How did you establish a routine?

Question

Everyone tells me I should get my son into a routine during the day. He's only five months old and I have a really hard time trying to figure out how exactly to establish a routine. He's so random when he gets tired, he's so random when he wants to eat, he's so random when he wants to play.

Is he young enough where a lack of routine won't hurt him or do I need to establish one right now?

Help me out!

Answer 1

I found that by around 6mos my girls each had set their own routine.  I always fed them and let them sleep on demand.  I don't think you need to set a routine as much as you may need to clue into you babies routine.  You may find you are happier & more productive if you have some sense of how your baby's day is going to go. I know first hand how hard it is to get out or get stuff done never knowing when they are going to want to eat, sleep etc.   And I would bet your son does have a routine you just have to find it.  If you are interested in finding his routine I would start by writing down when he wakes, eats and sleeps each day and then look for a pattern.  My girls both were ready for a morning nap about three hours after they woke and then had their afternoon naps 3-4 hours after waking from their morning nap.  Once I figured this out I started waking them the same time each morning and then they would take naps and eat around the same time each day.   Good luck!

Answer 2

Establishing Healthy Routines

33k - Adobe PDF - View as HTML

Establishing Healthy Routines Social Skills ... Parents play a big role in establishing routines. because children model what their parents do. ...

www.nasponline.org/communications/spaw...

Establishing Toddler Routines

Want your child to stay calm and cooperate? A set schedule could be your secret weapon. ... Establishing Toddler Routines. By Denise Schipani; Photo by Andrew Parsons ...

parents.com/toddlers/development/socia... - 52k - Cached

Answer 3

Try reading Babywise-available at the library.

Basically they eat, then play with them (don't let them fall asleep while eating), put down for a nap while awake with a sage toy or some soothing music. By 5 months they will even start waking up happy!

Cycle this every 3-4 hours= happy baby and happy mommy

Warm Regards,

Jana

http://www.summerhouseliving.com

http://www.purehomeschooling.com

Answer 4

Routine is the best thing...  Things are random for him because he's not on a good routine.  I wouldn't say he would be hurt by it... It's just that it will only get harder the older he gets.  When I say harder, I mean in trying to establish a routine.  If you don't need a routine then there shouldn't be a problem.  

Good Luck!

Answer 5

i did not have a routine with my babies. i went around there needs and wants. unlit they where about 1 then i set up more of a routine like sleeping times and eating time but that's about all. just go with it you know what your baby need more then any of us...

good luck

Answer 6

He seem he on a routine of his own. I didn't have any routine any of my kids when they were babies or anything.