Are you expecting? Dr. Jeffrey Mantia and the team at Grandville Pediatrics in Grandville, MI are proud to provide compassionate and dedicated newborn care.

The Role of Routine in Newborn Care

If you’ve ever worked a job in retail, fast food, or similar settings, you know how random break times can affect you. You are waiting to eat until someone says you can go. In the meantime, you can be moody, anxious, and otherwise unhappy. On the other hand, if you work a job with a regular lunch break time, you are less likely to get moody because you know what to expect.

While your baby can’t yet tell time, even the youngest ones can thrive on a routine. They begin to sense what’s coming next, whether that’s bedtime or dinner time. It provides security and prevents excessive fussiness. It can also provide bonding time and help with emotional regulation.

However, newborn care routines aren’t just good for your baby. They can be beneficial for you, too. Knowing when you need to feed and bathe your baby lets you know when you can rest or complete other tasks.

As you begin a new routine, it’s important to follow a few helpful guidelines. Dr. Mantia and the team at Grandville Pediatrics in Grandville, MI share these tips below.

1. Be Flexible

Yes, a routine is wonderful, but life isn’t perfect. Things get off track and go wrong. Babies hit a growth spurt and want to eat more. If you are too rigid in your routine, it can lead to tension. Look at the routine as “the plan,” but know that the plan may need to be adjusted.

2. Start With a Few Important Times

Don’t try scheduling your baby’s whole day. Instead, focus on simple yet repetitive tasks, like feedings, diaper changes, and bedtime.

3. Avoid Long Routines

It’s wise to have a bedtime routine for your baby, preferably one that calms them. This can include a warm bath, putting on lotion, singing, and cuddling. However, if your routine is too long, you are less likely to stick to it. You want to increase your baby’s feelings of security, so keep the routine manageable.

Learn more about the importance of routine in newborn care by visiting Dr. Mantia and the team at Grandville Pediatrics in Grandville, MI. Call (616) 538-2410 to schedule an appointment today.