such a busy day.
See also: Mommy and Housewife Routine – Domestic Organization!
Photos: Jennifer, Hogan
