The Importance of Routines with Our Babies

infant development sleep

This blog post was written by Brooke Boruff, OTR/L with the help of Abby Sharpe, the Infant Insights sleep consultant.

Routines are so important, for us as adults, but also for our babies too.

Think about it… as a parent, you have a series of routines that you likely do throughout your day that help provide predictability and stability during your everyday activities.

Maybe your morning routine looks something like this— getting out of bed, putting your slippers on, turning the coffee pot on, and brushing your teeth.

Or once you get to work, your day starts like this— sitting down at your desk, checking the daily news, then emails, then beginning work tasks for the morning.

No matter what your day consists of, or where you live in the world - you likely have a series of routines that you complete most days of the week.

Although routines are often seen as rigid, boring, or even unnecessary, in reality, they are one of the most powerful tools for adults, and our babies. For adults, routines can help us manage busy schedules, reduce stress, and find time for self-care. But for our babies, routines are much more than just a schedule—they are the building blocks of security, emotional regulation, proper sleep, and many more areas of growth and development.

So, let’s explore why routines are essential for everyone, especially our babies, and how simple implementation of routines into your baby’s day can change the outcomes in many areas.

What is a routine, and why does it matter?

At its core, a routine is simply a set of predictable actions performed regularly. This predictability can feel grounding for people of all ages. Like mentioned earlier, imagine starting your day with a familiar cup of coffee, your favorite morning playlist, or a quick workout. That comfort and calmness you feel after these activities isn’t random—it’s your routine setting the tone for the day. And if your routine is disrupted, then your whole day may be a little out of kilter.

For babies, who are experiencing their big world for the very first time, routines provide an essential sense of security. Babies thrive on predictability because it gives them a way to anticipate what comes next. This predictability creates a safe foundation for exploring new skills, environments and even skills needed for independent sleep. A recent study actually found that “routines are associated with positive developmental outcomes in children, covering cognitive, self-regulation, social–emotional, academic skills, and overall mental and physical health.” (Selman & Dilwroth-Bart, 2023).

So, let’s explore some of the benefits of routines for our babies.

First, routines promote emotional security

Babies don’t come into the world knowing what to expect. Everything they are exposed to is completely new. Simple routines—like feeding, bath time, or bedtime—become cues that everything is okay and help their body regulate in response to the tasks to come. When babies know what’s coming, they feel safe which reduces stress and fussiness.

Routines support healthy sleep patterns

A consistent bedtime routine (think bath, story, and cuddles) helps regulate your baby’s internal clock. Over time, they associate the routine with sleep, making bedtime smoother and reducing night wakings (YAY!).

Routines help encourage milestones

Regular routines provide structured time for learning during your baby’s wake windows. For instance, floor time after breakfast will help support your baby’s motor skills, while story time in your daily routine will enhance language development.

Routines support better behavior

I have seen this first hand in my toddler and with a lot of the children I worked with in the outpatient therapy clinic. Routines help support better behavior. Period. When babies and toddlers know what to expect, they are less likely to become overwhelmed or act out. And when predictable boundaries are set (if you don’t do ___, then ___), the child knows and can predict the outcome. This predictability reduces uncertainty, which is often the root of challenging behaviors in children.

Routines create space for connection

Routines are about more than structure—they’re also opportunities for bonding. That nightly bedtime song or morning snuggle becomes a cherished ritual that deepens your connection with your little one. And adding in time for connection and play with your baby or child is a great addition to your daily, or weekly, routines. A brief by the Administration for Children and Families from 2019 states that creating predictable routines and schedules gives infants a sense of calm and security and I couldn't agree more!

Routines are a domino effect. They affect everyone.

If you aren’t in the newborn stage currently, then think back to a time when you were. You have just had your baby, and have just returned home with your brand new bundle of joy. In the first few days, the days and night run together as you try to find your rhythm with your new addition. There is no time for self care, but only time for feeding, sleeping, changing the baby, and repeating.

Then, all of a sudden, you and your baby develop a rhythm and routine. Things begin to become more predictable as you learn each other and both of you begin to settle into this new routine. Baby begins to eat at set times maybe, or sleep at specific times post feeding. And maybe you find yourself having time to take a bath, or get outside. Your newly formed routines allow you to predict your day and participate in activities that you and baby can both enjoy.

So, you see? Routines don’t just benefit babies—they benefit us as parents too.

