Starting (gasp) … Gina Ford routine?

[Mamaofaboy]

My 20 week old DS is in need and ready for a better routine.

Baby led naps are a nightmare - he will have 30 mins maximum at a time and scream holy murder and he’s constantly overtired. I try to feed him (EBF) every 3 hours ish but he doesn’t really show signs of hunger, he’s just
more tired than anything else.

I’ve read the CLB book and thinking of starting him on weeks 8-12 (which I can’t ever imagine an 8-12 week old doing 😱) as that’s closest to what we are currently doing.

I’m not sure how I feel about some methods - avoiding eye contact, advice on when to eat and drink etc 🙄🙄🙄 BUT I do think her routines seem somewhat sensible when taken with a pinch of salt, and I’m willing to give the assistance to sleep method a try for a while to lengthen sleeping.

Any late starters of GF stories or any tips are most welcome!

So, how did last night go?

I loved my routine, it kept me sane and my children fed and contented. They were rarely over tired and slept brilliantly. Not through the night til they were 10 to 12 months old but could be put to bed and they self soothed to sleep almost without fail. Very little crying and very happy babies (most of the time).
It worked brilliantly for me. I read Gina and used it and the baby whisperer to find my own techniques and routines.
There’s a lot of very vocal anti-routine posters on Mn but I’m a huge fan.

Two GF babies here from birth. They sleep beautifully in their own room 7-7 and fall asleep by themselves (7 months and 2 years currently). Love Gina.
I can imagine if you are just starting though your LO may be unimpressed by the change (you can see why!) so there may be an element of communicating that this is the new normal, which I imagine may involve some crying, but hopefully not too much.

@didihearthatright123456 they definitely are and so worth it. I am really loving the baby cuddles this time, and there’s so many of them! I’ve had my 3 year old home today as well, I’ve got used to the chaos now and kind of thrive off it.

I can’t see why EBF can’t work with GF, DS isn’t fed to sleep we’ve always done Feed, Play, Sleep. I do cuddle and rock him to sleep currently which I don’t mind

Ahh fair enough. Each baby is different but I think being able to feed to sleep is the best thing about breastfeeding though and most babies feed to sleep. So would struggle with GF. I miss it so much now I FF the twins. When my DD had short naps I’d just boob back to sleep mid way through. It’s the answer to everything!

If some of the GF / routine hating folks actually read my original post that following DS lead is making him unhappy - short feeds and tiny cat naps, you’d understand it’s no longer working for us.

I don’t think it’s cruel or detrimental to him to try and guide him into a loose routine to ensure he gets a proper feed and enough sleep 🙄 I’m his Mum and if I feel I know what’s best for him rather than being “baby led” then I’ll do what I see fit.

Well we’re two days in - the first day was incredible he magically fell straight into the routine and fed around the “right times” and had the most day and night sleep EVER - almost 15 hours when he’d usually have 12 on a good day! BUT it must be a total fluke - yesterday was pretty good but last night was worse than usual 😬 the main thing though is he is napping (on me admittedly for now) well, feeding plenty and seems very happy indeed. I’ve honestly never known him more vocal and chatty in the last 20 weeks than he has been these last few days.

Will persevere and update regularly!

Well done OP! I'm sure he'll get the hang of things in no time x