How important is having your baby on a routine?

Lee-Ann - posted on 01/15/2010

I think schedules are very helpful for you and the child. I think when they are young, or example, the age your child is at right now, routine would help you relax more. But I don't think it is that important, I do know when children get to the age of 1 1/2 to 2 years old routine and schedules are important. It keeps them calm and happy. I know if my son, who is 2, is taken off his routine, he gets really upset and doesn't really know what he should be doing or what will happen if the routine is broken. Routine is good for the parent. It is hard to get a baby on a routine, but my son was easy. I had an easy time with my daughter on routine, I worked her into my son's routine and they work together now. Since she wants to do everything he does. So I would not be too worried about it now, but once they are older, routine will give them a secure home to live in. And keeps their confidence up about being in a safe, wanted home! :o)

Caroline - posted on 01/15/2010

I know exactly how you feel Iolanda, my 7 mth old is the same way! His older brother was on a good schedule and I thought it would be just as easy with this one but it's so NOT! He doesn't go to sleep until 11pm most nights, he takes late naps, he's awake by 7 and ready to stay up after a night of waking up twice while I'm exhausted! I have decided to give up on a schedule for this baby and just go with his flow until he's a year old. His brain has to develop more it seems so he can understand just what bedtime is and why he has one. It may take some crying on both our parts but that will happen when it happens. Right now I think the best thing is just to enjoy our babies on their own schedule. They'll only be this little once.

Ericka - posted on 01/15/2010

i agree that you should let your son decide his schedule to a point. my daughter was very similar easy going and happy, she needs to take a nap everyday and it has to be between 11 am and 1 pm if she goes to sleep later than that she stays up way to late. normally she will lay down around noon and go to sleep by herself and wake up at 2. so let you son do his own thing but you know if your kid needs a nap and when bed time is etc. if you have too erratic of a schedule it can make potty training harder and if you ever move it can make that more difficult of an adjustment. remember that every child is different so let him do his own thing but keep some things constant like bed time.

Ginger - posted on 01/15/2010

I tried to schedule my daughter when she was just a few months old. We did pretty good but it seemed like everytime I tried to schedule something around her she didn't follow schedule that day and that was frustrating so I quit pushing it. Like your son she ate when she was hungry and slept when she was tired and was happy and energetic the rest of the time...she is 15 mo and things are still pretty much the same. If you work from home and need to do things at certain times then a schedule would be good but you have to be a little flexible or it'll just stress you and him. If your daily activities can be done anytime then I wouldn't worry too much about a schedule. If you can get him to bed about the same time every night then the rest will fall into place.

Sally - posted on 01/14/2010

Some kids really need schedules. Some don't. If what you are doing is working and you are both happy then so be it. I think it is far more important for a child to learn his own bodies clues than be forced to comform to a someone elses. My daughter has never really had a schedule. She is 3 now. It is nice as she is very flexible. No set lunch time, no set nap. There is a lot of freedom. Sometimes schedules get so rigid that life and living is almost a nuisance.

Stephanie - posted on 01/14/2010

a schedule is fine, but it should be based from your son's natural rhythms to start from. Then as he gets older(2-3 years), he'll adjust to the schedule instead of adjusting the schedule to fit him.

Amy - posted on 01/14/2010

The only strict schedual my husband and I have for our almost 8 month old is bed time. We have done the same things at bed time since he came home from the hospital. As he gets older I think a strict day time schedual will help with my day, but I don't see it as being 'that' important right now.

Jane - posted on 01/07/2010

i think routines are great, but you have to be flexible. it makes they day easier for both of you. i think strict scheduling is a lot to handle right now for both of you. that can come later when it's time for him to go to pre-school.

Kristy - posted on 01/07/2010

I think putting your child on a schedule helps as they get older, also helps you. As children get older they need consistency, this will help you be able to prepare for your days better and help your child prepare for the future.