This is really well written, lovely advice and very good choice of pictures.

A guide like this would have come in handy during the first months with my firstborn, who's about to turn 5. We learned that establishing a routine very similar to what you posted was not only easier for him to relax, but also for us. After a while it becomes automatic, and even they know what the next step should be.

Key thing for all new parents to realise is that there is no magic answer or method to any child, where one thing may work amazingly for your sister and her kids, it might not work for you personally. Learn your child, and adjust to what works for them, and most importantly you...

Burning yourself out with stress ad lack of sleep is only going to be detrimental to all involved. Stressing yourself out will waste these precious moments we get in the early times, times you'll wish you could get back very very soon...