How do you wake a baby up for daycare?

[Anonymous]

Currently on maternity leave with my 10 week old and while we don’t have a sleep schedule per se, he does get up at the same time every day, and it’s not the time I’m going to need to wake him once I start back to work in a couple weeks.

I guess I don’t have to “wake” him, but I will need to get him out of bed, change him, and get him into the car seat. Chances are he will “wake” during the diaper change and I’ll have to feed him and then he will be fully awake then.

Am I just in a postpartum funk? Will this totally mess us his natural sleep rhythm? I feel awful about this. How do I prepare him for the transition? How does this work?

[Anonymous]

First of all, I’m sorry for any worry, anxiety or sadness that you are feeling or will feel. I remember that, and it’s tough, but I want you to know it gets better. You will get into a routine, and all will be well.

The key word is: routine! Start nudging toward that desired routine time now, maybe 10 or 15 minutes at a time, as gradually as possible, until your new routine is established.

And don’t worry: yes, their schedules and rhythms are very important, but they also naturally shift and change, practically month by month. You’ll get into a good rhythm. Go easy on yourself, and be as flexible as you can. It’s going to be OK.

[Anonymous]

My baby wasn't on a routine when he started daycare but daycare really helped to get him on a routine. He typically wakes up early but there have been a few days that he has slept late. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

PP here- If you have any flexibility, I would highly recomend going back part time or 6 hours a day or something when you start so that you aren't as stress about the am schedule. My co-worker suggested this and it really helped me!

[Anonymous]

The baby’s schedule will adapt after a few days. They might be a bit cranky during the transition but it will be totally fine.

[Anonymous]

Try not to worry yet. You say you have a few weeks til you go back. They keep changing so fast at their age and their schedule too.

Mims always got up early but sometimes wanted to nap when it was time to head out! Infant rooms are really flexible in letting babies have their schedule at the outset. Over time they try to get them on a regular schedule across the room.

Are you fully back on-office / is your schedule set in stone or is there some flexibility for you or DH?

[Anonymous]

Put him to bed earlier!!!!!!

[Anonymous]

I didn't want to, and it was one of the reasons we hired a nanny. I wanted the nanny to conform to my infant's schedule to a certain degree.

[Anonymous]

A 10 week old isn’t really on a schedule yet. Very young children (3 and younger) typically wake up VERY early (before 7 am) no matter when you put them to bed. I would give this a few more months before you start worrying.

[Anonymous]

His schedule will adjust naturally just like yours would if you had to wake earlier.

Think of it this way: His schedule now, and even later, is based on his natural wake windows. If you wake him earlier, but his natural wake window remains the same, nap times shift earlier and make for an earlier bedtime. It may end up being messier than this, but ultimately his body should adjust.

[Anonymous]

OP the “natural” wake time will move anyway with the sun. Even if you were home full time, the baby might have to wake to accommodate older siblings or family breakfast or whatever. Don’t let this bother you too much - it’s natural for babies to have to adjust their mornings.