Introduction
In this article, we discuss why it is important to build a routine for babies, what to expect, ways to build a routine and how to overcome common challenges most new parents face.
The reality is, the first 40-60 days of being a parent can really be a shock to your system because of frequent night wakings, sudden loss of sleep and unpredictability.
Many parents don’t anticipate how much their lives change once baby is born, even if you have a solid routine in place already. That’s why most parents feel very overwhelmed.
The truth is, we often overlook the importance of routine as adults. Without a routine, we may find that we are more anxious, tired and unable to regulate our emotions or organise our thoughts.
Let’s discuss this in more detail to help you understand why routine is important and how you can build a routine for you and your baby.
What Are the Benefits of Building a Routine
For baby:
✅More Bonding
Dedicated time for playing, cuddling, singing and talking
✅Mental Development
Baby learns that things happen in sequences and patterns, they develop healthy habits and develop independence
✅Improved Sleep
Bed time activities (bath, massage, feed, cuddle) becomes triggers for sleep
✅Better Mood
As a result of feeling safe and secure, babies adapt better to change
✅Cooperation
When things are predictable and consistent, babies are less fussy
For parents:
✅Time management
By managing your tim and planning ahead, you can plan your days better
✅Lower cortisol levels
Predictability helps reduce anxiety, and as a result, you stress less when you get things done
✅Less relationship strain
Routine takes pressure off your relationship with your partner, less fighting
✅Consistency
Not only does routine make it easier to be consistent, but it also creates more structure
✅Clear expectations
Routine takes the guesswork out of knowing what needs to happen and when
Why Is It Important to Build a Routine with Newborn Babies
Most parents understand that having routines makes it easier to manage time and plan their days, and both children (and adults) thrive on routine.
Routine creates a predictable environment with clear goals and expectations for the day, which gives children a sense of security, purpose and understanding of the world.
But that’s not all. Over the first few months, routine helps parents more than it helps babies. Routine shows you when you’ll have a gap to take a shower, eat, sleep, go to the shops or do some work.
For example, if you are breastfeeding, you will need to set aside at least 30-45 minutes to pump (multiple times a day) when baby is asleep or playing, so that you will have milk available for the next feed.
Sticking to your routine might be more challenging when you are travelling but having one will make it a lot easier because travelling with children can be stressful as a new parent.
Types of routine newborn babies need
Your baby will require more than one routine for each part of their day, and we suggest following this order:
🧸 How to Build a Routine for Play time:
Newborns are awake for about 30-60 minutes at a time. During this time, you can do short burst of tummy time (2-3 minutes), sing, read and talk to your baby.
Items you will need for play time:
- Play mat
- Baby mirror
- Baby toys
💡 Check out these playtime products from Babies R US
🍼 How to Build a Routine for Feeding Time:
Typically, you will feed your baby until they are full (15-45 minutes at a time) and then you will burp your baby (1-2 minutes).
Items you will need for feeding time:
- Burp clothes
- Nursing pillow
- Bottle cleanser and brush
- Bibs
- Bottles
- Breast pump
- Milk storage bags
- Formula (if not breastfeeding)
🛀How to Build a Routine for Bath Time:
Some parents wait about 2 weeks before bathing their babies for the first time. If you choose to wait, you can simply wipe your baby with a soft, warm cloth.
New parents might find it especially intimidating to bath a newborn baby, so it will help if you have a small baby bath or shallow sink to use.
Use lukewarm water, a gentle baby soap and a soft cloth or sponge to bath your baby.
Wrap your baby in a warm towel after the bath, followed by a gentle massage, a clean diaper and comfortable clothing.
You can also use a soft baby brush to brush your baby’s hair and prevent oil build-up on the scalp.
Items you will need for bath time:
- Baby bath
- Wash cloth
- Mild baby soap
- Baby moisturiser or massage oil
- Soft hooded baby towel
- Babygros
- Beanie
- Soft baby hairbrush
- Aint-slip mat
💤How to Build a Routine for Bedtime:
Babies usually sleep up to 18 hours a day but will wake more frequently at night. To ensure your baby is ready for bed, offer a long feeding session, thorough burping and a warm, cosy swaddle.
If your baby seems particularly fussy, you can give your baby a pacifier to encourage self-soothing.
