| A lot of first-time parents make the mistake of not | | | | lives around a sleep plan, having one is easier to deal |
| starting a baby sleep schedule. | | | | with than not in most cases. While the plan does not |
| Figuring they'll enjoy as much time as they possibly can | | | | have to be etched in stone every night, it does provide |
| with baby during her first few months, they shy away | | | | a framework for setting working and activity agendas. |
| from creating a routine, dismissing the notion as old | | | | Daycares love them. It is simply much easier for |
| fashion. A year or two down the road, however, these | | | | childcare workers to do their jobs when a good routine |
| same parents often find themselves at a loss on how | | | | is established. In some cases, the hours might need to |
| to get an irritable toddler into bed. | | | | be adjusted to accommodate a daycare's schedule. |
| It is then the light bulb shines bright and they look | | | | The long and the short of it is that daycares need |
| jealously at other parents who report that thanks to | | | | babies to be on a good sleep schedule to enable |
| their baby sleep schedule they only have minor | | | | workers to do other important tasks while babies |
| problems getting their little ones off to dreamland. The | | | | snooze. |
| importance of a schedule goes beyond simply parents' | | | | It helps establish a routine. When a plan is created, it |
| convenience (or inconvenience)! | | | | can help with establishing routine as she gets older. |
| Remember, setting up a good schedule can take | | | | Children tend to remain on sleep schedules for many |
| some work, ritual and even elbow grease at first. | | | | years (and some adults even maintain them, too). The |
| When baby gets used to a routine of, for example, | | | | more routine a set bedtime becomes, generally the |
| waking at 7, napping at noon and going to bed at 8, | | | | better baby and everyone around her functions in the |
| everyone benefits. | | | | days and years ahead. |
| Here are 5 more good reasons to start a baby sleep | | | | Putting a baby who hasn't been on a schedule on one |
| schedule... | | | | can take some work. But the benefits are many. Set |
| It's better for baby's nature. Babies grow at a | | | | the times, create a routine and remember to be a little |
| tremendous pace. They simply need their sleep and a | | | | flexible as she grows. |
| whole lot of it. When they don't get it, everyone pays. If | | | | Also, keep in mind that a 2-year-old will need a |
| they do get the rest they truly need and it's adhered to | | | | different schedule than a 6-month-old. So, adjust your |
| as much as possible, baby benefits the most. It helps | | | | routine to your child's age. Most parents who avoid the |
| baby feel secure. When a baby sleep schedule and | | | | idea of a sleep routine on their first child and then |
| bedtime routine are brought into play, she always | | | | establish one with the second find themselves |
| knows what to expect. While she might not always | | | | wondering why they didn't take the action in the first |
| like it, the routine is a comfort for a baby - even a tiny | | | | place. |
| one. | | | | The reality is a baby sleep schedule benefits |
| A schedule can help parents function better. Although | | | | everyone, especially your baby. |
| new parents sometimes have trouble working their | | | | |