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Mastering Mom Life

Mastering Mom Life

Baby Tips

4 Essentials to a Successful, Easy Baby Routine

Baby Routines

4 keys to a successful baby to toddler routine

Inside: Learn the 4 key baby routine essentials that makes up a perfect foundation for an easy, effective, flexible routine that will grow with your baby from infant to toddlerhood.

Whether you wake up and zombie walk your way to the kitchen for a steamy cup of coffee or your race to the bathroom to begin your morning self-care, every day begins with some sort of routine.

The same is for babies!

Don’t let the word “routine” scare you away…

A baby routine is simply a set of predictable patterns that your baby does each day including sleeping, waking, eating, and playing.

A routine is NOT a minute-by-minute schedule that makes you feel chained to the clock.

I can teach you a super simple, effective, and efficient baby routine that can grow with your baby all the way into toddlerhood!

Here’s the gist…

There are 4 important, unchanging essentials that your baby’s routine will consist of:

  1. wake windows,
  2. sleep
  3. feedings
  4. activity time

You will navigate your baby’s day using these 3 routine essentials by following your baby’s cues.

We’ll use the 3 C’s for the foundation of all baby routines: Connection, Communication, and Confidence.

You’ll deepen your connection with your little one, which helps you further understand their communication with you, which ultimately gives you the confidence to care for them!

Let’s jump in!

How to start a baby routine

First things first, how do you even start a routine with your baby?

The answer is simple- cues!

Your baby is constantly communicating with you, even though they cannot talk yet. Their screams, cries, and coos all mean something that they are trying to tell you. As your baby grows week by week and your bond deepens, you will begin to understand your baby’s cues and communication.

Cues are the only way a baby can communicate with you. When you follow your baby’s cues, you are offering them what they need, when they need it in order to thrive.

Follow your baby’s cues…it’s their way of communicating with you and telling you what they need.

We’ll talk more about tired cues, hunger cues, and playtime cues in this post too!

Are you overwhelmed with juggling your daily #momlife to-do list AND your baby’s activities? Grab my FREE Mommy & Me Mini Planner and take control of your day!

4 Baby Routine Essentials

These 3 baby routine essentials will help you create your own flexible baby routine completely tailored to YOUR little one.

No time to read this now? That’s ok! Save it to your Pinterest Board to read later

1. Wake windows- What is a “wake window”?

A wake window is simply how long your baby is up between each nap. It is counted from the length of that that they wake up from one nap until thy go back to sleep for the next nap.

That stretch of awake time is called a “wake window”.

These wake windows will stretch as your baby continues to grow and get older. 

Wake windows will lengthen as your baby gets older. That’s why a 2 week old can only stay up for 30 minutes but a 1 year old will stay awake for 3-4 hours at a time.

Your baby’s wake window is the foundation for their general daily routine. Even though the wake windows change and lengthen, they will always have one until they are no longer napping (well into toddlerhood).

Baby Wake Window Chart:

1-4 Months Old: 30-60 minutes wake window

5-8 Months Old: 90-120 minutes wake window

9-12 Months Old: 2.5-3.5 Hours wake window

Mom Tip: In my experience, I’ve noticed over the years that the first wake window tends to be shorter. But as the day progresses, the wake windows lengthen a bit.

If your little one is starting to show tired cues and it’s 15-20 minutes before their wake window should end, don’t be afraid to begin the nap routine.

You should pay super close attention to keeping your baby up for the full wake window when they are showing signs of going through a transition- such as dropping a nap, early wakings, night wakings, etc.

Tired Cues

Let’s talk about tired cues—because these are the cues you are going to follow that will show you the optimum time your baby is ready for sleep. That way you’re not wrestling your baby to sleep when they aren’t tired or dealing with red-faced screaming because they are overtired.

As the end of the wake window approaches, ask yourself, “Are they showing your sleepy cues?”

Tired cues include:

  • Rubbing eyes,
  • staring off into space,
  • red eyebrows,
  • slow blinking
  • staring off into space
  • & general fussiness with these other cues.

