How do you start a child on a schedule?

Question

I do not work and we just do things when we feel like it, and my mom thinks we should have a schedule. At the age to 10 months how do you try to start a schedule now? or is this the best time? Any feedback would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Some kids (and families) thrive on schedules. 3 of mine were fine with just doing whatever whenever, but my 2nd is a 'scheduler', if he doesn't know what and when, he gets very difficult.

At 10 months, I would probably start with something simple like a bedtime routine. Dinner, a little quiet playtime (nothing too exciting like papa's rough housing), a quiet soothing bath and then change into jammies and go to bed. I wouldn't worry too much about exact times right now, but a simple schedule wouldn't be a bad thing.

I would avoid scheduling down to the last minute. Your child is still in the 'needs' stage and if she needs something, you really shouldn't deny it.

If you start doing things as a routine for your baby, like we eat breakfast and then play for a bit in the morning, then mommy cleans (or not, haha) and baby snacks, then play some more, yadda yadda, you'll most likely find your darling starts to 'nap' at the same time too, which is a nice bonus.

Routines can be great. Being overly strict on them, can be detrimental to you and your baby. Follow your instincts mama, that's why you have them! Feel free to tell your mom, that you're the mama now and while you appreciate her sharing, that sometimes you just gotta learn on your own and decide what's best for each child, because every child is unique.

Good luck!

Answer 2

I think that all of the previous answers are GREAT. Just keep one thing in mind: when you are out and about on a vacation or trip you can fudge a little on the schedule. Use the schedule as a guideline and not as a hard fact. Once on a schedule you will be better able to tell about when the baby will be tired or hungry.

Answer 3

a child at 10 months should be awake and fed by 8 am. a nap around 10:30 for 45 minutes. Then lunch, play time, snack and another 45 minute nap in the afternoon.

bed by 8 am. as your child gets older, the nap time would be decreased in the morning and afternoon, the result is one 1 1/2 hour to two hour nap after lunch then would be up until 7:30 pm.

good luck.

Answer 4

start with the basic that a baby needs, food, shower, toilet, play that's for 10 mnths...as the child grows new events will be added to the schedule. A 10 mnths old baby should be crawling and rammaging about and starts to mumble words, so should be able to start talking to them in proper speach and less of the baby talk. e.g. "it's 10 o'clock, time for morning shower." it's 12 o'clock, time for lunch." etc etc Importantly, the husband should know the schedule and ask to stick to it.

Answer 5

Do what is best for you and your family, not your mom! If your comfortable doing whatever, whenever, than do it!
My daughter and I only have a schedule for bedtime. We have a common routine thats pretty much just habit with eating. But everything, we do when we want to do it.

Answer 6

Hi
I'm assuming this is your first child. I believe children who feel secure and loved are less needy so to speak. Children, from newborn to preschool age need to feel if they need you, you are there. I know each child is different and they do not come with instructions. Always remember, if feeling overwhelmed, pick up the phone and call someone.... friend or anyone.
back to your question..... If your child can sleep in with you and you like to sleep in, so be it. If your child needs to wake and be somewhere, they need about 10-12 hours of sleep

Answer 7

Start putting him on a routine. For example if he's awake by 6 a.m. see what he wants to do. Then repeat it every morning. He would realize that after waking up in the morning then he'd be playing and he'll start expecting that. Just keep repeating the order and I'm sure the baby understand.

I did it that way with mine. I put him on bouncy seat every morning, now he kinds of demand it whenever he's awake in the morning.

Answer 8

First of all, your mom should only solicit advice when asked.
Second have a schedule but make it a relaxed schedule.

Answer 9

You just need to decide when you want to do things and start doing them at the same time each day!!! You can start it right away. Children and babies need routine, they are less likely to become stressed or agitated if they know whats coming next!!

Answer 10

You should have started when you first came home from the hospital......Its easier,but its not to late.....Get up early and get the baby up,feed him or her get them washed up an dressed let them watch tv and play than after lunch time him or her will be ready to take a nape...Than when they wake up get a snack and start all over with findin something for them to do until dinner and bed time............Goodluck......It works for me.......