![]() so then they are not well fed, and the cycle then continues. If they aren't rested, they are not able to get quality feeding times, because they will be falling asleep at the breast/bottle and not sucking efficiently. I try and follow a “feed-wake-sleep” routine pattern!Ī baby that isn't well fed, won't be able to have a quality wake time, because they will be hungry and cranky. If the baby doesn't get efficient wake times, they won't be able to have long quality sleep time, resulting in a not fully rested baby. He, however was very reflux-y the first 6 weeks, but a great eater! Either way, fed is fed! But keep in mind, you may need to adjust the schedule if you are dong formula, as breast milk is metabolized quicker than formula. My son, on the other hand latched with no problem hours after delivery and nursing was 10000x easier, with both of us knowing what we were doing. I was determined to breastfeed, so I powered through and nursed for 6 months and then pumped the next 6 months until she was a year old and bottle fed while I was at work, and nursed when I was home with her. She lost weight at the beginning and wouldn't wake to eat (girl loves to sleep), so we had to supplement with formula for her first week of life. It was excruciatingly painful for me every time for months and I had clogged ducts weekly. Nursing was a painful nightmare for 12 weeks with my daughter who had a hard time latching. I followed this mindset with both of my children, who have extremely different temperaments, and was successful in getting both to eat, play and sleep happily and easily. If your baby is upset and crying, I urge you to follow your instincts and be there to help them, at this early age. I also do not believe in letting them cry it out. It was hard at first, but I resisted the urge to let them nap on me for every nap, rock them to sleep in my arms every time or use a motorized baby swing or something that rocked them to sleep (all, with the occasional exception), so they would not have to rely on these methods and be able to create positive sleeping habits from an early age. Well rested babies are able to feed better and "play" better, making them happier, in turn, making your life easier! Both my kids were great sleepers once we got a routine going. I felt strongly about this as sleep is THE most important key to success in my opinion. We introduced the paci to my son at around 6 weeks old as he was much fussier due to reflux when he was young) and put into the bassinet to fall asleep on their own once they were just about ready to doze off, but not completely put to sleep by being rocked or nursed to sleep. They were fed, swaddled, given a paci (m y daughter used a paci from 2-4 months old before she found her fingers to suck on instead. and 12 hours overnight by 14 weeks old and continued 12 hours overnight the entire time they were in the crib. Both were notable happier babies once we got on a good schedule/routine around 2 months.īoth of my children were going 5 hours between feedings over night at 5 weeks old. My son, more needy/less independent (reflux for the first 6 wks), but a great eater and sleeper. My daughter, very independent, not an easy child to nurse, but a great sleeper. I have achieved success with this schedule, with both of my children. It can provide structure and give your family more freedom, as you know when you can schedule different things throughout the day, which I found particularly helpful when I had my second baby, with a toddler eager to get to the park and be on the go. A daily routine also helps cultivate a calm household where everyone can help pitch in, knowing the expectations for the day at particular times. A baby and mama that are well rested and well fed, is the goal and what helped me raise happy babies. Providing a predictable daily pattern they can come to expect, helps them to feel safe, reduces anxieties of unexpected changes and unfamiliar expectations and helps them feel happy and secure. ![]() I am a firm believer in a "flexible daily schedule/routine". ![]() Set yourself and your baby up for SUCCESS! ![]() Before 7-8 weeks old, I just follow baby's cues and hold them/feed them/snuggle them as much as they need. Including feeding times, wake times, and nap/sleep times. My FLEXIBLE Baby Schedule I used for both my daughter and son, from 8-11 weeks old.
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