Routines benefit parents in many ways, including:

Reduces Decision Fatigue: When much of your day is already mapped out, you don’t waste energy deciding what comes next. Think of a meal plan! You don’t have to think about what you will have for meals because maybe you have a routine of planning the meals for the week ahead of time.
Builds Confidence: Knowing what works for your family can make you feel more in control as a parent. And knowing how to soothe, calm, or care for your baby at certain times in the day gives you a ton of confidence in your parenting!
Encourages Self-Care: Routines free up mental space to prioritize your own needs so you can show up well for your kids! Baby naps usually 1-3? Mom may can skip to the gym or even get her nails done!
Improves Co-Parenting: Shared routines create consistency, even when multiple caregivers are involved. Plus, routines help all caregivers know what to expect which helps share the workload of the home. This reduces burn out and resentment among caregivers (WIN!).

I'm sold! Routines sound awesome... So, how do we practically develop routines for our baby?

A routine doesn’t need to be strict to be effective. You may find specific time stamps to be helpful, but more importantly are the patterns of predictable activities. And when establishing a routine with your baby, flexibility is key. So, here’s how to create routines that benefit your baby:

First, start small

Focus on one or two key parts of your day, like bedtime or morning wake-ups. Once these routines feel natural, expand to other areas like meals or playtime.

Next, build your routine around natural rhythms

Follow your baby’s cues when crafting a routine. Pay attention to when they’re naturally tired, hungry, or alert, and structure your day around those moments. Sleepy cues for your baby may be redness in the eyes, rubbing eyes, increased fussiness, and yawning. Keep an eye out for these cues and implement simple nap or night time routines to support your baby’s sleep.

Then, be consistent, but flexible

Life happens, and sometimes routines will go out the window (cue the teething and growth spurts!). Consistency matters, but don’t stress about occasional disruptions. Follow a pattern of events at first, instead of a clock and this will help your baby predict the events to come.

Lastly, don’t over complicate things.

When you are first developing routines with your baby, you may feel confused on where to start or what to do. Following your baby’s lead is the single most important thing you can do. For example, when completing your baby’s nap time routine maybe you find a particular way that your infant likes to be held while rocked to sleep. Do this pattern of holding while rocking with your baby next time to see if this is a consistent preference, and if it is - then add this into your baby’s nap time routine! Of course, this routine will adapt and change as your baby grows, but remember: subtle shifts are better than abrupt changes!

Need some examples of baby-friendly routines? Here are a few!

Your baby’s morning routine may look like:

Wake-Up: Open the curtains, turn the sound machine off, greet the baby with a cheerful “good morning,” and change their diaper.
Feeding: Offer breast or bottle milk after the diaper change. You may talk to your baby or sing a song while you prepare their bottle (if bottle fed).
Playtime: Implement a floor time rotation. Engage in tummy time, then sidelying play for babies not rolling, then back play with a play gym overhead. Maybe even add in sensory play, or a short walk outdoors as you desire.

Or a nap time routine may be:

Wind Down: Change diaper, sleep sack on, lower the lights, sound machine on, and cuddle before sleep.
Transition to crib: Maybe rock baby until they are almost asleep, or sing one song for older babies, then place in crib on their back, side, or belly depending on the age of the infant (NOTE: BELLY or SIDE SLEEP IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR INFANTS BELOW AGE 1).

And a bedtime routine may be:

Bath: A warm bath to signal the day is winding down.
Story Time: Read a favorite book together,
Snuggle: Sing a lullaby or offer gentle rocking while feeding (if not weaned yet) before laying them down.

Routines aren’t just about creating order—they’re about fostering peace, connection, and growth. For your baby, and mine as well, routines lay the foundation for emotional security, healthy habits, and developmental milestones. And as a parent, they provide a consistent predictable routine to our day that has a lot of variation at times. Personally, my kids’ nighttime routines are just as much for me as they are for them!

Whether it’s a soothing bedtime ritual, a playful morning start, or shared family traditions, routines have the power to help your baby thrive and bring balance to your life too!

Embrace routines in your day - everyone will be thankful!

Sources:

Selamn & Dilworth-Bart (2023): Routines and child development: A systematic review

Pahigiannis, K., Rosanbalm, K. and Murray, D. W. (2019). Supporting the Development of Self-Regulation in Young Children: Tips for Practitioners Working with Infants (birth to 1 year old) in Childcare Settings. OPRE Brief #2019-27. Washington, DC: Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.