Here is an article taken from babycenter.com which explains why having a schedule and routine for your baby is so important.
Why should I have a schedule for my baby?
A baby's needs aren't that complicated — food, sleep, play, and love pretty much sums it up. But knowing what your baby requires when, and how much of it, can be a real challenge. Not to mention balancing your baby's needs with your own and those of older children and other family members.
Many parents find that getting into a regular routine or schedule with their baby makes life much easier: It's almost like developing a personalized how-to manual for your child. As a parent, you'll have a predictable pattern for your days with your little one. And your baby will know what to expect — for example, that she gets a bottle after her morning nap, then playtime or an outing.
"Babies like to know that [certain things will happen] at a certain time each day," says pediatrician Tanya Remer Altmann, editor-in-chief of The Wonder Years: Helping Your Baby and Young Child Successfully Negotiate the Major Developmental Milestones.
"When they're not sleep-deprived or hungry, it makes for a much happier baby. By meeting your baby's basic needs, you put her in the best frame of mind — and body — to learn about and explore her new world."
An added bonus: When you're ready to try leaving your baby with a sitter or caregiver, the transition will be easier. Your baby will be reassured by her usual routine, and your caregiver will be able to anticipate her hunger, sleepiness, or desire to play or go out.
When can I start?
Experts disagree on when and how to establish a routine — and even on whether you need a set schedule for your baby. (See "What are my options?" below.) But many pediatricians, including Altmann, say that babies are ready for a general schedule between 2 and 4 months of age.
Most infants' sleeping and feeding habits become more consistent and predictable after three or four months, says pediatrician Marc Weissbluth, author of Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child. You may want to take this opportunity to encourage your baby to follow a more defined schedule.
No matter which approach you take, it's essential that your baby's well-being come first. That means following the advice of your baby's doctor, plus your gut feeling and common sense, to determine what your baby needs when — no matter what the schedule says.
Routines and Schedules for Children
by Rexanne Mancini
Children need and crave routine. Routine helps establish security and peace in a child’s life. A bedtime routine will establish good sleeping patterns. A dinnertime routine establishes the importance of family interaction, homework schedules will help your child get their homework done on time and with little fuss.
Routines are an ideal way to keep your family and children calm, secure and at ease with life’s variables.
Children will thrive with schedules that are easy to understand and accomplish, yet flexible enough to change if circumstances warrant. We do not want to rule our families with an iron fist, adhering to “the schedule” without compromise; however, good routines will keep your family organized and will establish an environment of tranquility for all family members.
Babies especially thrive on routine. They will become secure and happy with strict adherence to their daily feeding and sleeping schedules, which are, ultimately, their most important routines.
Little children need routines and schedules in order to learn how to manage their time and attention. When they know what we expect of them, they learn to comply with the rules without question. This allows children to feel more confident by understanding their roles in the family.
