MANAGING YOUR BABY’S SLEEP-FEED-UPTIME RHYTHM WHEN YOU’RE GETTING OUT AND ABOUT

Having your baby in a bit of a daytime rhythm or routine doesn’t mean you can’t get out and about each day. In fact, it can actually help you plan the best times to be out, catch up with friends or get errands done.

Sticking to your baby’s Sleep-Feed-Uptime Cycle, no matter where you are or what you’re doing, will help keep things simple and on track.

When your baby wakes in the morning or after a nap, feed them and then put them in their stroller or the car so you can get to where you need to be. If your baby falls asleep in the car, carefully transfer them to a safe sleep space with a firm flat mattress and help them continue the nap so they get the full amount of sleep they require.

Once your baby wakes from their nap, feed them and continue with their Sleep-Feed-Uptime Cycle. Look out for their tired signs and keep track of how long they’ve been up so you don’t miss the magic window to put them down for their sleep. When it’s time for their next nap, use the same techniques you use at home to cue your baby that it’s time to wind down and sleep.  Swaddle them, use the same settling methods, put them down in a safe sleep space and block out some of the light and distractions. If you use a teether or other sleep aids at home, make sure to have them available when you’re out of the house too. Keeping as consistent as possible is the key!

If it doesn’t go according to plan, don’t panic. Go ‘Back to Basics’ and start again. If your baby just won’t settle while you’re out, wait until you’re home and go ‘Back to Basics’ then. If your baby didn’t get enough sleep while you were out and about, put them down a little earlier for their next nap or for their night-time sleep so they can catch up. And if you’ve had a busy few days and your baby seems a little unsettled, try spending a day at home to allow your baby to catch up on sleep and get back into their usual rhythm.