Creating a Schedule for Your Baby

Babies are alot like adults when it comes to schedules. They tend to do better when a schedule is set and followed. In the early weeks of infancy, a schedule is hard to follow and may be impossible to set. However, if you do things around the same time every day and try to follow a general routine, your baby will become accustomed in no time. Fortunately, babies and children are fairly felxible and adapt well to changes if they need to be made.

Get your baby up around the same time every day. When you wake your baby up, sing to her in a perky tone and tell her good morning. Get your baby dressed and feed her breakfast. Nurse your baby or give her formula soon after she wakes up. After feeding your baby, have playtime. This will help your baby to realize that it is daytime. Tummy time is important for babies. Put an activity mat or blanket on the floor and play with your baby. Show her toys and introduce her to different sounds, lights and textures during this time. When you notice that your baby is no longer interested, move on to something else.

During the first few months, your baby will sleep most of the day. Keep activities short and allow your baby to fall asleep on her own. Take note of what time she sleeps during the day. You might be lucky enough to allow her to create her own schedule! As she gets older, try to lay her down around the same time everyday for a nap. A morning and afternoon nap is important. Most babies will fall asleep after a feeding during the day.

Feed your baby around the same time every day as well. This should begin to create her feeding schedule. You can feed your baby on demand if you choose to also. However, when you begin baby food you should be feeding your child at the same time each day. Breakfast can be around 8 am, lunch around 12 noon and dinner around 6 pm. Of course, you still should be nursing or bottle feeding your baby throughout the day as well.

At nightime, create a relaxing and soothing routine that will get your baby ready to go to bed for the night. Keep playtime short in the evening hours before bed and create a quiet, soft environment for baby to wind down in. After dinner, read books with your baby. Sing lullaby songs or other calming songs. Give your baby a bath around the same time each night and put his pajamas on immediately afterwards. Some parents choose to perform infant massage at this time to further relax their babies. Nurse or bottle feed your baby before going to bed to encourage her to sleep better through the night. Keep playtime to a minimum after this and encourage your baby to fall asleep on her own. You might choose to rock your baby or sing to her right before bed.

Keep in mind that babies will become accustomed to their routines. If you plan on being out of your home or away during an important part of your baby's day (naptime or bedtime especially) you should make accomodations to meet her needs. A happy baby makes for happy parents!