I have heard a lot of controvercy over putting a baby on a strict schedule. I personally have found it does not work for our baby, or me. Since I would like to go to the grocery every now and then. But if you are the type who wants to be very organized or needs to leave your baby with someone and wants them to do certain things at certain times, then give it a try. It is my opinion that not all children thrive on a schedule. If you feel the need to do this, here are some tips.

1. Wait until your child is 3 1/2 or 4 months old AT LEAST. This way, you have gotten through colic (if your child dealt with this), you have learned to read your childs cues (sleepy, hungry, bored etc), and you don't need to do on demand feeding anymore (unless they are going through a growth spurt, you may need to pack in a few ounces here and there).
2. Wait until you are well, your child is well, and if you have help, your partner is well.
3. Tackle one thing at a time. You can't get your child to nap if they are unable to sleep without you or in their crib, or without being rocked etc.
4. Establish a bedtime routine. Just a few things you do every night at the same time in the same order. Example, bath, put on lotion, get dressed, turn out light, eat, listen to bedtime lullaby, lights out completely. You get the idea.
5. Be flexible. If your child is sick, going through a growth spurt, or you are traveling, you may have to abort your schedule and go with the flow.
6. Buy a book that explains the approiate schedule/eating and sleeping for your child.
7. Be realistic and patient. Every child is different. Try to be understanding and realize it may take up to 1-2 weeks to get everything organized.
8. Pick a waking up time/schedule, and stick to it. If you let your child sleep in more than once or twice a week, they will be confused. Same goes for switching the schedule (more than an hour difference) a lot.

I personally do not believe in a strict schedule. Especially if your child is under 6 months. So here are some guide lines if you want stability but want to be a little more flexible too.

1. Establish a bedtime routine, and stick to it 5-6 nights a week. I know some nights you will want to go to dinner, or grandma wants to see baby, and that's ok. But try to stick to your bedtime and bedtime routine most nights.
2. Wake your child up at the same time every morning. This is important so your naps are still taking place.
3. When your child looks sleepy, put him/her down for a nap. You will notice that eventually it will take place ABOUT the same time everyday, and about the same amount of napping minutes.
4. Don't let your child sleep more than 3 hours during the day.
5. If your bedtime is at 7 don't let your child sleep past 6 pm or they won't be sleepy.
6. Catnaps are ok. If it is 5pm and you have 2 hours til bedtime and baby is in tears, out him down for 45 minutes or so, this works wonders for us.
7. Go with the flow but try not to "on demand" feed after about 3 months. You don't want your child to be a snacker. You'll be feeding him all day. Try to feed your baby once every 2 1/2-3 hours from 2-3 months (or sooner if they are ready you can stop demand feedings) and then 3-4 hours at 4 months and up. If your child can do this. Take it slow. Remember if you have a preemie or low birth weight baby they may be a little behind all their little friends!!

As I said before, not all children thrive on a schedule, but if your baby seems to do things at a particular time, try to stick to it most days, and remember that every baby is different and you have to live and learn. Sometimes you will try something new and it will work, sometimes it won't. Good luck!!