Let me tell y’all, having a baby is exhausting, but a routine makes a world of difference! And knowing why routine is important to babies goes beyond keeping things organized. Babies need a pattern to feel secure—the world’s a scary place when you’re so small! Routine also helps your precious mini-me develop into a healthy toddler.
Why Babies Need Routine
Don’t we all do better with a routine? It keeps our day predictable—running from one thing to the next without a plan creates stress. Babies are no different. Yes, they feel stressed and confused too. When feeding time, playtime, and bedtime are inconsistent, your baby never knows what to expect.
Some reasons why routine is important to babies:
- It helps them feel secure in their environment.
- They can understand daily events.
- They’ll learn to anticipate change.
No one likes inconsistency, especially when you don’t understand it. When your baby can’t understand the world around them, they’ll get upset. They may even throw a tantrum. And can you blame them? They’re new to life, and it’s not fair if we’re constantly changing the rules.
Pro Mom Tip
If your bedtime is a constant battle of wills, think about your routine. Create the perfect bedtime routine for your baby and finally get a much-needed night of sleep. Try giving your baby a warm bath and cuddling. Once your bundle of joy’s nice and toasty, they’ll be ready for rest. Keep with the routine.
How To Get Started
Now you may be thinking, “A routine sounds great, but how do I start?” After all, the day isn’t always predictable. Find a routine that works for your schedule so that commitment is manageable. Once in a while, it may go off the tracks—when dinner guests come over, giving the baby a bath and cuddle time may not be possible. Life happens sometimes, and that’s okay—maintain a schedule as much as possible.
On a busy day, try prepping what you need to do for your baby. For example, keep a bottle full and set aside any snacks so that you can stay as close to their routine as possible. What’s most important is that your baby knows they can count on you to take care of them when they need it.
