Seeking Moms Advice in Getting an 8 Week Old on a Schedule

T.-

I would have to recommend "Becoming Babywise" also. I read the book and used the technique on both of my boys and we were on a regular routine/schedule by the time both were 10 weeks old. I, too, work full time so it was the best way to get the schedule intact for others that were watching them (mainly my husband) when I was at work. Both my OB and pediatrician recommended it. My pediatrician also used it on her children. Good luck!

-A.

I would reccomend the book On Becoming Babywise by Gary Ezzo. It's a great book that is not too strict about time schedules but talks about getting your child on a natural schedule that fits with what their body needs. We used it when my daughter was younger and she was sleeping through the night by 8 weeks (until we moved and I went back to work and her whole world changed). But anyway, I think it's a great place to start setting up a schedule while learning to bond with and understand your child's individual needs. I hope it works...life is so much better when you can plan an outing or an appointment and not have too much unexpectedness!

Hi there,

I know many moms let the child dictate the schedule. After my first child was born, I went back to work and needed to get him on a schedule and sleep at night. I had heard about a book from my friend called "Becoming Babywise." It is a godsend. Both of my children slept through the night at 8 weeks and we had a regular schedule for naps and eating. It helped me so much. I strongly recommend this book on getting your child on a schedule. Everyone I have told has had the same results! My two kids are 19 month apart and I was even able to adjust their naps together using this schedule. It talks about PDF - parent directed feedings. Best of luck to you!

**Yes, I've heard what everybody THINKS they know about BabyWise...but if you read the book instead of listen to gossip you'll see the obvious! You can find internet jabber about any topic to fit your particular view. If one were to let their baby dehydrate...it certainly isn't b/c of BabyWise...it's just plain bad parenting. No matter what you choose, use common sense...that should go w/o saying! Oh, and the difference btwn 'scheduling' and 'routine' is just letters. Perhaps the 'holier than thou' should re-read the post!! :)**

Well, you are definitely correct that babies NEED scheduling. Scheduled babies are healthier and happier, and that makes for a happy mom!! lol It was way harder to schedule my last baby since I already had a toddler, as well. I echo the BabyWise advice...but I have to warn against hypershceduling. It is possible to be TOO strict! A feeding schedule is something to strive for, but it takes time to transition if you are already demand feeding. Just remember, always feed a hungry baby...just push it back 5-10 minutes each time and you'll get there. Also, I can't advocate 'cry it out'...I think it's horrible to listen to your baby cry, especially at 8 weeks! If you change baby to a feed/wake/sleep cycle (that will make sense if you read the book), I think you'll see improvements. It's simple but it makes a big difference.
Good luck and remember, it's all temporary!! :)
~L.

Hi T. -

I know it can be frustrating, but many 2-month olds are not yet ready/capable to be on a schedule...you hit it right on the head, they have a schedule of their own!

I only have one, so I cannot address the difficulty of #2, though I have a difficult #1, so I can only imagine..LOL! Of course there are things you can do to promote a schedule, but as you had mentioned that will largely be determined by your particular child. I would start by trying to get intune with your babies cues and go from there. It can be hard to do with an 8 week old though. My son was tough to get on schedule and believe me, I tried! I don't think he settled into a schedule until he was 5-6 months and still, some days that doesn't even happen! Again, it isn't because I don't have a schedule or try to stick to it, just some days he eats/sleeps a lot less and I can't make him eat/sleep more!

With time, a more predictable schedule is sure to emerge. Good luck.

As far as I know, I don't think there is much you can do THIS early other than try to establish a bedtime routine and wake up at the same time every day. That will eventually probably help to get her on a sleeping schedule (not right away, but if you do it every day, eventually she will join in). At this point, you should be feeding her whenever she's hungry and not trying to schedule feedings. You still have a couple of growth spurts you're likely to hit before it becomes a scheduled thing. Good luck!

Oh, also, I did read the babywise book and it was helpful with basic knowledge. Personally, I think it would depend on the baby whether it was beneficial or not. I think, like all other parenting books, it should be read and taken into consideration, but not necessarily followed to a "t". Just take the knowledge and bend it to make it fit into your own personal situation.

Sorry but I cannot agree with "babies need a schedule" at 8 weeks. Babies need a routine-not a schedule and it may be easier to acclimate your toddler to the new baby's routine vs the otherway.
As far as the Babywise method- American Association of Pediatrics doesn't support it at all, in fact it contradicts many things that they know to be good for babies and has been linked to failure to thrive and dehydration in babies. (See link)

http://www.ezzo.info/Aney/aneyaap.htm
http://www.ezzo.info/Aney/aapnews.pdf
http://www.ezzo.info/Aney/ct_almostdropped.pdf

It would be nice if there was an immediate answer for everything but I think yours in this case is just time and trying to acclimate the two kids as best as possible. I am not without sympathy- as my #2 is due to arrive in t minus 30 days.
Good Luck and let me know if you find something that works!
C.

8 weeks is still pretty early for her to have any predictable schedule. Even if you scheduled everything up to the nano second she would still have needs outside of that.

I believe 12wks is a more reasonable time for beginning to really work in a schedule, by that time you'll know about when she naturally naps, and eats so your day will be more predictable.

**the Babywise program has been blacklisted by the AAP** visit ezzo.info for more information

1. all babies are differnt.

my daughter was difficult as baby it took a long time to get ehr on a schedule.

my son (11 weeks) is easy - he put himself on a schedule already.. he falls asleep at 8 pm he wakes about 7 am...

he takes 3 naps a day.. the naps differ in length some days he takes a longer morning nap.. but most days 1 hour in the morning.. 3 hours in the afternoon and 1 hour in the evening..

try putting your baby donw for a nap about 2 hours after she gets up... maybe you can help her with a schedule..

give it another month to regulate on it's own... if it doesn't, then try different techniques... it's too early for parent led schedules, they just don't work for anyone I've known who tries.