Hi there,

I found with my DD that she found her own routine in time. She loves being in a routine, I think she likes to know whats coming in her day.

We also wanted her in bed by 7pm each night and that was something we always did from day one. If she was unsettled and for some reason we had to get her up after bedtime we would keep things dimly lit and quiet. No playing or talking. I also wouldn't get her up before 7am, so if she was awake fine, but she didn't leave her cot until 7am. She would only really be in there playing for 10 minutes or so anyway she's always been a 7am riser.

At 5 weeks old I would say she would be only be awake for an hour or so before needing another nap. I loosly followed a feed/play/sleep routine, I was feeding DD 2-3 hourly, so after each nap I would feed her, then have a play, then a nap. Before each nap I would have some time in her room where I'd wrap her, read a story or sing, then rock her to sleep (I don't think there's anything wrong with rocking to sleep at her age, or feeding to sleep, whatever works because they really just need to get their rest, and you're not making a rod for your back despite what some people say!). I think her biggest sleep trigger was wrapping her, or you could use a sleeping bag whatever DD is sleeping in.

In the evenings I use this routine which works brilliantly for us:

5pm: Dinner (obviously your not up to this yet! But one day.)
5.30pm: Bath (or some play time if you're bathing every second day.)
6pm: Walk in the pram
6.45pm: As soon as we're back from the walk, straight into her room (blinds closed just lamp on), into her sleeping bag, read two books, breastfeed, bed.

I know it can take ages to breastfeed when they're young so there's nothing wrong with doing this routine in the lounge room with the TV on to watch if you want? I used to, I just couldn't stand staring at the wall for too many feeds! The 11pm and middle of the night feeds were enough in her room. Just keep the lights dim.

I hope this has helped to answer your question. Don't push yourself or DD, she's only 5 weeks old and you'll be amazed at how things evolve into a routine without you even trying.

Enjoy your little girl.