Items you will need for bedtime:
- Swaddle
- Pacifier
- Burp cloth
- White noise machine
My son woke up 6-10 times a night (even after he turned 1) until we started using these sleep sacks:
Featured products
Recommended products
Reasons babies wake up at night:
- Dirty diaper
- Hunger
- Seeking comfort
- Too hot/cold
- Loud noise
- Colic/gas
⏰How To Build a Routine with a Newborn Baby
The easiest way to remember a newborn’s routine is “eat, wake, sleep, repeat”.
Newborn babies will typically feed up to 12 times a day (every 2-3 hours), will be awake for 30-60 minutes at a time and sleep for about 18 hours a day.
Your days will mostly revolve around reading your baby’s cues, feeding your baby (and yourself), changing diapers, cuddles, and putting your baby to sleep. (and hopefully having a shower and naps yourself)
Newborn babies don’t need to bath every day, and it is better to wait until the umbilical stump has fully dried and healed before giving the first bath.
🗓️What to expect in the first 40 days with a newborn baby
Most parents find that after the first 40 days, things get a little easier.
For the first 2 days, your baby will be sleepy most of the time, but will require long, frequent feeds and lots of cuddles.
This is a great opportunity for mom to increase her milk production and establish a good supply, by feeding her baby on demand and getting plenty of skin-to-skin contact.
After the 3rd day, baby starts waking up and requires more nappy changes. Baby will be feeding more, and you will need to keep the umbilical stump clean.
By the 10th day, baby’s umbilical cord will fall off, but you will still need to monitor it and keep it clean.
After 2 weeks, your baby should have gained more weight, and you should visit your local clinic for a checkup.
By day 20, things will feel more predictable. You can start doing tummy time a few days after baby is born, or after this point. Aim for 6 minutes daily (2-minute intervals) at first.
Once 40 days have passed, you will enter the next phase of growth and parenting, and it will be time for the next check-up.
Common Challenges Parents Face When Building a Routine with New Babies
Daily responsibilities
❌Problem:
New parents usually feel exhausted and struggle to cope with daily responsibilities.
✔️Solution:
- Sleep when your baby sleeps and rest as much as you can in the first few months. You will not get this opportunity later as naps get shorter the older your baby gets.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help with cleaning, cooking and housekeeping if you have options.
- Try to plan your days and set goals and priorities to stay on track
Regulating emotions
❌Problem:
Sleep deprivation interferes with your brain chemistry and can make you feel depressed, angry and more irritable.
Combined with sleep deprivation, some new parents feel overwhelmed when baby cries and becomes inconsolable.
✔️Solution:
- Learn to recognise your triggers and know when you create distance between you and your baby.
- If you feel overwhelmed, put your baby in a safe place and take 5 minutes to breathe and calm down.
- It may seem unconventional but get yourself some ear plugs so that you can care for your baby without the emotional overload.
- Consider going for therapy if your emotions become unbearable
Reading baby’s cues
❌Problem:
You might miss a cue or misread it, which could cause fussiness and result in tears.
✔️Solution:
- Take mental notes of your baby’s cues for feeding, sleeping, discomfort and emotional connection.
- Do some research, read books and watch videos to familiarise yourself with baby cues
Colic and Gas
❌Problem:
Babies become extremely fussy when they have gas because it is uncomfortable and even painful at times.
✔️Solution:
- Always burp your baby after every feed
- Keep anti-colic drops on hand
- Learn different burping techniques
Visitors
❌Problem:
Family members and friends may not be understanding of routine, and it is hard for new parents to set boundaries with family
✔️Solution:
- Offer visiting hours and days that fit into your routine
- Limit visitors to one or two people at a time
- Don’t feel guilty if you are feeling too overwhelmed or tired to have visitors, it’s okay to say, “not today”.
- Visit when you can; people don’t need to come to your house all the time and that way, you can leave when it’s time to go
- Try to be flexible, keep an open mind and allow yourself to rest when family visits
Unplanned events
❌Problem:
Sometimes, things suddenly come up (doctor’s visits, illness, shopping trips) and it won’t always be at a good time.
