Looking for ways to establish a successful morning routine for you and your newborn? These tips will help guide you to a solid morning routine with a newborn.
The first few months with a new baby are always a learning experience. Every baby is different, and you will learn new ways to tend to your newborn baby’s needs. Establishing a routine with a new baby will take work and be ever-changing.
Let’s set some realistic expectations from the beginning. A newborn’s daily routine will be a loose schedule until they are around 3-4 months old.
The good news is there are ways to get you started on the right track to set a routine for your little one!
We will go over when to start a routine, what a good morning routine with a newborn looks like, and what to do with your baby during their wake time.
As a mother myself, I know what it’s like to want to get back to a routine to feel like you have some control over your life or feel like you have had a fulfilling day. Each day will get easier as you and your little one get used to your new routine.
This post is all about how to rock your morning routine with a newborn.
Morning Routine With Newborn
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When Should You Start A Routine With A Newborn?
0-3 months
The first 3 months of a newborn’s life will be spent taking many, many naps. A routine will look very different at this age.
Although it’s not much of a routine, the one predictable pattern you can count on is for them to sleep a good amount of the day.
The most important thing to make a habit of at this age is to ensure they get enough sleep, with around 11-16 hours a day of naps and an adequate amount of awake time.
- In the 1st month, your baby will need 45 minutes of awake time between naps.
- At 1-2 months, your baby should have about 45 minutes to 1 hour of wake time.
- 2-4 months, you can extend the time to 1.5 – 3 hours between naps.
Not worrying about what time your baby is taking these naps is essential at this age. Your baby’s sleep pattern will always change in the first few months.
Be flexible with the “routine” until around 3 months. Don’t stress yourself about it. Just go with the flow and watch for the baby’s sleep cues. I promise it will get easier as they get older.
3-6 months
Around 3 to 4 months, your baby will start showing signs that they are ready to start an actual routine. Your newborn’s sleep patterns will slowly change into a regular schedule.
Your little one will start to get sleepy around the same time each day. When that happens, you can begin to sleep train and get them on a good schedule.
Waiting for your baby to show these signs will make a huge difference in their ability to get on a sleep schedule.
What A Good Morning Routine With A Newborn Looks Like
Morning Routine For Mom
I’m sure you will read many articles telling you it’s best to wake up before your baby to get some quality time for yourself and start your day off strong.
There is a reason everyone says this, and it’s true. Once your baby is up, your morning is just go, go, go.
Waking up an hour before your baby would be ideal.
However, suppose you’re not a morning person like me, and your baby wakes up in the early hours, between 5-6 am (like my daughter still does).
In that case, it can definitely be hard to wake up an hour earlier than them.
Especially if you are sleep deprived.
Take it easy and start by waking up 30 minutes before your little one.
Pro tip: Use a Hatch Restore for an easier and less obnoxious way to wake up (let’s face it, loud alarms are annoying, and we tend to snooze them anyway.)
The hatch restore is seriously a game changer and will guarantee better sleep and an easier morning wake-up. My favorite part is the light on it mimics the natural sunrise, which will trick your brain into thinking it’s time to wake up. This eliminates the need for a blaring ringtone.
Ideal Morning Schedule For Mom
You can adjust the time frames to work with your baby’s morning wake time.
- 5-6 am: wake up before baby, have your morning coffee, and do a morning activity (workout, journal, read, etc.)
- 6-6:45 am: baby wakes up, change the diaper, feed the baby, and make your breakfast while baby relaxes. You need morning fuel, so don’t skip out on breakfast.
- 6:45-9:45 am: Put your baby down for a nap, get yourself ready for the day (brush teeth, shower, get dressed) Or if you’re exhausted brush your teeth and take a nap.
- 9:45-10:30 am: change baby’s diaper, feed baby, tummy time or go for a walk.
While your baby is taking a nap, you can keep busy with chores, self-care, or rest if needed. (I often opt for self-care or a nap to keep myself in a good headspace!)
Related Post: The Complete Guide To Self-Care For New Moms
Morning Routine For Baby
Once your baby’s morning routine becomes more predictable around 3-4 months, making a solid schedule for the two of you will be much easier.
The first 2 months are all over the place regarding night sleep and daytime naps. Give yourself grace, and don’t worry about not knowing how your day will unfold.
At around 2 months, you can start to create a consistent bedtime routine for your little one, which is the best way to help you establish a predictable morning routine.
Your baby will start developing circadian rhythms between 2-4 months. To help your baby’s circadian rhythm, you can make sure your little one is exposed to light during the day and pure darkness at night.
During daytime naps, it’s best to leave the room somewhat light. A pitch-black room will trick your baby into thinking it is nighttime. Which will throw off their rhythm.
Putting your baby to bed at the same time every night will also help them form their circadian rhythm and develop their routine. This is when you want to room to be pitch-black. This way, they will know it is nighttime.
Ideal Morning Schedule For Baby
- 6-6:45 am: wake up, change the diaper, feed your baby, and have your little one relax while you eat breakfast. (my daughter loved her snuggle me, baby swing, or wearable wrap)
- 6:45- 9:45 am: morning nap (Ideally, your baby will nap for 3 hours, but this is not always the case)
- 9:45-10:30 am: change diaper, feed baby, tummy time
- 10:30 am-1:30 pm: nap
The eat, play, sleep method makes for an excellent routine for an infant. This way, they get in the habit of forming a pattern.
The stimulation and exercise of playtime (tummy time) will help your baby nap longer.
What To Do With Your Baby During Wake Time
While a sleeping schedule might not be dialed in yet, what you can count on is the in-between wake time.
Tummy Time
Newborn babies need to get an adequate amount of tummy time each day. It’s also a special way for you to spend quality time together. You should absolutely make it part of your daily schedule.
The ideal time of day for tummy time is when your little one is in a good mood. This tends to be after their first or second nap.
Many babies do not favor tummy time, but it’s crucial for their development. Start with a few minutes a day and increase the time as your little one gets stronger.
- Month 1-2 They absolutely love mirrors, black and white toys, and dangling toys on their play mat.
- Around 3 months, when your little one starts to reach for objects, you can incorporate these fun sensory activities. Budget Friendly Sensory Activities For Infants. These activities are so fun for them, and as a parent, it’s heartwarming to watch your baby enjoy and learn.
Get Out Of The House
- Adding a daily walk into your baby morning routine is such a fantastic way to get in some movement for you and is excellent stimulation for your baby. (It also helps your baby’s sleep cycle)
- Taking your newborn to the park or your backyard is also a fabulous idea for you both. My little girl and I would lay on a blanket in the shade and relax or work on tummy time.
- Hang with friends. If your girlfriends or a family member wants to grab brunch or hang out and go to the mall, go for it! Your little angel is a great companion, and they are easier to take out and about while they are young since they sleep so much. Continue living your life.
Final Thoughts
Of course, as a new parent, it’s ideal to want to get back into a good routine after your baby is born. Your newborn will take some time to transition into an actual routine, but I promise you will get there!
Try to work as much stimulation and baby exercise into your baby’s awake time so they will sleep long stretches and start forming a set schedule.
This Post Was All About How to Rock a Morning Routine With A Newborn
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