Why consistency matters more
than rigid routines when caring for your new baby.
Babies thrive on repetition not rigidity, new born
care isn’t about following a strict timetable, it’s about creating gentle,
predictable patterns, whilst respecting a baby’s need for closeness and
comfort.
New babies don’t understand the concept of time but they do understand repeated
experiences. Through consistent repetition, natural calm is established,
building greater parental confidence.
Calm, confident parents create calm, confident babies.
When new parents feel calm, confident and are consistent in their approach,
babies relax.
Consistency isn’t about perfection, it’s about creating a developmentally
appropriate approach that works for parents and their baby.
Gentle consistency can help new parents to understand and respond to their new
baby’s natural cues.
Why choose a rhythm over a routine?
A rigid routine says
“ Feed your baby now because it’s this or that time’. If you go off “schedule”,
you can feel like you have failed and that the day or night has ALL gone wrong.
A gentle rhythm says
“ Baby has fed, had some activity and digestive time, now it’s time to sleep “A
rhythm is flexible, and easy to get back on to when you inevitably have “one of
those days”.
A gentle rhythm is:
Responsive
Baby led, but with focus and understanding
Predictable but flexible
You do not have to choose between rigid routines and a chaotic blur.
There is a gentle middle ground.
One, where your baby feels safe and secure, you feel confident, your
days have some structure and healthy sleep patterns develop naturally.
Consistency is the key to making this happen and when done correctly,
everything feels calm, not rigid and strict.
Emma Hingston
Founder and creator of the It’s as easy as 1 2 3 method and The 12 week plan.