How to Get Infants on Schedules?!!

Secrets of a baby whisperer by Tracy Hogg talks about scheduling. She uses the EASY (Eat, Activity, Sleep, You time) method.

A.,

Ahh I remember those days, I have a 6 mo. old boy. Honestly what I ended up doing was watching him for an idea of what he needed. We ended up feeding when waking (this way he did not rely on it to go to sleep) and playing for a while, then the nap time routine. I have read all the books and none of them worked. I think that every baby id different and every mommy is different, watch your baby for the when she is drowsy and then feed when waking.

Good luck

A.,
I can understand!! My youngest was up every 2 hours to nurse for 4 months!!!!!AROUND THE CLOCK! I was exhausted.
We have since learned that he is gluten intolerant so he was not getting the proper nutrients from me.
Some folks love the Ferber method of letting them cry it out. Some love the Mommy Wise or Growing Kids God's Way. My kids did not like a schedule at all at that young age.
Why not try the bath while she is awake vs waking her up for it?
I wish you could sleep when she does, but w/the older kids it's not possible. do you have anyone who can help you?
As for any practical schedule advice, I might offer to keep a chart for 1 week to see what times she does what. THen compare that to one you would like to see her on. Modify it slowly.

Hi A.,

We also used the Secrets of the Baby Whisperer and it was great for us. She recommends the EASY schedule. E= Eat, A= Activity, S= Sleep and Y= You time.

So basically when your baby wakes up, feed her, then let her have some awake time and then she sleeps. While she sleeps, you get to do what you want/need to do. The nice thing about this is that there aren't times attached to each phase so you don't feel like you have to watch the clock. It is a schedule without being super rigid. It feels more intuitive.

I did this with both boys and it really helped me feel some structure to my day and helped them get into a semi regular routine.

Hope this helps.
A.

I have been a nanny for 11 years and now have a 14 month old of my own. I know how important sleep and schedules are for our well being. I believe children thrive on schedules and are a more secure and happy baby because of them. I read "the no cry sleep solution" and found it very helpful. My lily was a horrible sleeper and I thought I'd go mad of being so exhusted...this book and the schedule it suggested really saved my sanity.
I also feel babies usually know when they need to eat, sleep and be awake...follow her cues, but if it means keeping ger awake for an extra 2 hours for a week until she catches on, no harm no foul.
Also....I have read and her doc has confirmed that babies sleep very restless. The saying "I slept like a baby" makes no sense:o) If she's asleep, rest ashured she is catching ZZZ's no matter how much she moves or grunts.
Hope this helps.
M.~ ____@____.com

I had this FANTASTIC book that was recommended to me by my friend. It's called "On becoming baby wise" by Gary Ezzo. It is easy reading and includes steps to put your child on a schedule. We started it when my son was about a month old. He is now 16 months old, goes to bed at 8pm sharp on his own. It was such a life saver!! Also, I don't know if you have the means to do this or not but my husband would take the late night feedings (11pm and 3am) and I would go to bed early. Then I would take the early morning feedings and he would sleep in till 9 or 10. That way we both were able to get our proper rest to be able to function during the day.

I hope this helps you out!! Good luck!

I'm afraid you are out of luck for probably 2 more weeks. Newborns brains are not "organized" for schedule sleep. All you can do is allow her to sleep... provide a calm, quiet (dark, if you can) place. When your baby appears slightly fidgety, ask yourself two questions 1) When did she last eat? 2) How long has she been up? Two hours is usually a long time for a 4 week old.
Around 6 weeks, her night sleep will become more organized and the longest sleep period will occer perdictably at night... but it may only be 4-6 hours.
I think 4 to 6 weeks is the toughest time becuase they have lost their newborn sleepiness and they are becoming more socially aware (they want to be with you), but their brain is not ready for scheduling.
If you have a "easy" baby, around 6-8 weeks, you can start (if you haven't already) feeding her when she wakes, let her stay up for a bit, and then put her down awake... so she can practice falling asleep on her own. If you let them, usually they fall into their own schedule. And it won't be until 3-4 months that a baby reaches that predictable 2 naps (possibly 3rd little nap)during the day.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND
"Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child" by Marc Weissbluth.

I studied baby sleep intensely after watching my sister with her twins. This is the best book. It is my "baby sleep bible"!

And don't be afraid to ask for HELP!!! Your 9 and 8 yr old can entertain themselves if you need to sleep when your baby sleeps. Ask their mom's friends if they can come over for a morning or two a week. They SHOULD understand. (If you live near Kent, WA, I'd take 'em)

Hi A.,
I wonder if a Swaddle Me might help your little one sleep better? I put my daughter in it at 3.5 weeks and she slept through the night after that until 3 months. At 3 months I think she didn't want to be so bound up. They are WONDERFUL though. I tried to swaddle with a swaddle blanket but could never get my swaddle tight enough. They are sold at Fred Meyer and Babie R Us for around 10.00. If you try it, get the kind made of cotton, the microfleece doesn't seem to stretch as well.
Good luck!
C.

First of all I feel for you, and hang in there!! This book was a helpful guideline to me, although having twins put a whole new twist on it. But my cousin and friends swear by it. It's called "Babywise". Not sure of the author but it's a very popular book. My advice until you do get your baby on a decent schedule... sleep when she does. It's survival at this point :o) Good Luck! C.