Newborn Routines: Find Balance for Both of You

Welcoming your newborn into your world, and it will open up a whole new realm full of love, joy, and complete unpredictability. One moment, you could be drowning in cuddles, and in another it might feel like hours have gone by since you had your last cup of java (while hot). Newborns thrive on routines, and finding one that helps both their development and your sanity might feel like trying to translate a manual written in some strange foreign tongue. But, don't throw in the burping towel yet. In this blog, we will help you with creating the right routine that will help both new parents and their babies to adjust as they develop into the world while keeping everyone happy and sane.

Why Routines Matter (Even for Newborns) 

Before jotting down tips and smacking together a newborn routine, it is important that we recognize their importance. Routines have numerous advantages when it comes to taking care of them. Their benefits should not be taken for granted. Even though your baby doesn't understand time yet, having consistent patterns can give them a sense of safety and security. Routines shouldn't be seen as strict rules or inflexible schedules but more as a framework for your day. These patterns help your baby recognize cues and transitions more smoothly, making activities like feeding, sleeping and playing much smoother for everyone (yes, even gran will appreciate them). Routines are especially valuable for parents as they help reduce those hectic moments of trying to figure out what your baby needs, because you will have an easier time knowing what should be coming next for your baby on the schedule. An established routine provides you with a road map to anticipate and respond to your baby's needs with confidence and ease. Creating a routine not only creates harmony and predictability in an otherwise chaotic period (yes it is for new parents), but  it makes life simpler for the whole family.

Building the Foundation of a Newborn Routine  

As with anything, building the foundation of a newborn routine doesn't involve following an exact schedule, but rather creating activities to fit their basic needs. Some of the most important activities for shaping your newborn's day include feeding, sleeping and awake time. And this is likely so for several months (or maybe even the remainder of your parenting life).

The Feeding Schedule  

Newborns are voracious eaters. During the first several months, they'll typically eat every 2-3 hours. Whether you are breastfeeding them or giving them formula feedings, keeping an open-minded approach to mealtimes is very important. Be mindful of hunger cues such as rooting, sucking on their hands or increased fussiness to know when your baby needs to eat. Each feeding session may last 20-45 minutes depending on their appetite and needs. Be ready for cluster feedings, which is when your baby eats more frequently in the evening to help prepare for longer stretches of restful sleep. Although it might feel frustrating at times, remember that it's completely normal as part of their transition to life outside their mother's womb. Just don’t forget about yourself. Stay hydrated by drinking lots of fluids and keeping easy snacks handy (preferably those that you can eat with one hand). Go with the flow when necessary as these feeding moments should not only serve to meet your baby’s nutritional needs but also bring the family together and strengthen bonds through this new phase of life.

The Sleep Schedule  

Ah, sleep. Every parent's favorite topic and longing too. Newborns need about 14-17 hours of sleep per day but this may seem less so due to them having fragmented cycles. Babies typically sleep for short periods of 2-4 hours between feedings. To help form healthy sleeping habits and create good bedtime routines early, begin by creating a soothing bedtime ritual right from birth. Dimming the lights, playing soft music or singing lullabies softly to your baby, and swaddling them can all signal that it's time for rest. Always prioritize creating a safe sleep environment. This means to lay your child on their back in an empty crib without loose blankets, pillows or unnecessary items, even during this period of interrupted restfulness. Building consistent practices now (no matter how frustrating it can be at times) will support their sleep patterns as they mature, leading to longer and more peaceful nights for both you and your child.

The Awake Time  

Once your baby is awake, focus on providing them with short yet stimulating activities to engage him or her in. Tummy time can help develop their neck and core strength while gentle interactions like talking, singing or making facial expressions will help form their social development. Introduce them to high-contrast black-and-white toys for visual stimulation at this stage. However, keep in mind that newborns typically only stay awake between 45 minutes to an hour before becoming overtired and needing to sleep again. Overtiredness can result in fussiness and meltdowns, so keeping tabs on their energy levels is very important to their wellbeing. Pay close attention to signs such as yawning, staring off, or rubbing their eyes as these could indicate they need sleep again. Creating and implementing healthy routines with regards to their awake and sleep times will create engaging interactions as your little one develops while making these early months manageable for both of you.

Typical Newborn Routine

To give you a bit more clarity, here's an example of what a typical day for your newborn might entail. Remember that each baby's schedule will change over time and every moment should be taken to meet their individual needs. 

• 7:00 AM: Wake up and feed  

• 7:30 AM: Diaper change, a few minutes of tummy time or cuddles  

• 8:00 AM: Nap  

• 10:00 AM: Wake up and feed  

• 10:30 AM: Diaper change, some calm awake time (talking, singing)  

• 11:00 AM: Nap  

• 1:00 PM: Wake up and feed  

• 1:30 PM: Tummy time or play with a rattle  

• 2:00 PM: Nap  

…and so on. Repeat the eat-play-sleep cycle throughout the day while making adjustments based on your baby’s cues.  

Adjusting Your Routine to Growth Spurts  

As soon as you and your baby have settled into a solid routine, a growth spurt may throw everything off balance (o-joy). These periods of rapid development often bring unpredictability where your baby might suddenly become significantly fussier or hungrier than before. Growth spurts typically happen between 2-3 weeks, 6 weeks and 3 months, but each baby's timeline can differ. When this occurs, it's important to maintain key elements of your routine (like the eat-play-sleep cycle) while being flexible in adapting to their changing needs. Flexibility will be very important in helping your baby navigate these growth spurts smoothly, and by remaining attentive to their cues. You will also need to maintain a high level of patience (deep breaths) as you help guide them through this time of growth.

Creating a Bedtime Routine  

One of the best ways to help form stability for your baby is through creating a regular bedtime routine. This routine serves as a cue, signaling to your baby that it's time for sleep. Just don’t get too excited as newborns can still awake multiple times throughout the night, just to remind us all of how humble these tiny humans can keep us. An effective bedtime routine for babies includes some activities to promote relaxation such as taking a warm bath, giving them a soothing baby massage, feeding, swaddling, and ending all off with a final cuddle. Consistency is key when setting up a bedtime routine, so 10-15 minutes should suffice when your baby is still young. Over time, these soothing rituals not only establish predictability for your baby but also help them associate these activities with relaxation and sleep. While routines may evolve as your child ages, starting small nurturing steps now is a surefire way to ease them into each evening's bedtime routine.

Types of Swaddles 

Swaddling provides comfort and security to newborns by recreating the cozy environment found within their mother's womb. Different kinds of swaddles exist to meet individual preferences and needs. Traditional swaddle blankets are rectangular or square pieces of soft fabric, requiring parents to manually wrap and tuck their child. For those wanting an easier option, Velcro swaddles are a good solution as their pre-designed closures make securing a snug fit quick and simple. One popular option are zipper swaddles, which make swaddling faster and simpler without needing to adjust or fold fabric. Convertible swaddles provide versatile solutions by transitioning from full swaddling to free arm movement, which is ideal for older infants learning to roll. Sleep sacks also provide warmth and safety during sleep while offering looser fits that are similar to wearing blankets for warmth during sleep. Each swaddle product provides its own advantages to meet individual babies' and parents' unique needs.

Newborn routines are important to help you navigate and even thrive through early parenthood's unpredictable maze of challenges. Routines give you some sort of structure without being too rigid. But you need to stay flexible as your newborn's routine will continue to change as they grow day by day. With patience, flexibility, and some caffeine you will both find a rhythm that works. And take plenty of pictures as this phase really flies by.

Related Articles:

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• 5 Daily Routine Tips For Kids Doing School At Home