Easy tricks that can help you to make your baby’s routine like a super mom.

Once you have been caring for your little one for a few months, you will start to notice a pattern in the baby’s feeding, diaper changing and sleeping times. This pattern can slowly turn into a routine and you can better plan your day-to-day activities. Even after establishing a routine, there may be some bumpy days that are out of the ordinary. So, here are some expert tips to help you in the way of building your 7 to 12 month old’s routine.

Create Separate Day and Night Routine
Babies unable to tell night from day time, and vice versa. Most parents’ biggest concern is whether or not their baby can sleep through the night.

Taking the baby outdoors during the day and exposing to sunlight also has positive effects on establishing the baby’s understanding of day and night.

At night the baby needs to be given a warm bath or sponge bath followed by moisturization. Doing all this in a dimmed room followed by some relaxing lullaby can help the baby understand that it is time to sleep.

Follow Baby’s Cues
Establishing a routine requires understanding your baby’s cues. After 2 to 3 hours of activities like crawling or rolling, outdoor strolls etc., the baby may become tired and ready for a daytime nap. The baby may also be more likely to do bowel movement after waking up on some specific time of the day. All these are important leads and can be made into a predictable routine that works for both you and your baby.

Keep a Baby Journal
Track your baby’s routine every other day. Note down important changes or useful things you have learned along the way. The baby may cry more at certain times of the day. Try to set a plan to finish up your important daily activities before the usual crying or fussy periods. All these facts are important to note down and keep track of in the weeks and months following the baby’s birth.

Be Flexible
Although it may seem that creating a baby’s routine is a one off thing, in reality it requires plenty of adjustments over the months. Major milestones like a growth spurt, teething or sleep regression may cause a major change in your baby’s routine. Fewer naps, more crying, irritability, cluster feedings and difficulty during bed time are all normal symptoms of these milestones. Remember these are all part of a baby’s normal development.

References:

https://www.parents.com/baby/care/american-baby-how-tos/establish-routine-with-baby/
https://www.babycentre.co.uk/a1051918/seven-steps-to-creating-a-successful-baby-routine