Altson

I highly recommend a schedule, but remember each baby is different. I've gone with a loose schedule in the first few weeks, until they show you their preferences (and the definitely do). I also see how they fit with the rest of the family's schedule as well, and adapt theirs to fit that. It's easier to adapt the baby than it is everyone else. Example - if you have older kids, work, whatever and a lot that goes on in the mornings then getting the baby on a later morning nap would probably work out better. Or, say you have activities in the late afternoon, it would probably work out better to have an early afternoon nap, later lunch/snack before those activities started.

Once I seem to have a schedule that makes everyone happy, I STICK to it, this is the most important part. I gradually change as they get older and their needs change. I find babies are very content when they have a normal, consistent routine they like.

I am absolutely fanatical about bed time and the routine. I do the same thing from day one as much as possible and always put to bed at the same time, in the same way, in their own room. I can honestly say, I've had very few bed time issues with any of my kids because of not bending on the night time rules.