The main goal is to offer your child the nap to prevent overtiredness- which can lead to extreme fussiness, over hyper activity, and refusing to sleep.

Sometimes my baby can make it a full 2-hour wake window in the morning but sometimes she starts showing those tired cues early and I follow what she needs.

Utilizing an easy nap routine can help signal to your baby that a nap will soon follow those tired cues.

Did your baby wake early and is showing tired cue signs but it’s not nap time yet? Has your baby been up way too long and they are starting to get fussy?

Use your discretion and information from other parts of the day to figure out what those cues are telling you.

That’s the advantage of a flexible routine- it’s about YOUR BABY. Not a schedule designed for another child.

You can read more about sleep cues on Taking Cara Babies (I’ve used these courses when I first started my motherhood journey- and I am NOT an affiliate, just really enjoyed the information)

What do I do during a wake window?

When you’re baby is awake, you’re not simply just staring into space- your baby is very active!

Wake windows are filled with feedings, usually followed by playtime or activities. We’ll talk more about the easy activities you can do to fill these wake windows.


Related Reading: Complete Sample Routine for 0-12 Months

2. Sleep

Naturally, the next baby routine essential is sleep. Of course, sleep is an essential part of life but especially for your baby!

After you know your baby’s wake window, next is to observe their sleep patterns and length.

Another key to better, longer sleep is a nap routine and a bedtime routine. These routines will help signal your baby that it’s time for sleep.

A naptime routine will signal that it’s time for daytime sleep and a bedtime routine will signal that it’s time for nighttime sleep, a much longer stretch of sleep.

Just as wake windows will lengthen, daytime sleep will shorten. As your baby grows and develops, they will begin to stay up longer during the day, therefore sleeping less and having fewer naps.

It’s important to know those wake windows, number of naps and nap lengths because that will give your baby the optimum opportunity to receive all of their needed sleep time.

Here is an overview of the number of naps and nap lengths by age:

1-4 Months Old: 4 naps

5-8 Month Old: 3 Naps

9-12 Months Old: 2 Naps

14-18 Months Old: 1 Nap

Not ALL days your baby will sleep the same exact way. Don’t be alarmed when your baby’s sleep shifts from day to day or week to week. That’s why we put routines in place, to send your baby those signals without feeling like you aren’t meeting their needs.

Sleep can change due to transitions, teething, sickness, etc.

Your job is to simply offer your baby a nap. It is up to them to take it!

3. Feedings

It’s no secret that babies love to eat! They actually eat allll dayyy loonnggg. My toddler still loves to snack 50 times a day 🙂

Babies usually eat 4-5 times throughout the day and just like with sleep, their full feeding routine will change as they continue to grow.

An infant may cluster feed every hour for the first few weeks of life. But as they develop, those feeding begin to consolidate and they are eating more quantity of food less quantity of time. As your baby grows, these feedings will be a mixture of liquids and solids, with your baby’s milk (breastmilk/formula) decreasing as solids increase.

A 3 year old won’t have 4 milk bottles a day like a 9 month old would…but you also don’t jump to those transitions abruptly. They change and stretch over time. That’s why feeding is one of the baby routine essentials. It’s one of the fundamental things your baby will do from birth and beyond.

Sample Feeding Amounts

The main key is to feed your baby every 2.5-3 hours. (Whether that’s fully breastmilk/formula or a mixture of solids and milk or just solids.)

0-6 months old– feed breastmilk/formula every 2.5-3 hours (no including cluster feeding sessions)

6-9 months old– feed a mixture of breastmilk/formula every 2.5/3 hours with adding a “meal” with solids (puree or baby led weaning)

9-12 months old– feed a mixture of breastmilk/formula every 2.5/3 hours with adding 2 “meals” with solids

12-18 months old– (can begin drinking cow milk and reduce milk feedings based on pediatrician guidelines) baby will eat about 3 solid meals a day with milk feedings being decreased as you see fit

18-24 months old– As baby grows and develops, they will drop “milk” feedings and begin to follow a toddler feeding schedule

These feeding amounts are purely for an overview of what a feeding routine will look like. But feeding is based on your baby’s hunger cues.

