Hi Mom. I know I am late at getting a routine together for my 17 month old son. I am a first time mother and finally I am realizing the importance of a routine/schedule. Right now, his bedtime is 9pm and he wakes up at 9am. I try to keep him up so that he can see my husband after work. Our work schedules are 7am-7pm. When my husband is at work I am with my son and vice versa when I am at work. After he wakes up we have breakfast, then Gymboree (1x a week) then naptime at 12. Sometimes he takes two naps a day. I also lay with him in bed so that he would fall asleep. Please share your routine or books you recomment in developing a good routine. Thanks in advance.
What you described sounds like a routine to me. Each home situation is different and it sounds like you are doing what is best for your son. If you change it too much he wouldn't get to see dad.
We always changed diaper and clothes, and read Goodnight Moon, then kisses and bed. As he got older, and could pick books, we gave him a selection of board books. Now he can pick almost any book (2.5).
Sounds like you have a pretty set schedule. WE always did bath, snack, cartoon, diaper change, teeth, books, prayers & bed. Is he in a crib? Can he put himself to sleep if you put him to bed drowsy but not sleeping
I was thinking the same thing as the other responders... you seem to have a routine. Are you concerned because it's not the same kind of routine that is typical of most? I don't think that's important. Your family needs to develop the routine that works for you. The only time your routine may become significant is when your child starts school. Unless he gets into a late class, his getting up at 9 a.m. could become a problem then. However as he gets older, my guess is that he'll begin getting up earlier on his own and thus solve that problem before it can become a problem.
You mention that you lay in bed with him to help him get to sleep. I don't see that as a negative, but if it's something you feel you need to change, just try sitting beside him and pat his back or simply put your hand on him so he feels your presence until he falls asleep.
You don't mention a lot of physical activity other than the Gymboree once a week. If you're not already doing so, be sure to get him outside daily. Go for a walk, go to a park, or just play in your own backyard with him to be sure he gets plenty of exercise and fresh air. That usually helps sleep patterns as well as being good for the physical well-being in general.
