Returning to normal, everyday life with school and hobbies after the summer holidays is not easy. The inner alarm clock has to be reset from the sleep-in mode back to getting up early. Especially as your normal family morning routine may have been relaxed during the summer holiday; which is totally okay and normal. After all, who wants to eat their breakfast at seven o'clock in the morning during the holidays if they don't have to?
If a new baby has enriched the family during the summer break, juggling the back to school morning routine could become even more challenging. Not only because your baby may have just fallen asleep after a night of drinking, you also have to do the school run with your toddler. The never ending to-do list is growing and you still want to give your attention to all your children’s needs.
Don’t panic, we are here to help by sharing our best tips on how to manage your morning routine:
Preparation is everything
What you can get done the night before? Don't put it off until the morning.
To put it more simply: it’s best to prepare the school packed lunch the night before as it will stay fresh in the fridge. Check the weather forecast for the following day and layout your children's clothes so you don't have to run around in the dark the following morning. It can also help to explain to the family the new way of getting ready for school after the summer break so that everything runs smoothly. Check in with your school to see if there are any up coming events that need to be organised in advance to avoid any surprises.
Set your alarm half an hour earlier
Do not calculate your time in the morning too tightly, instead add half an hour to it in order to remain relaxed in the event of any unplanned surprises. Under time pressure, we become impatient which may rub off directly on your little ones and can lead to situations that you all wish you could have avoided. A few minutes of buffering works wonders!
Share tasks
If possible, split up tasks between yourselves when it comes to getting the kids ready in the morning. A Clear and recurring processes make it easier for everyone to understand what is expected, you can also make it fun too. It is best to discuss who is responsible for what beforehand, otherwise there may be confusion. And if everyone thinks the other has done it, maybe something is missing in the end.
Relax the social expectations
No, you and your baby do not have to show up to school gate looking like a dream everyday. You have done a great job to get your toddler ready and on time for school in the first place.
Your newborn baby can therefore be dressed in their comfy pajamas and placed in their stroller, baby carrier or car seat for the school run.
You do not have to turn up at the school gate in make up and have beautiful hair every day if you don’t want to. Remember: each school parent knows what it's like to have a newborn baby and toddler. That's why most understand the mum bun and a lounge wear look.
Make your baby carrier work harder.
Newborn babies can often be moved from their cot to a baby carrier, pram or car seat with ease when they are asleep. However, if your baby is prone to waking up from sudden movements, a baby carrier could help you during your morning routine. The combination of physical closeness and gentle rocking motion allows your baby to fall asleep again or at least swing happily in front of your chest throughout the morning. So you have your hands free for the school run organization, whilst your baby is still happy.
For you to be comfortable whilst carrying out the morning tasks, can use our breathable baby carriers, such as the Omni Breeze, the Adapt SoftFlex Mesh or the Aerloom. The air-permeable material keeps you fresh and cool even after a stressful start to the day. And if you are breast/chest feeding, you an also do this whist using our baby carriers. You can find out here.
No matter what you do - do it with love
Is your baby demanding your full attention? That is normal. Nevertheless, you would like to spend some meaniful time with your toddler. So create time in the morning for before bed for an individual activity togther. Whether it is brushing your teeth together or packing your school bag, do it consciously. Showing some encouragment praise for competing some activities like choosing their outfit to wear at school or cleaning their teeth will strengthen your bond and show your "big one" they are just as important as their brother or sister.
Keep Calm
Yes, it sounds stressful. But ultimately, your stress transfers to your children. So don't forget to breathe - preferably deep into your stomach. The more relaxed you start the day, the more relaxed your children will be. Second or third-born children in particular have to keep up with everyday life and quickly get used to family routines. So don't worry. After a few weeks you got into groove together. Babies usually adapt to the rhythm of the family with their naps.