Hi, fellow parents!
I'm a first-time mom, and I'm struggling to create a routine for my 4-month-old baby. I'm having a hard time juggling playtime, feedings, and naps, and I feel like I'm not doing a good job at any of them. My baby seems to be constantly fussy, and I can't tell if she's hungry all the time, tired, or just needs to play. I want to make sure I'm meeting all her needs, but I'm feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to start.
If anyone has any suggestions or tips on how to create a balanced routine for my baby, I would greatly appreciate it. How do you structure your baby's day to fit in all the necessary activities while ensuring they get enough sleep and nutrition? What cues do you look for to know when it's time to switch activities or when your baby needs something specific? Any advice or personal experience would be helpful! Thank you in advance.

Hi there! As a mom of two, I understand how difficult it can be to manage a balanced routine for your baby. For me, it was all about prioritizing and being flexible.
In terms of prioritizing, I made sure that my babies were getting enough sleep, as that was the foundation of their mood, health, and development. I also made sure they were well-fed as I didn't want them to be hungry and uncomfortable during playtime.
With playtime, I made sure to give my babies different types of activities and mix them up throughout the day. Sometimes, we'd go for a walk, other times we'd do some sensory play at home, and other times we'd just have some quiet time while I talked to them.
Of course, with two kids, I had to be flexible and couldn't always follow a set routine. Some days were better than others, and some days, the routine went out the window completely. However, I found that it was important to stay consistent with the priorities of sleep, feeding, and playtime, and also to listen to my babies' cues.
Lastly, I want to highlight that it's important to not put too much pressure on yourself to have a perfectly balanced routine. It's okay to have off days or to deviate from the routine sometimes. What's most important is that you're doing your best to meet your baby's needs and giving them the love and attention they need.