As the title suggests, every single day is different. The only thing that remains the same is the fact that she can stay awake for 2 hours before she needs a nap again. But those naps never have a set time, set length, set... anything!
I still can't understand or see how some people manage to get their babies into a "routine" and do the same nap times, etc every day. Not that I want to do this - because I don't think she'd do it even if I wanted to.
Gah, I have no idea where I'm going with this thread, I just want some reassurance that letting her take the lead and sleep when she is tired, feed when she is hungry (well, derrrr), go to bed for the night when she is ready etc is the right thing to do.
This is Gentle Parenting isn't it?
Anyone else have a wee rascal who keeps them on their toes 24/7?
Of course there will be!
I let DS take the lead when he was younger... eventually he and I fell into a routine, but it happened naturally, not by forcing anything. Watching your baby is the best thing you can do - you're doing a great job!
I spent the first 8-9 months of DDs life trying to fit her into a routine and all it did was stress me out and make me watch the clock all day. As soon as someone said to me 'the babies don't read the baby books do they?' it all clicked and I just started going by DDs cues. Some days was 3 hourly feeds sometimes 5 hourly, 1,2,3 day naps, whatever, I just went with the flow and it was so much better than thinking 'she SHOULD be sleeping/feeding now'.
Both her and I were (and still are) alot happier going by demand!
We have never followed a routine. I think a few people are quite scandalised that DS doesn't have a bedtime. He goes to sleep when is tired whether that be 8pm or 11.30. Honestly I much rather this than trying to force him to sleep. It just ends in tears and frustration. Over the past few months I've noticed him settling into his own little routine without any encouragement from me. The hard work does pay off eventually. I've breastfed on demand and DH and I have shared our bed with a miniature bed hog for almost 17 months now. It works for us and I wouldn't change a thing
Babies can't tell the time, so I don't see why the clock would help anyone!
I roughly go to bed at the same time and eat at similar times, but imagine if someone said you were only allowed to eat at these three hourly timeslots, and sleep on the dot of 7pm?
As people we often fall into natural patterns, but many people don't...it depends a lot on the personality.
Anyway, to set a routine you would have to have bub up at the same time every day, so it doesn't throw out the routine...and yes I know people who set an alarm to wake their baby at the same time
I know some people need a routine for day care and work etc, but if you're happy without one, why change it?
Thanks guys, that's all really good to hear. DH and I have never been people who do the same stuff every single day (well, except for work but that's it). Routines have always freaked me out but I am sick of hearing "is she in a "routine" now?"
DD is a happy, healthy wee rascal so I won't be changing anything!!
Thanks again xxxx
Every day is different........
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks