Every mom wants their child to grow healthily. To ensure this, you have to do more than feed them with breast milk. You also need to ensure they are getting adequate sleep and have time for other activities that support their development.
However, figuring out the right timing is not easy, especially if you are a new mom. Don't worry. We are here to help you. In this article, you will find a sample infant baby schedule and will learn the key considerations when creating your own.
What Is a Baby Schedule?
A baby schedule is a plan that parents use to ensure that their babies are getting enough nutrition, sleep, and play. It typically states what activity is for what hour and the duration of the activity. A baby schedule is also known as an eat-play-sleep baby schedule because those are the key activities that the plan should include.
Why Are Baby Schedules Important?
Baby schedules are important because they help you ensure that your baby is getting enough food, sleep, and playtime. Yes, your days will not always go as planned. However, a schedule will still help you track your baby's activities even in those days. It will also let you make informed decisions when making adjustments.
You should not follow a schedule for baby activities strictly. Instead, you should follow what your baby tells you. If they are showing signs of hunger, feed them. Do not wait for the "perfect time" that your schedule says.
Nevertheless, a schedule will let you know if it is time for something, even if your baby is not showing cues. For example, it will let you know if you should offer your baby milk even if they don't seem hungry. Likewise, the schedule will let you know when you should make your home "sleep-friendly" because your baby needs to nap soon to prevent overtiredness.
A written schedule will also help you remember. You will find that especially useful during the first few months. These months are tiring because of frequent and night feedings, as well as figuring things out. This may make you forget even important things. A daily schedule with reminders on your phone can prevent that from happening.
When To Start a Routine with Your Baby
Experts recommend that you start a routine once your baby is 2 - 4 months old. At this stage, your baby has developed consistent eating and sleeping habits. On the other hand, younger babies are more unpredictable. Thus, starting a routine for them will be difficult.
How To Establish a Baby Schedule
Here are some tips on how to establish a baby schedule:
Consider Wake Windows
You should create a baby schedule based on your baby's wake windows. This will depend on how old your baby is. As they grow older, the time they will stay awake between naps and bedtime will get longer. So, you need to adjust the baby's schedule as your baby grows.
Stay Consistent
Consistent repetition is the key to establishing a routine. While some things are out of your control, stick to the schedule as much as possible. Repeat this every day to help your baby get used to the schedule.
Please note that you can use tools to establish routines. For example, you can use the Momcozy Sound Machine to help create a sleep-friendly environment for naps. By playing white noise, lullabies, or nature sounds, you can make your baby sleepy. That will be helpful when bedtime or naptime is near.
Make Adjustments
If you find that the schedule you created is not working, consider making adjustments. Keep your baby's behavior and developmental needs when making these adjustments. Try the new schedule for a few days without making any changes. This will make the baby accustomed to the schedule. Changing things too often may make it difficult for them to associate certain actions with the time.
Since observations are essential for making informed adjustments, you may want to get a baby monitor. It will allow you to see your baby's activities even when they are in a different room. The Momcozy Smart Baby Monitor is a great option. One of its best features is the smart motion detection. It will detect if your baby moves and alert you if it needs your attention.
What You Should Avoid When Setting Your Baby on a Daily Schedule
You should avoid feeding your baby before naptime or bedtime. This may make them develop a feeding-to-sleep association. If that develops, your baby will find it difficult to fall asleep without feeding first.
To avoid feeding-to-sleep association, you should add an activity between the feeding session and naptime or bedtime. It should look like an eat, play, sleep schedule. This helps regulate your baby's energy level. They get energy when they feed. Then, playing or an activity will let them get that energy out. Consequently, that will make it easier for them to fall asleep.
Sample Monthly Baby Schedules
Here is a sample baby schedule. You can use this one or use it as a base for creating your own schedule.
Good Routine for Newborn (1 Month Old)
Remember that newborns will sleep and eat most of the time. They will have 40 mins to 1 hour of wake time in between the naps.
|
Time |
Activity |
|
7:30 a.m. |
Wake up and first feeding of the day |
|
8:15 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. |
1st Nap |
|
9:40 a.m. |
Second feeding |
|
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. |
2nd Nap |
|
12:40 p.m. |
3rd feeding |
|
1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m |
3rd Nap |
|
2:50 p.m. |
4th feeding |
|
4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
4th Nap |
|
5:10 p.m. |
5th feeding |
|
6:15 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. |
5th Nap |
|
6:50 p.m. |
Feed |
|
8:00 p.m. |
Bedtime |
|
8 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. |
Night feeds |
Schedule for 2 - 3 Month Old Baby
2 - 3 month old babies have longer wake windows. They last for 1 hour to 1 hour and a half. This allows for activities between feedings and nap times. That makes it the ideal time to start establishing routines.
|
Time |
Activity |
|
7:00 a.m. |
Wake up and first feeding |
|
8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. |
1st Nap |
|
9:40 a.m. |
2nd feeding |
|
10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. |
2nd Nap |
|
12:10 p.m. |
3rd feeding |
|
1:15 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. |
3rd Nap |
|
3:10 p.m. |
4th feeding |
|
4:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. |
4th Nap |
|
5:10 p.m. |
5th feeding |
|
6:30 to 7:00 p.m. |
5th Nap |
|
7:10 p.m. |
6th feeding |
|
8:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. |
Bedtime |
Schedule for 6-Month-Old Baby
Older babies have even longer wake windows. For example, a 4-month-old will have 90 minutes to two hours of wake time, and a 6-month-old will stay awake for 2 hours to 2 hours and 30 minutes. This allows for more playtime between feedings and naps.
On top of that, they no longer need night feeds. So schedules can be more consistent.
|
Time |
Activity |
|
7:00 a.m. |
Wake up and feed |
|
7:40 a.m. |
Snacks (Introduce solid foods) |
|
9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. |
1st Nap |
|
10:30 a.m. |
Feed |
|
11:30 a.m. |
Have baby try solids |
|
12:30 p.m. |
Feed |
|
12:45 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. |
Nap 2 |
|
2:30 p.m. |
Feed |
|
4:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
Nap 3 |
|
5:10 p.m. |
Feed |
|
7:30 p.m. |
Bedtime |
Conclusion
An infant daily schedule will ensure your baby is getting enough of everything they need for their development. It will ensure they have enough sleep and are eating properly. Also, it will help establish healthy habits. For parents, a schedule will remind you of things you need to do. This will help prevent skipping an activity because you are tired or busy.
