Part One - Baby Day Planner?

The Plan

Schedules are difficult enough to keep for ourselves. Thinking about keeping a rigorous schedule for a child may seem all the more ludicrous to the casual observer. After all, kids will be kids, (and should be), right? Wrong.

Think of it this way: Childhood is the training, and adulthood the test. I imagine that most of us would operate pretty poorly if we never knew what was next. Children are no different. In my experience, it has been a tremendous benefit for my children to have a schedule that they can rely on. It has done wonders for my sanity as well.

Babies adapt better once they know what to expect as their day is progressing. They need a plan. But when do you start?

The Time is Now

A newborn on a schedule may sound similar to the notion of putting a leopard on a leash. (Comical at best.) Your baby will take a few weeks to adapt to their new surroundings, and just like any of us, will need just a little time to get a pattern down. I’ve found that once I’ve developed a rhythm with my kids’ nursing schedule, they are ready for a more detailed schedule. This usually comes at about 2 weeks. Your infant will just be getting in the habit of eating every three hours or so, and a schedule will help to regulate their eating habits and needs even further.

This schedule isn’t just helpful to your newborn. It will also help you, the parents, know how to best fulfill the child’s needs. For example, if your child is fussy, by being aware of his/her schedule you will know whether it is time for them to eat, sleep, etc. Understanding your child’s needs and taking care of them immediately builds their trust and confidence in you, the parents.

The Payoff

The process of getting your infant on a schedule may seem like a lot of work in the beginning, though the benefits will begin to exhibit themselves quickly, and the effects will be long lasting.

In the end it is much easier to raise a baby who is on a schedule. You will find you’ve raised a happier, more adaptable child. Eating, sleeping, and even play schedules will be much more predictable. Your child will find it natural to transition between these daily activities, and that will result in more happiness for everyone.

This article is part one in a three part series aimed at helping parents develop a daily schedule for their child.

» Part One - Baby Day Planner?
» Part Two - Three Steps to Sleep
» Part Three - A Good Night’s Rest

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