Routine, routine, routine – we’re always told that routine is good for babies, but what exactly do people mean by routine, and what are the benefits? In short, routine provides a sense of stability and security for little ones, as predictability and comfort play a significant role in them feeling settled. Of course, there’s more to it than that, so let’s look at some of the advantages of having a good routine for your bubs!
How to Set a Routine
It’s good to remember that a routine is about rhythms more than timings – flexibility is important for you and your baby. So what does that mean? It’s as much about habits as anything. You might like to have a bedtime routine – after dinner, have some quiet play or cuddle time, and then start bathtime. Once the bath is done, you might want to have one final feed in your baby’s room with dimmed lights, then settle them down with a song or a story. Your routine will depend on your needs, preferences and abilities – what’s important is that the same rhythm is followed, as much as is practical, each night. The same applies to other times of the day. You’ll get used to what works for you, so try out a few things or ask your friends, parents, or online communities for ideas.
Sense of Security
As mentioned above, one of the key benefits to having a routine is the sense of security and stability it provides baby. It can be easy to forget that literally everything your newborn sees, hears, smells, tastes, and touches is brand new to them, which can be very overwhelming for many of them. By giving them routine, they have a sense of predictability, meaning they begin to learn what to expect and what it all means – bath time, for example, can mean it’s time for warmth, cuddles and soon after (as with the example above), bedtime. This sense of security also plays a part in their emotional development.
Healthy Habits
You might be wondering how routines for newborns and toddlers can help foster healthy habits, but it’s true. Sitting down to eat regularly, getting off to bed at the right time, and things like bathing and oral hygiene all become such an ingrained part of their day because it’s been with them their entire lives. And yep, that includes the dreaded toothbrushing. Did you know this part of your routine can be started before they even have teeth? Getting used to the process is remarkably easy and can be done with Haakaa’s handy Finger Toothbrush! In addition, having your little ones learn the importance of sleep is vital, as along with good nutrition, a well-rested child is generally a happier one. And don’t worry, even though they’ll continue to wake regularly through the night in those early weeks and months, they’ll eventually reach a point where that isn’t needed, and they begin to sleep through.
Independence
Another one that might not seem intuitively part of the concept of routine, but which is helped by it nonetheless, is the development of their independence. Things like brushing their hair and teeth or choosing their own clothes – these are the first steps towards independence that a child can embark on in a safe, secure environment. Each step of this can be introduced when they’re ready – and they’ll very often let you know when that is in no uncertain terms! Otherwise, teach them step by step, or try things like grabbing a couple of outfits and giving them the option of which to wear – each small step leads to a big collection of skills they learn, and all without realising it as it’s just a normal part of their day.
Helping with Transitions
Especially as they get older, shifting from one activity to another – for example, going from playtime to mealtime – can lead to a bit of a meltdown. Building a routine means toddlers, in particular, are well aware of the rhythm of a day and are more able to expect what will be coming next. This doesn’t mean things will always run smoothly – toddlers will be toddlers, after all – but it can help at least ease things. Sometimes.
Family Time
Routines are helpful for so much more than our little ones – they can help make it so much easier to fit in quality family time as well. Getting together for meals or for winding down activities such as story time or games before bed. It’s these quiet moments when time is spent together as a family that allows the building of stronger connections, helping strengthen relationships and fostering a good sense of emotional stability for all involved, especially the little ones.
Learning & Development
Building learning time into your routines is easier than you’d think – much like helping learn independence is. Songs during bathtime, counting their snacks, and naming the colours of their clothes when it’s time to get dressed are all simple things that can be naturally incorporated into each stage of your day. And much as with independence, your baby can learn from an early age without it ever having to be a formal activity. There’s a lot they can learn, and reinforcing these things each day makes it easier for them, as repetition is a big part of how our little ones pick things up.
There are a huge number of benefits to building a routine, from learning about the world around them to feeling settled in their surroundings to encouraging their development, and all of them are equally important. Routines also help parents feel more in control of what’s happening during a time when everything is in flux and often wildly different from how life used to be. Remember, routines are about rhythm – you don’t need to have everything happening at the exact same minute every single day. Fit things in as and when they need to occur, but try to make it expected – you’ll be amazed at how things go.