The August 9, 2010 issue of Time magazine had an interested blip about the importance of routine for young babies. I know many parents think babies are so portable and that putting them on a schedule too soon is unnecessary. But the article claims that “keeping young children on a stable schedule of activities–with consistent wake and sleep times, regular play periods and reliable intervals between meals–can make them less anxious about new situations and environments as they grow older.” A University of Pittsburgh study found that babies who had more dependable routines at one month were less likely to be anxious at age 10. Personally, I think it also helps them be less anxious when they’re babies and toddlers as well! Of my three children, the ones that I’ve had a more consistent routine with starting from a couple weeks of age have been more smiley, happy babies and have had less separation anxiety.
31 Aug
