Here is an example of a routine for a newborn:

• Morning: Wake up, feeding, hygiene (body, intimate parts, and navel), playtime, and nap. Wake up, feeding, hygiene (diaper change), stimulation, and nap.
• Afternoon: Wake up, feeding, stimulation, hygiene (diaper change), playtime, and nap.
• Evening: Wake up, feeding, hygiene (bath and diaper change), relaxing massage and sleepwear, feeding, bonding time, and bedtime.
• Early morning: Wake up, hygiene (diaper changes with dim light, in silence, and avoiding shaking the baby), feeding, cuddle time, and back to sleep. And so on.

During the evening and early morning routines, it is vital to avoid strong stimuli to help the baby begin to recognize the differences between day and night, laying the foundation for their future sleep cycle.

Include playtime and stimulation

Even though your baby is a newborn, they need appropriate playtime and age-appropriate stimulation to foster their sensory, cognitive, and socio-emotional development. Activities can be simple, such as: talking to them clearly, smiling, singing, caressing, rocking, touching their hand, or encouraging them to grasp objects (your finger or parts of their body). You can also include massages with hypoallergenic creams, gentle play during bath time, walks, and short tummy time sessions on your chest, always following your pediatrician's recommendations. It is crucial not to overwhelm them with too much stimulation, as their brain is still developing, is sensitive to overstimulation, and needs to process information gradually. Be flexible.

The most important thing about routines is not to let them frustrate you

You must understand that all the activities you do are subject to changes or modifications based on the needs and milestones that arise in your baby's life, and not every day will look the same for you. You won't know when they will get sick, when you might need to make an emergency trip, when you will need to be away from home, or when something out of your control happens, requiring the routines to adjust a bit according to your circumstances. If this happens, your best response is to correct or adapt as needed when needed. Flow with your baby and don’t expect them to adapt to you; remember, you are teaching them that life should have a structure.

Remember to be consistent

For an activity to become a habit and a habit to become a routine, it takes time, dedication, patience, and a willingness to engage in constant trial and error. Do not rush your baby’s processes or expect everyone to adapt in just a few days. Embrace this stage for what it is: a process of adjusting to a new life. Try to identify what works best for all family members and apply it consistently to establish schedules and patterns that can be followed during the various stages of your baby’s life cycle. Your baby will make the most of their activity and sleep windows during the day if activities occur at roughly the same times every day, so prioritize that consistency.

Include self-care activities for yourself

To provide the best quality of life for your baby, it is essential that as a caregiver, you also establish routines that foster your well-being and health. Some examples include: taking a few minutes to meditate, maintaining personal hygiene, eating well, and engaging in physical activity according to your baby's stage (or your recovery stage if you are postpartum). Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption, take advantage of the times when your baby is resting to rest yourself or spend time with a loved one. Acknowledge your efforts and attempts, even if you fail; seek help if you need it, avoid isolation, share with your support network, and occasionally try going out as a family if approved by your pediatrician.