Baby Itinerary

A Typical Day in the Life of Jack:

0300: nurse
0700: Wake up!
0702: nurse
0800: play quietly
0900: fuss, get Mommy to play
1000: Experience Solid Foods
1030: bath- be sure to scream as loud as possible. Make neighbors wonder if they should dial 911.
1100: nurse
1130: play
1400: nurse
1430: nap
1700: nurse
1730: quiet play
2000: nap
2200: Daddy's home! Play!
2300: nurse
2330: Night Night!

I've been seeing a lot of Baby Wise recommendations lately. I personally feel that this book is unrealistic at best, gravely dangerous at the worst. The rigid schedule can lead to dehydration and failure to thrive. The mother's milk supply will almost certainly be affected too.
The idea that a baby will not self regulate without a rigid schedule just does not make sense to me. Jack's schedule is something that we fell into that works for him, and fits into mine and Joshua's obligations. The day does not always go exactly like that- sometimes Jack is feeling needier than usual and wants to nurse an extra time (or three!). Sometimes we sleep in, and sometimes we get up earlier. Generally, though, our days follow a pattern, and Jack is happy and active.
One thing we never do is try to make Jack eat if he is not hungry, or keep him from eating if he is. I think if he is confident that food will be available when he needs it, it will help prevent an emotional dependence on food later.
I give Baby Wise a big thumbs down for promoting the idea that children are an inconvenience.