Once we bring our little one home from the hospital, all we want to do is hold them, play with them, and spend time with them.  This is a great thing, but it is also important that we create a routine for our baby.  Just like us, they need to get into the routine of doing certain things, that way they can go about their day in an organized way.  This may be tough at first because you’re both exhausted, but once you start getting your baby into the habit of doing certain things, it will become a daily thing.

Tips for getting your baby in a routine:

• Sleep

First of all, our baby needs their rest.  This should come first, along with eating.  They don’t have much energy at first, so if you can make sure they get the sleep they need, they will be off to a great start.  You will find that babies take several small naps in the beginning, but this will soon turn into fewer, longer naps eventually.  Don’t force your baby to stay awake, just try to get them organized for when they do take a nap.

• Play time

Once they wake up, you will want to play with them for a little bit.  Get some toys out and show them to your baby.  Put them in their swing, rock them, and let them look around the room and get to know their surroundings.

Playing with your baby during the day, instead of at night will let them know that daytime is for playing and nighttime is for sleeping. 

TIP:  A baby carrier is great for allowing your baby to check out their surroundings!  They feel nice and safe close to you, and it allows them to see things from a whole new level.

• Eating

Your baby will usually cry when they’re hungry, but try to get them on a schedule that will work for you and your baby.  Though a schedule might not get them to sleep through the night, you will at least know when to expect them to wake up.  Feed them as much as you can at a time so that they can sleep longer stretches.

• Relaxing

When it’s about 8-9 p.m., try to teach your baby to relax.  Don’t play with them and have a lot of energy, but instead maybe let them sit on your lap, rock them, or even let them watch TV with you.  This should be quiet time, and a time for one of their last bottles of the night.  Allow them to mellow out so that way they get sleepy before bed time.  After they relax for a little bit, they’re usually out in just a few minutes.

• Repeat

Try to be consistent with your routine.  Get up with them, play with them, and relax with them at the same times each day.  This will eventually become a schedule that you’re both used to.  Consistency is key when it comes to a routine!

Though everyday may be a little bit different, or they may sleep longer and be hungrier than other days, try to stay within the time frames of your schedule by at least an hour.  This will keep your days organized, allow you to get more done, and it will instill trust in your baby!