They are coming over to babysit my 2 1/2 month old baby tonight. They are coming over at 7:00 and her bedtime is 8:00. We have been doing a bedtime routine (bath, bottle, story, snuggle, bed)..it takes about an hour and it's been working like a charm (sleeping through the night finally). I really want them to follow the routine, but that means they won't get much play time with her...they're going to be basically just coming over (driving 20 min) to put her to bed and sit around and wait for us to come home. Should I insist that they follow the routine? Or should I just let it go for one night and let them play with their grand daughter?
2006-11-30 01:39:59 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
They see her about once a week.
2006-11-30 01:49:53 · update #1
They can't come earlier..they work.
2006-11-30 02:37:15 · update #2
They've agreed to babysit and since they see her so often they should be aware of her schedule.
I say you should ask them to stick to the schedule you have established. There is plenty of room within the schedule for play and interaction, during bath-time, story-time, cuddle-time. Interaction with a 2.5 month old is low-key enough anyway that it can be done in preparation for bedtime.
It sounds as though you have a good relationship with your in-laws. Why spoil it by going against what you feel is best, only to regret it or resent them later?
There will be plenty of time for the grandparents to "spoil" your little one; when she's a little older and a change in routine won't be so disruptive.
2006-11-30 07:30:22 · answer #1 · answered by devils'littleangel 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell them to stick to your schedule. Seeing them once a week a wonderful treat. Both my daughter's gradnparents are either 2 hours or 5 hours away. So 20 minute drive is nothing. You can skip the bath and they would love to snuggle and read to her. With her only beith 2 1/2 months old it is a little young to have her change her schedule. You will pay for it that night or next day or two if you don't. They are coming over to Babysit not play day. Our 10 month old has been sleeping thru the night since she was 2 months old. If she doesn't get to bed by 8 she could be up till 10.
2006-11-30 04:40:24 · answer #2 · answered by toddrws 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Babies need consistency, sure it might not hurt the routine but then again it might. Playtime can be done during all those activites and who doesn't enjoy a story and a snuggle with a baby. Just mention as you leave that maybe Sun you could meet up for some floor time.
Good luck
Have fun....Nights out are rare....I'm jealous
2006-11-30 01:50:32 · answer #3 · answered by tsostler 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree that a routine is important, but in this case, I'd tell them about it but let them know that it's ok for them to break it. This will go a LONG way in keeping in-laws happy and a little extra snuggle time with Grandma and Grandpa will be nice for the baby too. Your child will learn (when he's a little older of course) that he gets to do things with Grandma and Grandpa that he doesn't get to do with his parents (stay up later, extra snack, extra toys, etc.) - these things create a wonderful bond between the child and the grandparents.
2006-11-30 01:51:57 · answer #4 · answered by Julie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they really don't get to see her that often then making an exception this once wont hurt. If they do see her quite often then I would insist they stick to the routine - remember, you make the rules, everyone else should follow them. They could always come over another time if they want to spend time with her, or they could come over earlier!
2006-11-30 01:48:22 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You certainly have the right to ask them to follow your routine. They will still be spending time with their granddaughter by following through with the routine anyway. I think you should explain that you don't wish to take away play time for them but that its very important not to disrupt her routine yet. If they are level headed understanding people it shouldn't be a problem. Good luck.
2006-11-30 01:51:33 · answer #6 · answered by JiminyCricket 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you should tell them to go with the routine. It works for you guys and the baby knows whats going on. The thing with routines is that once you get one that works, the baby (as she gets a bit older) will thrive on it cos she'll know what she's doing...honest.
INSIST...or you will give them the idea that when they arrive normalality goes out the window...not something you want to start cos, trust me...personal experience, it will be bloomin hard to change them. Enjoy your night out...good on you.
2006-11-30 02:10:09 · answer #7 · answered by aza 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would ask them to follow your routine for baby. Im sure what ever they are doing with their grand daughter they will be having fun and will be thrilled to help. Babies thrive off routine and if yours is working well...it isnt worth upsetting not even for a night.
2006-11-30 02:44:53 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let them play considering that they don't get to see the baby much. Just ask that they put the baby down at a reasonable time. Maybe just a hour later than your schedule. Who knows, the baby just might even fall asleep on them if she is used to that schedule!
2006-11-30 03:18:15 · answer #9 · answered by MANDY 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe just skip the story for the night and let them take that time to play with her! I am sure they would enjoy that and she would as well! Then tell them to make sure that she is in bed for 8:00!!! I am sure they would understand completely!!!
2006-11-30 02:01:26 · answer #10 · answered by LiL MaMa 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