Limit changes

Why routines are so important for babies

Secret 1 - Always follow the order of events, of the routine. Wake your baby, feed him, play with him, sleep time. Consistency is the key.

Secret 2 - First feed of the day should always be at the same time usually between 7am and 7:30 am

Secret 3 - Bedtime and feed time should always be at the same time

Secret 4 - All other timings are flexible

Secret 5 - Always give yourself a minimum of seven days for things to slip into place

Secret 6 - If things aren't working don't give up just start afresh the next day

Jo's extra tips:

• The biggest problem is parents get day and night mixed up. Midwives tell parents to sleep when their babies sleep. So if the babies sleep for four hours the parents take advantage. But then the babies miss out on a feed, sleep to much and think it's night time hence they will not sleep through the night
• When your child is in a routine it makes it easier to leave them with other people as you can tell them what will happen and when, so they will know what to do
• Don't demand feed - babies don't cry through hunger alone. However, beware in hot weather because babies can easily dehydrate
• Feed twins at the same time  -  day and night
• Never distract a baby with a toy when feeding - this will create problems later on as your baby will associate feeding with playing
• When giving a bottle to a breast fed baby, run it along her lips so she opens her mouth. This stops her getting lazy when she goes back to the breast
• Change the nappy 15 minutes before each feed - to wake a sleepy baby

Feeding time

A feeding routine brings you knowledge, helping you to understand your baby better. Parents who demand-feed their babies tend to react to most of their babies' cries by feeding.

A baby doesn't cry through hunger alone. Feeding him on a routine will help you to identify confidently which cries are from hunger and which are not. For a parent that ability is invaluable.

One way to demonstrate the wonders of routine is to consider the alternatives.  Imagine your favourite snacks are chocolate and crisps and you keep a secret stash in the cupboard. Whenever you feel peckish you help yourself - by the evening all that nibbling means the last thing you fancy is a proper meal.

Your baby is no different. A baby that feeds on demand learns to snack on and off. He will never have the feeling of being full and ready for a proper meal.  Snacking becomes a habit and you prevent your baby from learning to build up an appetite.

Demand fed babies become exhausted, unpredictable and overtired.