Newborn Routine
Newborn Routine
Ever since the moment you saw the 2 blue lines on the home pregnancy test and traded your nights out with the girls for weekly ante-natal classes, you have probably been daydreaming about life with your little angel. And while there will be peaceful afternoon strolls or curling up with a nice book and your baby nestling in your arms, recovering from childbirth and learning to read your baby’s clues wont happen overnight.
Let go of your expectations such as where the baby will sleep or how much you will get done – and know that eventually order will emerge. Supernanny Jo advises in her book Jo Frost’s Confident Baby Care against trying to implement a proper routine until your baby is about 4 months old. Until then, you need to be encouraging good habits, making sure your baby gets used to taking full, regular feeds rather than snacking, and sleeping properly rather than dozing.
Whether you choose to sleep train and schedule feed your baby or not, here are a few things you can do to make life easier for you and your baby in those crazy first weeks.
Hush a bye baby
It’s not really a routine, but it’s a real art to understand and console a crying baby. You’ll soon learn to “read” your baby’s cries, but even before you become attuned, all you need to do is check the crying baby basics. First check his nappy (is he wet or soiled), then check if he’s hungry (when was his last feed), and then check for discomfort (is he possibly too hot/cold or maybe he needs a change in position or to be burped or maybe his clothes are scratching or pinching him somewhere.
When you are sure all of the above is sorted, wash your hands and give your baby your pinkie finger or a dummy to suck. Still howling? Put him in a sling or baby carrier. The closeness and motion make him feel secure. Finally, many parents swear by swaddling, especially in the first weeks.
The reason this is an important “routine” to get into is that research has shown that mothers of difficult0to-console babies are more likely to be depressed. /and its no wonder – those piercing cries can drive even the coolest moms to tears.
Splish-splash
Bath time sets the tone for establishing a sleep routine. Here again, moms need to be realistic. Don’t feel that you have to stick to the same routine every day come hell or high water. But starting a gentle bath/sleep routine will set the course for calming bed time behaviour that will stand you in good stead for many years to come.
How you want to Organise it is up to you. Some mothers love getting into the bath with their babies, others like to use a baby bath while still others maintain that the kitchen sink is the ideal spot to scrub your sprout. What you do need is to get everything ready before you start. So make sure you have all the necessities assembled: two towels, baby soap (which also doubles as shampoo), cotton wool swabs, lotion, a clean nappy and pyjamas/babygro.
A nice soothing massage after bath time will also help calm your baby and set the tone for sleepy time. Or read him a story or have some cuddle time. The more relaxed he is, the more likely it will be that he will go to bed easily.
Forty Winks
Sleep whenever your baby sleeps. This “routine” will save your sanity and make you a better mom! Rest is not a luxury, its necessary for your physical and emotional recovery after birth. Do whatever works for you. Some mothers find that co-sleeping works best, others prefer a bassinet next to the bed, while others put baby is his own space form the start. What’s important is not where your baby sleeps, but that you and he both get the rest you need. Listen to the voice inside of you, moms know what’s right. Don’t worry about what other people say. Listen to your tuition, and as a parent you have to be confident enough to go with your instinct.
[Your Pregnancy Magazine June 2008]
