Jo Tantum baby secrets routine

[SmallBee]

I've got a lovely 12 week old DD and after putting her into a vague routine over Christmas & seeing the benefits of a happy smiley little girl when she has some day time naps I'm looking for a more structured routine.

I've read Gina Ford & Rachel Waddilowe but the routine that best fits DD & makes the most sense to me is Jo Tantums.

I have a couple of questions and was wondering if anyone who has used this routine (or hasn't! ) could give any advice?

As part of the spaced soothing method Jo says Slumber Bear can be used. However after a couple of prior weeks I've happily concluded that slumber bear can fuck the fuck off. (It kept turning on when no one was around. Or not turning on when it should have been. Then broke ) we're using white noise instead, but how long should it be left on for to sooth her? Currently she isn't sleeping without it at all-which is fine for now but would like to wean her off it so she can settle without it eventually.

Also, with anyone in a routine, how often did you step outside it for things like Drs apps or particular classes you'd wanted to take your baby too? Or is it better to only do those things within the confines of the routine?

Sorry for rambling on- but any advice would be very welcome!

To be honest, why not just keep her in that 'vague routine' when it worked? Anything else will just constrain you in doing the things you mentioned... it would get me mad!

But that is just the opinion of somebody who hasn't got a routine other than for bedtime...

I think for me I'll find it easier to deal with if she has a more set routine. It's much easier for me to plan our day and make sure she doesn't get overtired if she has set nap times.
One of the problems with the vague routine is that I'm constantly looking for her sleepy cues, but if I miss them she gets grizzly and the rest of the day isn't much fun.

I have heard that the use of white noise can be slowly weaned by turning the volume down a little bit over a long period of time, until it is so soft and quiet that it's barely audible and can be turned off altogether.

With regard to staying in for naps - I would think long and hard about staying indoors for ALL of them, as unfortunately you can end up with a baby who can't sleep in a car or pushchair when you may need them to.

Mine didn't stop daytime sleeps until just before turning 3 years old and 3 years is a long time to have to stay in the house, makes day trips out or holidays pretty difficult (screaming overly tired baby who doesn't know how to sleep anywhere ). I know as they grow older the amount of naps reduce and many stop daytime naps much earlier than 3 years old, but because it's not necessary to tie yourself down like that I would actively choose not to.

Out of the 3 daytime naps my baby is taking, one of them (the longest) is at home but the others are sometimes out and about. He doesn't sleep as long but more 'catnaps' if not in his bed, but he can at least get a little top-up, which is better than nothing!

P.S - you can still keep to a routine time wise, just not locations

Laughing-thanks I hadn't thought of that! I've been so concerned with not relying on the motion of the car/pram to put her to sleep I never considered it might go too far the other way!

my DD is 12 weeks too.

I was getting really fixated on getting her into a routine but after stressing myself out the only routine im.sticking too is the bed time one.

my little.one is a bit stubborn and refuses.to sleep that much during the day ,.However self settles quite well at 7pm bed time.

I am working on getting her sleeping through the night first and sticking to her bath, bottle and bed routine for now.im aware she wont sleep thru till provably 6months. ... although I do wish it was sooner

I find not having set times during the day easier for me as I can take her out for pram walks and visit family and friends. she naps in her pram quite well. its just a lot easier having that freedom otherwise I would never leave the house during the day haha