So you’ve made it to the 3-month mark and your child, and you are still in one piece! Whew! This parenting thing is hard and fulfilling and draining and scary and the best thing in the world. The next step is surviving the 3 – 6 month baby period. Thankfully, 3 – 6 months baby schedules can help with that a bit.
Now your baby is awake for longer periods and you notice the laundry pile higher than you’ve ever had it or the kitchen untidy. You rarely get a shower before 1 pm and make up is a foreign concept. Now is the time to create a stable routine for your precious little one since your previous newborn schedule is less likely to be appropriate for his now longer stretches of awake time.
WHY IS A 3 – 6 MONTH OLD SCHEDULE IMPORTANT?
Putting your child on a routine is an important way of helping them thrive physically, emotionally, and physically. You may notice that your baby is happier during the day and sleeps well at night. It also helps you as a parent from burning out and organizing your day effectively.
You can be as strict or flexible with your schedule as you like but having a recognizable pattern gives your baby an idea of the structure of his day and this can make a huge difference for you both.
CREATING THE 3 – 6 MONTH OLD BABY SCHEDULE
Before we dive into the schedule, it is important to understand your baby’s needs during this stage.
At 3-6 months, babies require around 14-16 hours of sleep per day, including naps. However, every baby is different, and some may require more or less sleep. It’s important to pay attention to your baby’s cues to determine when they’re tired and need to sleep. Signs that your baby may be tired include rubbing their eyes, yawning, and becoming fussy or irritable.
Your baby’s feeding needs will depend on whether you are breastfeeding or formula feeding. Breastfed babies typically feed more frequently than formula-fed babies, as breast milk is easier to digest. Your baby may also go through growth spurts, during which they may want to feed more frequently. It’s important to feed your baby on demand and not to stick to a strict feeding schedule. This will help ensure that your baby is getting the nutrition they need and can help prevent issues such as dehydration.
During the first few months, your baby will reach several developmental milestones. These may include smiling, rolling over, and grasping objects. It’s important to keep track of these milestones and to encourage your baby to reach them by providing plenty of opportunities for play and exploration.
At this age, your baby will become more aware of their surroundings and may begin to interact more with others. Encourage social interaction by talking to your baby, playing games such as peek-a-boo, and providing opportunities for your baby to interact with other people.
Understanding your 3-6 month baby’s needs is essential for providing them with the best possible care. By paying attention to your baby’s sleep and feeding cues, encouraging developmental milestones, and promoting social interaction, you can help your baby thrive and grow. Remember, every baby is different, so it’s important to trust your instincts and seek help from a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.
3 – 6 MONTHS BABY SCHEDULE TIMELINE
6:00 AM Nurses/Gets a bottle. Sleeps.
Usually, this is my dreamfeeding. I wake up and get my son, snuggle in my bed with him and feed him. He continues his sleep usually uninterrupted and I stay in bed with him.
9:00 – 9:30 AM – Nurses/Gets a bottle. Morning Nap.
I wake him up if he isn’t up by 9 am and I change his diaper, nurse him, read a book together and then put him down for his morning nap.
12:00 NOON – Lunch. Nurses/Bottle. Afternoon nap.
For lunch, I usually nurse him. I exclusively breastfeed for at least six months. If you start weaning earlier than 6 months, I recommend a lunch of a little porridge, possibly topped with fruit purée.
4:00 PM – Nurses/Bottle. Nap.
I nurse him, change him, and take a walk with him to pick up his big brother from kindergarten. He usually falls asleep on the walk and takes his third nap for the day. Sometimes, this is a power nap.
6:00 PM – Dinner.
After a diaper change, came dinner. Dinner for us was breastmilk until he was 6 months old. It can be a serving of vegetable purée and water in a cup. This is only after solids have been introduced at lunchtime.
7:30 – 8:00 PM – Nurses/Bottle. Bedtime Routine.
I would give him a warm bath, nurse him and then we would read together. I nurse him again and then put him in his crib with the night light on. Some nights it takes more than tons of mommy love to get him to fall asleep.
11:00 PM – Nurses/Bottle
He wakes up and I nurse him back to sleep. As he gets older, he tries to wiggle some playtime out of me.
3:00 AM – Nurses/Bottle.
He gets fed again. Most children at 6 months can go without this last feeding.
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TIPS FOR STICKING TO THE 3 – 6 MONTHS BABY SCHEDULE
Establishing a routine can be challenging, but here are some tips to help you stick to your 3-6 month baby schedule:
- Be consistent: Try to stick to the schedule as much as possible, even on weekends or when traveling.
- Be flexible: Remember that your baby’s needs may change from day to day, so be prepared to adjust the schedule accordingly.
- Take notes: Keep a log of your baby’s sleep and feeding patterns to help you identify any trends or issues that may arise.
- Involve your partner: Share the schedule with your partner and work together to stick to it.
- Be patient: It may take some time for your baby to adjust to the schedule, so be patient and stay consistent.
YOUR TURN
Did this schedule help take away some of the overwhelming feeling you may have about balancing your new routine? Let me know in the comments!
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