|
| |
Why
Routines are the Secret to Confident Parenting.
 A
routine provides structure to your baby’s day in a world where
chaos could reign. It sets out times for feeds, play times and naps
ensuring that a baby both feeds and sleeps enough through the day.
If the word routine conjures up images of a regimented approach
to baby care, rest assured that nothing could be further from the
truth.
The wonder of a routine is that it follows a baby’s natural
feeding and sleeping patterns, the patterns a baby might settle
into spontaneously over time, but which he can achieve very quickly
with a little help and guidance. And once a routine is established
a baby will enjoy having regular meals and naps. He will feel secure
and confident.
Here are my secrets to making a routine work:-
- Always follow the order of events of the routines. Wake your
baby; feed him; play with him; nap time. Try to keep the sequence
the same. Consistancy is the key.
- The first feed of the day should always be at the same time,
usually between 7 and 7.30.
- Bedtime and the bedtime feed should always be at the same
time, about twelve hours after baby has woken up.
- All the other timings are flexible so you can relax about
hitting them exactly. Any feed can be given fifteen minutes
before or after they are due.
- Always give yourself a minimum of seven days before things
slip into place. It may take less.
- If you ever find things slipping drastically and you feel
your routine is falling apart, don't give up! Just start afresh
the following morning.
Some other tips:-
- The biggest problem is parents get day and night mixed up. Midwives
tell parents to sleep when their babies sleep. So if the babies
sleep for four hours the parents take advantage. But then the
babies miss out on a feed, sleep to much and think it's night
time hence they will not sleep through the night.
- Feed twins at the same time - day and night.
- Never distract a baby with a toy when feeding - this will create problems later on as your baby will associate feeding with playing.
- Change the nappy 15 minutes before each feed - to wake a sleepy baby.
|
|
|
