#babyscheduling

I often get asked whether my bubs is in a routine.. He kinda is I guess but I never really intended for it. I couldn't stand to be one of those mums that had to be home at certain times because of routine. Or even worst miss out on social events and catch ups, life still goes on, I say!

I’m a firm believer in the on demand feeding schedule, especially when 100% breastfeeding. So many growth spurts within the first few weeks that you just have to respond to them with boob, there’s no such thing as overfeeding when on boob!

From the beginning it’s important to start introducing sequences: eat, play, then sleep.. And a bedtime sequence: bath, massage, eat, play, lullaby, then sleep..

Between 4-6 months when bubs is on 6-8 feeds you could sequence the rotation every 2hrs- baby wakes, eats, plays, lullaby, then sleeps 2hrs post waking. Since bubs nap times may vary this sequence worked well for us and kept things flexible when out and about.

After 6 months when bubs is on 5 feeds, you can follow the 5, 9, 1, 5, 10 schedule- boob, solids, play, quiet time, then nap. At this age you can start training bubs to sleep through the night so doesn’t need their overnight feeds- this is a whole new topic to be covered later!

Then at 8 months when you're down to 4 feeds that aren't associated with meals, you can follow the 7, 11, 4, 9 routine. Once you've got that down pat, start dropping the last feed.

Big factors to include in your scheduling are play times- tummy times, baby alone times to explore their world, and lots of mummy daddy laughs!

Overall the important things about scheduling bubs is making sure you don’t allow bubs to associate boob with sleep, that’s where you fall into all sorts of trouble with self settling. And if you are aiming for a strict routine, keep in mind that life still goes on, unless you’re at home all day everyday and don’t plan on returning to work, the strict routine may limit you. Afterall mat leave is about catch ups with the girlfriends and other mums, long days at the shops and long walks with the dog. Don’t restrict yourself too much, allow a bit of flexibility and your bubs will be happier for it.