My schedule vs. baby schedule

I don’t know about you, but I love schedules. If I didn’t have a schedule, I would rarely get anything done. When I have free days, I really cannot get motivated to do much. Those days, I end up being on the computer way more than I would like. I usually just put everything off. So, I have found that when I use schedules and plans and organization, I am way more productive.

However, you got to love kids. They like schedules too, but they like to break that schedule as much as possible. Calan can have really great naps and feedings one day and the next day it is all over the place. But, I believe that it is my job to not give up and to learn to roll with it. I think the only way I am going to get through 2 babies so close in age is by having a schedule and knowing that more times than not, it won’t be followed, but there will always be a daily goal and plan.

Right now, I have Calan on a pretty consistent schedule. He is usually hungry every four hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and the day is usually planned around that. Here is our daily goal:

6:45/7:00 – feed – 8 oz. bottle

7:30 – solids – fruit & yogurt

7:45 – floor time

8:30 – change into clothes

8:45 – story

9:00 – nap

10:30/11:00 – wake up

11:00 – feed –6 oz. bottle / veggie & oatmeal

11:30 – independent play time (playpen)

12:00 – exersaucer

12:30 – mom time / floor time

1:15  – nap

3:00 – wake / feed – 8 oz. bottle

3:30 – independent play time (playpen)

4:00 – mom time (stories, singing, skills practice) / Free time

6:00 – feed – veggie & oatmeal

6:30 – change for bed

6:45 – feed – 6 oz. bottle

7:00 – bed time

Nothing is ever set in stone, but I think that if I can know my child’s schedule, I am going to be able to plan my day around it and be able to plan a second or third child’s schedule. As well as be able to plan time to spend with each child individually throughout the day, which is something that I think will be really important with having children so close together. 

I know that some people will read this and think that it is crazy to be so scheduled. Just know that I try not to call it a schedule and more of a goal. There are many days Calan wakes up early from a nap and that changes the day, as well as, play dates, errands, doctor appointments, you name it. Anything can change our day, but I love knowing that there is always a daily goal. And when that day goes pretty close to the schedule, Calan is a happy baby, I am a happy mommy, and we both have more fun together.

Not sure yet what my newborn schedule will look like, but when I do, I will post it.