Many parents don't want to have routine or a strict schedule because they don't like to feel chained to following it every day and some mums feel a little stressed thinking “gosh if baby needs to nap at 10am what happens if they don't, it's more relaxed to just go with the flow…”
While it is easier sometimes to go with the flow because of the sense of freedom, many babies struggle with that. And those struggles are displayed in disturbed nights, erratic and short naps and a cranky child day to day.
In today's blog I want to inform and educate you on why routines benefit all the family, not just your child and hopefully you will take away some positives from it and who knows maybe you may try getting into a little routine and find it works and you have a baby that takes great solid naps and no more cranky toddler!
Routine offers structure and when there is structure there is security because the child knows what is coming next. They start to read signs and cues and feel comfortable and confident about what is about to happen. This is extremely important when it comes to solid sleep.
A baby’s life changes so much in the first year and then following this they go to daycare, where a routine will be in place. Babies have to learn a new way of daily life and when that daily life is consistent they start to trust their caregivers and make friendships.
When major changes happen such as moving house, parental separation, death of a loved one, they can naturally feel anxious and out of control. But if they still have a good daily structure in place this will give a sense of security and help them settle.
Routine will help a caregiver maintain consistency.
When there is consistency you will know what is coming next and be able to stick to it. It also minimises questioning yourself 100 times wondering if you should try to get baby to nap now or later. Often parents feel their day runs smoother and they have more of a grip on the daily tasks.
When it comes to bedtimes many children from the age of around 2 years really start to fight back. This is normal expected behaviour, they want to have more autonomy over their day and have more choices freely available to them. Instilling a structured bedtime routine will keep them on track as long as you give them choices throughout. For example, “Leo would you like the green or yellow pyjamas tonight? Would you like this pillow or this pillow? I have some super great bedtime routine cards that my 1-1 clients also use with wonderful results you can grab them HERE for free!
A routine can help settle a more active, highly tempered toddler.
Going back to this autonomy without a routine in place during the day they may just run wild and rings around you. Having boundaries and a routine will help create structure to their day, less giving in to screen time and another snack in turn they start to feel a little more secure and safe.
Exposure to natural daylight early in the day will help set circadian rhythm.
Research has shown us that when we are exposed to natural daylight within the first half hour of waking up (as long as it is post 6am) wake and sleep times will be more regulated and consistent. The circadian rhythm will not be so confused if you get your baby up at a similar time each day and open those curtains and if weather allows that window also. Even better, go outside for a walk in the garden or on the balcony! Laying in bed snoozing away in the morning is just going to negatively impact naps and hunger hormones.
A routine that is established early on such as 6 months is going to help your baby sleep peacefully at night. Because those naps are taken at the optimum time of day and they have an appropriate wake window before bedtime they will settle and sleep much easier. Obviously they also need to know how to settle independently but as I always say sleep is like a puzzle and if you have all the pieces in front of you all it takes is putting them in the right order to make the picture of sleep!
Follow the 80/20 rule
Having a routine does not mean you need to stick to it 24/7. I always support parents by following a routine 80% of the time which equates to 5 days a week and 20 % of the time, 2 days a week you have the freedom and opportunity to go off piste as it were. Maybe there is a day out planned or you have appointments to go to and that's of course okay! Anymore than this then routine and circadian rhythm can become confused and then chaos may descend!
Wondering what happens when sleep has gone to pot after a holiday? Check out this BLOG HERE!
Thinking about sleep training but worried about this routine thing and if it will make your baby inflexible Check out THIS BLOG HERE for the answers!
Remember above all, structure and routine enable babies and children to constructively grow and thrive within their environments.
As always peaceful sleeping to you all,
Rachael,
Your paediatric sleep consultant
xo
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