An Average Day at 10 Months

Schedules and routines are probably the most common topics I get asked questions about!  I think that most parents wonder about how to do what's "best" with each child's day.  I feel that if your kids are happy, healthy, and growing and you're content, then you're doing something right!  

Since I am a teacher, it's in my nature to creates routines and schedules of what my day will look like.  Throwing twins in the mix made this even more important to me.  Having a routine gives me a slice of sanity since I generally know what to expect, plus the boys get to know what they can count on.  

I have read several books (including 12 Hours of Sleep by 12 Weeks and Baby Wise) that discuss schedules with babies, so I've taken different things from each book and applied what I found most helpful.  We are currently on a 4-hour feeding schedule.  That means our days look something like this:

7:15 AM    Wake up, get out of crib, change diapers, independent play while I make the bottles.
7:30 AM    Drink bottles on Twin-Z pillow on floor
8:00 AM    Breakfast (typically some combination of fruit, oatmeal, puffs, pureed foods + water cup)
8:30 AM    Diaper change and dress kids for the day; play time
9:00 AM    Nap  --  I get ready for the day, clean up the kitchen, and start a load of laundry
10:00 AM  Play, diaper change, then get out of house (run errands, groceries, go to library, etc.)
11:30 AM  Bottle feed
11:45 AM  "Lunch" (foods they can feed themselves, like pieces of meat, cheese, fruit + water cup)
12:15 PM  Play time, diaper changes
1:00 PM    Nap -- I eat lunch, fold clothes, complete to-do list things around the house 
3:00 PM    Depending on wake-up time, run other errands or tidy up around home; play time
3:30 PM    Bottles and diaper changes
4:00 PM    Walk 
5:00 PM    Dinner (generally leftovers of food I've made, which I'll puree if needed)
5:30 PM    Evening play, usually independent while I make and eat dinner
6:15 PM    Signing Time and sound practice
6:45 PM    Bottles
7:00 PM    Bath and story time
7:30 PM    Bedtime for Jacob and James

After they go to bed, I clean up the play room and kitchen, sometimes watch a show with Seth, and try to exercise before showering and heading to bed.

We have nights that we have to get up several times because of teething or boys not feeling well; other nights we'll only get up once.  When they do wake up, usually putting a pacifier in helps them fall back asleep.     

I knew it was time to take away their third nap around 9.5 months because they would be upset when I put them in their cribs and could not be soothed unless they were out playing.

I generally make minor adjustments to our schedule based on how long naps are or if we have appointments to attend.  Instead of taking my bigger stroller I have found it most helpful to leave my umbrella stroller in my car at all times.  My diaper bag is constantly filled with all the necessities I would need if I was out during a feeding time or a diaper change was needed.  If  I used something up, I immediately replace it when I get home.