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Why is a routine so important?

Updated: Mar 26, 2021

Having a routine can provide more freedom with predictability.


Babies and toddlers love routine and having a predictable day. Whether it’s realising it's lunchtime as you make them food and put them in the highchair, or recognising that it’s time to sleep because you’ve turned on the white noise, put them in their sleeping bag and are now singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, kids thrive off routine!



Having an established wind down ritual is so important. Babies learn from a very young age that a certain sequence of events means that sleep time is nearing. It is never too young to introduce a pre-nap or bedtime routine. You’ll soon find that a particular story, the sight of your child’s sleep sack or comforter will have them relaxing and enjoying some quiet time before heading to bed for a nice long sleep.

"Babies learn from a very young age that a certain sequence of events means that sleep time is nearing".

I suggest the bedtime routine is 45 - 60mins out from sleep time and might look something like this;


45 - 60min from bedtime; bath-time

30 - 45min before sleep; massage, into pjyamas and dim the lights.

15 - 30min before sleep; milk feed and read a book

10 - 15min before bed; cuddle, into their dark room with the white noise playing

5min before sleep; put baby down in their bassinet/cot, say goodnight

Although a routine may feel boring to us and like our lives evolve around our mini me’s it can in fact actually provide more freedom with predictability. If we can understand whether our kids are tired, hungry, upset, hurt etc and then we can manage the day accordingly. This will help decrease the intensity and frequency of tantrums in toddlers and help improve their behaviour – who doesn’t want that!


So what are the benefits of having a routine?

  • More enjoyment of day-to-day activites

  • Increased compliance

  • More confident in themselves and their actions

  • Less stress

  • Predictability

  • Helps your child feel secure, safe and less anxious

Toddlers especially thrive off a routine. Once they hit the ripe old age of two they start to think that things happen to them and for them and will seek to assert control of anything and everyone. Give your child options, so that they have a say and control of their emotions and decisions.


If you need any additional information or support please feel free to contact me at amy@littledreamers.co.nz to book in a FREE 15 minute phone consultation to talk about what is happening for your baby and how we help.

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