Do New Moms Need a Morning Routine?

Your newborn baby's day revolves around eating and sleeping -- unfortunately, new moms aren't so lucky. If you've just had a baby, simply getting dressed in the morning can seem like a huge triumph, let alone following a strict routine. While you don't need to transition into a regular schedule right away, keeping a routine that starts at the beginning of your day can help you feel more organized as a new mom. Take some time for yourself and then start thinking about a manageable routine that helps you feel in control and like a true Supermom.

  1. The Benefits

    • A new mom routine doesn't have to be strict or militant. Rather, it acts as a road map throughout your day so you can keep things organized and stay on track with your child's sleep and feedings, as well as your personal obligations, to reduce your stress level, according to Jamie C. Martin, author of "Steady Days" on her parenting blog. Even small things like getting dressed each morning or going for an after-breakfast walk once your doctor approves physical activity can make you feel like you've had a better, more accomplished day and helps you ensure that the most important things -- taking a few moments for yourself or getting some basic organizational stuff done -- are taken care of at the start of the day.

    The First Weeks

    • During the first weeks after having a new baby, you don't need to pressure yourself to get back into the swing of things too quickly. Your body needs time to recover from childbirth and you'll need plenty of sleep -- particularly when your little one is snoozing. According to the book, "Women's Moods: What Every Woman Must Know About Hormones, the Brain, and Emotional Health," you should let go of your usual roles and allow others to supply your basic needs while you focus on caring for your little one. Whether you have a period of maternity leave or you're staying at home indefinitely, the first weeks should serve as time to rest, heal and spend time with your baby. After a few weeks of downtime, you can begin adding items back into your routine, like waking up at a certain time each morning and getting early chores and obligations taken care of.

    Working Moms

    • If you're planning on heading back to work, a routine is an important way to, first, ease back into your old scheduled lifestyle and, second, create a routine around your baby's habits that you can give to your child's caregiver to facilitate structure and stability. After a few weeks of maternity leave, transition into a schedule that is similar to your future routine once you head back to work. Waking up and getting dressed at the proper time can help you streamline your morning routine while helping you identify components to add or cut out as necessary. If you're feeling stressed first thing in the morning, try prepping as much as possible the night before, suggests professional organizer Stacey Crew in her book, "The Organized Mom: Simplify Life for You and Baby, One Step at a Time."

    Stay-at-Home Moms

    • Just because you're not heading to work each morning doesn't mean you can't benefit from a steady morning routine. As your little one ages, you'll notice natural routines for eating and sleeping that help to dictate your day. Getting started each morning by waking, getting dressed and getting your baby ready can help set the tone for a productive day and a predictable schedule for your little one. As you naturally transition into your new life with your new baby, your morning routine will be based around your child's needs and your own daily obligations. Some trial and error might be required, but you'll eventually find a morning routine that works for you and your family.

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