What’s the best morning routine with your baby that’s easy and realistic? We have 10 morning plans moms can do with babies all lined up for you.
However, before we get right into it I just wanted to share that this was generally the routine I did with my second baby. After a few months passed, I realized that my second baby slept much better at night. Why? Because he had a good but flexible routine during the day.
Morning Routine #1: Wake Up
I would normally like to wake up around 6 am. If you happen to wake up before the baby, this is the best time to start the laundry!
Waking up before the baby wakes up will allow you to have more time for yourself. Whether you need this time to just drink some water, grab a cup of coffee, or even enjoy the solitude before the morning gets hectic – taking the time for yourself is definitely a win-win!
Even if you can get half an hour to yourself before the baby wakes up can help you feel and be more productive.
Related post: The Best Morning Mommy Routine to Boost Productivity
Morning Routine #2: Start the Laundry
If you’re a new mom with a small baby, chances are that you probably have a lot of laundry to deal with.
Starting the laundry in the early morning is the best way to go because it takes up about 1-2 hours to finish that laundry.
By the time you’re done with your shower and giving the baby a nappy change, you can put the laundry in the dryer.
If you choose to hang your clothes out under the sun, then it’s even more important to start your laundry in the morning so you can dry your clothes while it’s hot outside.
Related post: The Most Effective Cleaning Schedule for Moms
Morning Routine #3: Nappy change
Once you’ve started your laundry, your baby might have woken up at this time. If you’re too tired and don’t have the energy to give your baby a bath, you can just opt for a nappy change.
Paediatrician Diane Rai explains that the best time to give a baby a bath depends on your convenience. Some parents skip the morning bath. The most important areas to keep clean are the face, nappy area, and neck.
Morning Routine #4: Breakfast with some soothing music on
This morning routine with your baby may seem unorthodox but I wished I had done this sooner!
When you just have a baby it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and isolated. Putting on some soothing music can definitely help lift your spirits.
If you’re worried that the music might make the baby overly stimulated, you can always put on some songs that are soothing and a little mellow.
Think of this as a way of self-care – that you are slowly returning to your usual self. Trust me, I know the feeling of becoming someone new overnight while having to still figure things out.
Morning Routine #5: Take a walk
Now for a new mom, taking a walk may not seem like the best morning routine with your baby. But please hear me out.
After I had my second baby it took me so long to get back to myself (mentally, not physically). Once I started doing simple exercises, I eventually got into the rhythm of exercising. But of course, I only started exercising again when my baby was 5 months old.
There are many benefits of walking with your baby in the morning.
Believe it or not, taking walks with your baby whether it is in a stroller or in a carrier is soothing for your baby. Getting them used to being outdoors, and experiencing nature even if it’s in your garden or in your neighbourhood is a learning experience for them.
It’s a good way to bond with your baby too!
Morning Routine #6: Take a bath
Taking a bath seems to be a no-brainer for a mom’s morning routine with your baby. But many moms sometimes make the mistake of putting everyone ahead first and not wanting to take a bath or a shower until much later!
I know because I did this too.
I thought I was being an effective parent by putting everyone else’s needs above mine. To a certain extent, I guess I was. But you know what? I wasn’t happy.
I would normally take a quick shower in the morning before I head out. If I plan to work out, then I will send the kids to kindergarten first and then take a shower.
I understand that having a baby can be hectic but try to take that quick shower not too late during the day. Taking that shower in the morning does make a difference in how you’ll feel.
Morning Routine #7: Read a book
When I had my son, I would sometimes read a book to him.
Now, this book could either be a book for babies or…
It could be a book that I want to read.
I would sometimes read it aloud to him although the words were much too difficult for him to understand at the time.
It’s also a way for you to get to read that book that you want – although it’s just for 10 minutes.
Related post: Best Islamic Books to buy for Children Online
Morning Routine #8: Watch a series/movie
This might be a taboo for young moms but if you’re in need to watch some television even though it’s just 30 minutes, this would be the best time to do it.
You don’t have to let your baby watch tv.
Your baby can sit in his crib next to you or he can lie down on his playmat while you are close to him while you watch some of your favourite shows.
Life with a small baby may seem mundane and sometimes boring, so you do not feel guilty for having some fun with your baby in the morning.
Getting your baby to listen to some noise in the background is not a bad thing. In fact, this will get him used to recognizing the difference between night and day.
Just be sure that the volume is not too loud.
Morning Routine #9: Sensory play
What is better than adding some sensory play to your morning routine with your baby?
Many parents are afraid whenever they hear “sensory play.” The first thing that comes to their mind is THE MESS.
Although you can have messy play for your kids, when your baby is still small I wouldn’t recommend the messy play.
So what is sensory play?
Sensory play is a kind of activity that stimulates a child’s senses such as touch, sight, and hearing.
There are many things you can do as easy sensory play ideas such as:
- Skin-to-skin
- Exploring different textures
- Outdoor observation
- Tummy time
- Soothing music
As for me, sometimes I like to hang a bright picture or cloth next to the baby’s crib. My son would spend maybe about 5-10 minutes just observing the picture.
You might think that assisting babies to use their senses may not be beneficial – but it is! I notice how my second child just grasp everything much faster than his first. Apart from him being the second child, I do think I gave him more opportunities to explore his senses.
Morning Routine #10: Take a drive
Occasionally, when I am bored of staying at home but too tired to get out, I take a drive with my baby.
Taking a drive is a good and relaxing morning routine with your baby because:
- It’s a form of practice for your baby to be in his car seat
- You get to listen to your favourite music
- You can go to a drive-through and order some coffee
- Your baby might end up falling asleep
- These 10-morning routine ideas with your baby are just that – ideas!
It really depends on you what you want to do.
The bottom line is that you do something that benefits you and your baby.
FAQ
When should you start a routine with a baby?
This really depends. Experts would say that a newborn baby does not need a routine just yet. But based on my experience, once you get a few hours of sleep in between feeds and you want to slowly get your baby into the groove of a routine, you can start once he is 2 months old.
But again, it all depends on the development of your baby.
Whatever it is, prioritize on your health and well-being.
Do babies need a morning routine?
Babies above 3 months old would definitely benefit from having a routine.
With that being said, the routine should be flexible and dependent upon your baby’s schedule.
Having a flexible baby routine is also helpful for parents as you can expose him to different activities which can slowly nurture his independence. Getting your baby to be distracted for 10 minutes can give you some time to do other things.
How do I get my newborn into a morning routine?
First of all, you’d want to make sure you’re in a good state to start a morning routine.
If you’re still struggling to get any sleep at all at night, you might not want to start a morning routine just yet.
As for me, always follow the cue for your baby. If he always wakes up in the mornings and looks like he wants to explore, then you can definitely start slowly starting a morning routine.
These morning routine ideas are meant to be flexible. The most important thing is that you enjoy doing it and that you don’t feel stressed out.
Hope this helps!
Let me know if you have any morning routine ideas with your baby.