Solution:
- Plan longer trips for before naps so that baby can sleep in the car
- Make sure you have back-up milk ready
- Always have your diaper bag packed for the next day
- Try to plan your days as much as possible, even if something comes up unexpectedly
- If you can, pack your breast pump and storage bags, a baby blanket, a muslin cover and anything else you will need in case plans change while you are out with baby
- If it’s not entirely necessary to do it, don’t feel pressurised to do things that will cause too much stress for you and your baby – it’s okay to say no.
Chores and errands
❌Problem:
If you don’t help extra help available, it might start interfering with daily tasks like cleaning, cooking, shopping, self-care and other responsibilities.
✔️Solution:
Let go a little. Everything doesn’t have to be perfect all the time
Set priorities mindfully. Is cleaning more important than your health and baby’s needs?
Lower your standards and expectations if you are putting too much pressure on yourself to get everything done in one day
Get extra help if possible. It might help to find a nanny or someone to help clean the house and cook
Self-care
❌Problem:
When we feel tired and overwhelmed, and focus on what everyone else needs, we often neglect our own needs.
✔️Solution:
- Set aside at least 30 minutes over the course of the day for hygiene, health and relaxation
- Make time for things that bring you joy
- The little things count – a 5 minute shower is better than no shower. Brush your hair, brush your teeth and change into something clean and comfortable.
ℹ️Helpful Tips
- Avoid play time after feeding to avoid vomiting.
- Skin-to-skin contact is not only important for bonding with your baby and lowering cortisol levels, but it also triggers the release of milk-production hormones (oxytocin and prolactin).
- Many parents wait until the umbilical stump has completely dried and healed before giving baby their first bath.
Conclusion
You will also find it extremely difficult as a parent to get anything done if there is no routine in place. Even something as simple as a shower will feel overwhelming.
Routine creates structure and requires discipline, but it is important to be flexible and be mindful of growth spurts, sleep regressions, teething and other changes that come with having a baby.
Building a routine early will ensure that you and your baby develop healthy habits, which leads to making better decisions and well-being.
Over time, you will notice how tantrums usually happen when your child’s routine gets disrupted. It’s impossible to be the perfect parent, but trying to keep to your routine whenever possible is good enough.
The truth is, some days your routine will fall apart and as a result, your baby might become irritable. The good news is, you can always try again tomorrow.
We hope that this article will make it easier for you to build a routine for you and your baby.
The goal isn’t perfection — it’s consistency as you build a routine. You’ve got this, Mamma!
Not sure where to start? Download this Newborn Routine Template for FREE
FAQs
1. When should I start a routine with my newborn?
You can begin gentle patterns from birth — but don’t expect strict schedules in the first 6–8 weeks. Focus on rhythms (feed, wake, sleep) rather than exact times.
Can newborns really follow a routine?
Newborns can’t follow a clock, but they respond well to repetition. Consistent feeding, calming, and sleep cues help their nervous system feel secure.
What’s the difference between a routine and a schedule?
A schedule is time-based (e.g., nap at 10:00 AM).
A routine is sequence-based (feed → change → play → sleep). For newborns, sequence works much better.How long does it take for a newborn to adjust to a routine?
Most babies begin showing predictable patterns around 6–12 weeks. Before that, consistency matters more than predictability.
What if my baby resists the routine?
That’s normal. Growth spurts, cluster feeding, and developmental leaps can temporarily disrupt things. Flexibility is part of healthy routine-building.
Should I wake my newborn to keep a routine?
In the early weeks, especially if your baby hasn’t regained birth weight, doctors often recommend waking every 2–3 hours to feed. Once weight gain is steady, you can allow longer sleep stretches if advised by your healthcare provider.
How do I create a bedtime routine for a newborn?
Keep it simple and repeatable:
Dim lights
Warm bath (if part of your rhythm)
Feed
Short cuddle
Lay down drowsy
The goal is cues, not perfection.What’s a good daytime routine for a newborn?
A simple pattern works well:
Feed → Change → Short wake window (5–30 minutes depending on age) → Sleep.
Newborn wake windows are very short — overtiredness happens fast.Can routines help with colic or fussiness?
While routines don’t cure colic, predictable feeding and sleep rhythms can reduce overstimulation and help babies feel more regulated.
What if my routine falls apart?
It will. And that’s okay. Travel, illness, growth spurts, and life happen. The key is returning to your core rhythm without guilt.
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