Why have a schedule/routine?

First off, let me say what I do and don't mean when I say schedule. I don't mean strict feeding times that don't take into account your baby's hunger (see pdf feedings for a look at how to keep your baby eating on a routine that takes into account baby's hunger) and I don't mean you randomly put your baby to sleep at a certain time because "it is time" even when your child is not tired. What I do mean is a predictable and consistent routine that you and baby can rely upon.

Generally I like to use the word routine rather than schedule because the word schedule can be misinterpreted, often strictly, which is why I think many people automatically shun the word and all baby care philosophies that associate with this word. I have known more than one person like this. Once they begin to understand more of what a schedule or routine entails--that it involves working with your baby not just doing things to your baby--they often become more receptive to it.

As I've mentioned before, some people will never be open to any kind of routine--it is not their style of parenting. For example, many moms thrive off the attatchment style of parenting. This is fine by me as long as 1) baby is happy and well rested and 2) the whole family (including dad) is happy with how things are done.

So why have a routine?
Not only does a routine make life more predictable for mom, baby and the rest of the family, it makes life easier because everyone knows what to expect. Mom is able to schedule her time better to fulfill all of her needs and her children's needs. She is also able to to problem solve with baby better (e.g. She knows the reason baby is fussing is probably because it is his nap time, his normal time to eat etc). No more jumping from one thing to the next to figure out what is wrong. In the least, this "jumping" is minimized. A good routine is also going to allow everyone some much needed rest as baby sleeps for progressively longer periods at night sooner and takes good naps during the day. And sleeping better at night and during the day is going to lead to a happier baby, mom and family.

Key points:

• Sleep problems are much easier to trouble shoot and fix if your child is on a routine. "The most important strategy for improving his or her sleep is to set a daily routine and stick to it" (William C. Dement, M.D., Ph.D., founder of the sleep disorder center at Stanford University).
• More than just a scheduled sleeping time is important. If you have different main activities, like eating, at different times each day it may mess up sleep and a child's general well being. Plus, children like predictability in these areas too.
• Without a consistent routine people tend to move toward a 25 hour daily schedule.
• When a routine isn't kept and the child is allowed to choose when he sleeps, naps and night time sleep often move all over the place with segments of sleep breaking off from one area and going to another area. For example, part of the afternoon nap may break off and become part of the night time sleep. What you end up in chaotic sleep patterns that disrupt child and family.
• Most children would rather play than sleep no matter how tired they are. If you leave the option of sleep up to your child, you are going to have a chronically sleep deprived child on your hands. Letting your child decide when to sleep is giving him a responsibility that he is too young to be in charge of. Sleep is a need not an option. See Why Sleep is Way Important- Benefits of Adequate Sleep.
• Even if you put your child down to sleep when he is tired but do not keep any kind of routine, your child will most likely still suffer from lack of sleep. Why? Because many children stop showing sleep cues when they get older and only show overtired signs meaning that by the time you put your child down to sleep (especially if you have to spend the time nursing beforehand) you already have a child that has missed out on sleep. Also, because sleeping times vary so much you are often in a situation where you can't put your child to sleep until you do this or that (finish cooking dinner, get home, take care of the other kids etc). Once again, by the time you get to putting your child to sleep he has already missed out on sleep and often times won't make it up (especially if this is a reoccurring thing which it often is in these situations). Plus, an overtired child usually sleep much less than a child that is put to sleep at a good time which further perpetuates the sleep deficit.
• Children "are better behaved when thing are similar and follow a known pattern" (Sleeping Through The Night, p. 65). Babywise also mentions this concept.
• Routines help children feel security and a sense of control. (Sleeping Through The Night, p. 65)

"... Human beings, like most animals, thrive when they know how and when their needs are going to be met and know what's coming next." (TBW Solves All Your Problems)

"All of us, regardless of age, function best when we keep regular schedules. Studies on adults have shown that irregular sleep-wake patterns cause significant changes in our moods and sense of well being and undermine our ability to sleep at desired times. The same is true of young children." (Ferber)

"I believe that prevention is better than a cure and if parents were to take control and structure their babies' feeding and sleeping needs from very early on, a huge number of sleeping problems could be avoided." (The Complete Sleep Guide, intro)

"It is our experience that both baby and mom do better when a baby's life is guided by a flexible routine." (Babywise, pg. 36)