As a parent, it can be challenging to keep up with the ever-changing needs of your little one. One way to stay on track is to follow a routine, and Moms on Call offers helpful routines for parents to follow based on their child's age. Knowing when to move to the next routine is an important aspect of keeping your baby on track with their development and sleep patterns. In this post, we'll explore how to recognize the signs and how to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Moms on Call Routines
Moms on Call offers routines for babies from birth up through 4 years of age. These routines provide guidance on feeding, sleeping, and playtime based on the age of the baby. It's important to note that when transitioning to the next routine, there will sometimes be big changes, while other times will only have slight changes. It's dependent on the baby's age at that time and their next step developmentally. If you have a preemie, Moms on Call offers a free Preemie Progression Cheat Sheet in their knowledge center.
When to Move to the Next Moms on Call Routine
It's essential to pay attention to your baby's behavior to know when it's time to move to the next routine.
Here are some signs to look out for:
- Your baby is alert and engaging for longer periods.
- Your baby is playful, staying up a bit longer and having fewer "dozing" sessions.
- Your baby is fussier in the evenings.
- Your baby is showing signs of deep sleep during the evening catnap.
- The next routine works better for the household, such as when you have an older child with school drop-offs or pick-ups.
- Shorter nighttime sleep stretches. Usually, this is indicative that an earlier bedtime is needed. (Seems counterintuitive, but trust us!)
It's worth noting that these signs may not all happen at the same time or in the same order. As a parent, it's essential to be aware of your baby's individual cues to make the best decisions for you and them.
How to Make the Transition
Once you've decided to move to the next routine, keep it simple. Start the new routine the next morning and use your grace periods as needed. Be as consistent as possible, but give grace to both you and your baby as they adjust to the new "clock." It typically takes about 3-5 days for your baby's body to respond to the new routine fully.
For parents following the 8-16 week routine, it's worth noting that there are no listed middle-of-the-night feedings. However, you'll still be doing on-demand feedings at night as needed until around 12 weeks of age. If your baby is healthy and gaining weight well, you don't have to wake them at a particular time to feed. Expect 1-2 feeds (more one-feed nights than two) until 10-12 weeks of age. Between 10-12 weeks, you may even get some nights of uninterrupted sleep!
Benefits of Following a Routine
Following a routine can be beneficial for both babies and parents, as it helps establish healthy sleep patterns and promotes better overall health and development. Making the transition as smooth as possible with consistency and flexibility is key, and remember to give grace to both you and your baby during this adjustment period.
At Moms on Call, we are dedicated to giving you the information you need when you need it.
Want more personalized support? With each and every Moms on Call Consulting experience, we have one goal in mind—to equip you with the confidence you need to become the best parent possible for your child. We are proud to partner with Certified Consultants who are uniquely trained to work with families utilizing the Moms on Call philosophy. All consultants are licensed nurses with pediatric experience who have used Moms on Call within their own homes. Book your personal consultation with one of our Premier Certified Moms on Call Consultants!
