How to get DC2 into a routine

[notadoctor]

I have a 3yo DD and a 7mo DS. Up until now I have been happy to go with the flow - he mostly naps on the go in the sling and has been a really laid back portable baby. In the evenings he's always joined in DDs bath and story routine but when she goes to sleep he's come downstairs and feeds to sleep then snoozes on me. It's been lovely but now he's older I'm starting to feel worried I'vd made multiple rods for my own back and that maybe he needs a routine - how the hell do I go about establishing this?!

[holeinmyheart]

I think what you have done is wonderful. You are making him feel secure and happy... What could be wrong with that? If you now want to get him into his cot then it can be done.
I lived with my DD for months when she had PND and I needed to keep my darling GS quiet so that she could get some sleep. I let him fall asleep in my arms and then carefully got up and rolled him into the middle of his cot. I put my hand on his tummy and gently rocked him up and down gently for a bit using the bouncy ness of the mattress. I had already taken the side down in preparation. I then laid down on another bed myself and got some sleep when and where I could, as I was doing the night feeds as well. Despite being dog tired I loved doing it as he was so gorgeous.
I don't think any kindness shown to babies back fires. That doesn't mean to say you shouldn't have any discipline.
Trust your instincts. You are not making a rod for your own back you are loving and cherishing a beautiful child. Lucky him!
Oh yes, forgot to add my GS sleeps any where and everywhere now.

[notadoctor]

Thankyou so much for your supportive message and tips. Rocking the matress is a great suggestion - I hadn't thought of that.

[holeinmyheart]

What you are going through is one of the hardest things that you will ever do in your life and no one except your DCs will ever know what you have done. Motherhood seems unpaid but it is not , because your children will remember everything subconsciously.
They might not remember the detail but they will remember the warmth. You can see that when a child avoids its Mother when it's hurt and runs to its Father or it's Grannie? A small child will recognise who is its biggest fan from being a few months old.
Abused and neglected children go very silent.
I am sure that you are laying down the foundations for stable, happy children who will go out into the world and be kind to others. Well done.