trying to get a 7 week old into a routine?

[OliversMum2018]

Hi
im a first time mum my little boy oliver was born 7 weeks ago he was 5 week early at 34 + 4 weeks. he wakes up every 3 hours for feeds, usually its 9,12,3,6 we have started to try and get him into a routine for 9:30 every night around half 7 he is bathed, it has started to work for us but the thing is he wont sleep without background noise so we have a gro teddy and we have a projector light on the ceiling, if they arent on he kicks off - we have also started to warm his basket up with a hot water bottle before we settle him into it - people are telling me its to early to start a routine with him but i feel like i would like to be im some sort off routine with his feeds so i know where im up to - has anyone started a routine this early? we are on day 4 off routine and it works for us he wakes up 3 times for a feed but usually goes back to sleep straight after with the lights and noises - it just worrys me when people say its to early because i feel like im not doing anything right

Hello! Congratulations on your beautiful baby boy! Can I gently suggest that you just chill out together and enjoy this special time? You can't "routine" a baby! Snuggles and nurturing. x

It truly is too early. If he was 5 weeks early he's 2 weeks old adjusted.

Please ignore any books, online forums or 'opinions' that tell you to get into a routine from day one. The babies don't read the books. You'll just end up stressing yourself out more and more. Just take each day when it comes.

I've spoken to many people with babies who have been happy with the fact that their babies have been in a routine early on and are excellent sleepers. A few months down the line? It all went to pot.

My little girl is also 7 weeks and I'm just starting a bedtime routine with her too. We have bathtime and then she feeds 11, 330, 7 and goes straight back down (ish) after she feeds. It doesn't work every day but I think it's good to start getting a routine going. I think you should do whatever you feel is right for you and your little one.

I think you should just go along with what suits you and your baby. His needs will change with time as there is little point in getting into a routine.

I’m wondering the same thing so marking my place in this thread

I bought Gina fords book, I’m dreading starting it though. I’ve been advised to get into a routine. My little girl was born on the 28th of nov.

I'm dreading starting it though.

May I suggest that you are dreading starting it because you worry that your baby will resist the rigid structure? Which, is highly possible. Please don't worry about it!

When I was a first time Mum, I used to think that people who had been through the baby stage and were sometimes giving me advice against the books were just trying to steal my thunder and stop me from getting into a clear routine and maintain order with a small baby. The truth is, they knew what they were talking about it many cases. We all want what is best for our babies but the truth is, you should never get used to a good thing. It changes - all the time. You end up tying yourself in knots with it all. You will be the more experienced parents on here one day writing this too. It's well meaning.

My DD is now 2.5. I was all for routine, it's just how I'm made, but until about 5/6 months you're literally in your routine for 2/3 weeks max and it needs to change as their needs change. Honestly I was flapping so much as I really thought things would be better if only I could get her into a routine, but babies just don't understand that they aren't going to get fed until whenever, or that now it's time to sleep. They really do change so quickly, need different sleep one day to the next etc, if you can get your head round it then you really will have a much better and more relaxed time if you can just go with the flow.

TOO EARLY!!

Stay away from parenting books/routines and listen to your baby's needs and create your own routine over time.