Always check with your child’s pediatrician/dietician/lactation consultant before making changes to feedings.


Related Reading:

How to Know if Your Baby Had a Full Feeding | Full Feeding Newborn | Full Feeding Schedule | Baby Feeding Tips | Baby Feeding Schedule | Baby Feeding Tracker | #babytips #parentingtips #newmom

Hunger Cues

Your baby will send you “signals” when they are hungry, just like they do when they are tired. These hunger cues will tell you when your baby is ready to eat and help you create a personalized feeding routine just for YOUR baby.

That’s why “sample” feeding schedules are hard to follow. Every baby is different. It’s important to follow your own little one’s hunger cues.

Hunger cues include:

  • Mouth opening (as if to suck)
  • Irritability after 2.5-3 hours from the last feeding
  • Puts hands to mouth
  • Licking lip or puckering/smacking lips

4. Activity Time

Last but not least, the final baby routine essential foundation is activity time. This time is also called playtime!

Playtime gives your baby the ability to reach new milestones and strengthen and practice existing skills. It overall allows your baby to “get the wiggles out” and fill that wake window before their next nap.

This is a great time to practice those skills such as tummy time, strengthening the neck, learning to sit up, cruising/crawling, etc.

Fill this activity time with a combination of:

  • Independent playtime– activities your baby can do by themselves in a safe, supervised location
  • Connection playtime– activities you and your baby do together to strengthen your connection and deeper your bond
  • Reading time– reading to your baby and allowing them to follow along/flip pages
  • Exploration– allowing your baby to explore new textures, areas, and sensory items
  • Imaginative play– giving your baby objects to help them grow and enhance their imagination

Activities can be used to reach new milestones, practice existing skills and strengthen/support developmental growth.

Tiny One’s Boredom Buster Activity Toolkit

Say goodbye to taking 45 minutes to prep a super complicated activity that your baby is going to play with for only 5 minutes…

Here’s a whole goldmine of fun, easy, affordable activities that will take you less than 10 minutes to prep AND that your little one will have a blast doing!

Make baby and toddler activities easy with the Tiny One’s Boredom Buster Activity Toolkit!

With over 35 activities for babies and toddlers from 2 months old to 3 years old, and over 10 templates to help you create an easy playtime activity routine that works for YOUR family, this activity toolkit is your life raft back to sanity!

Find out more about the Tiny One’s Boredom Buster Activity Toolkit here!

Practical Baby Routine Essentials

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please view Mastering Mom Life’s Terms, Disclosure & Disclaimer Policy and Privacy Policy. I wholeheartedly believe in all of the products I recommend and use them all! 

If you truly want to support every aspect of your baby’s daily routine, here are some home essentials that I use every single day that makes my routine run smoothly:

  • Blackout Curtains
  • Sound machine
  • Boon Bottle Drying Station
  • Swaddle
  • Sleep Sack
  • Hatch

Successful Baby Routine Recap

Remember, there are 4 foundational, essential components of your baby’s day that will be unchanging as they grow:

1. Wake windows

2. Sleep

3. Feedings

3. Activity time

These baby routine essentials will help you create a daily routine that is tailored right to your baby that also meets them where they are developmentally!

Keep the routines simple, efficient, effective, and working for YOUR family.

Don’t be afraid of the word “routine”….just think of it as the sweet creamer being added to your must-have cup of coffee every morning 🙂

You got this, mama

Always With Love, Brianna

Related Reading:

Bottle-Feeding Tips to Reduce Gas

How to Create an Easy Baby Routine in 4 Steps

How to Get Your Baby to Sleep In a Crib

May 17, 2022 · Leave a Comment

The Best Sample Baby Schedule Routine for Baby’s First Year

Baby Routines

0-12 Month sample Baby routine schedule

Inside: Find a simple, flexible sample baby schedule routine for babies newborn to 12 months!

Are you overwhelmed with juggling your daily #momlife to-do list AND your baby’s activities? Grab my FREE Mommy & Me Mini Planner and take control of your day!

If you’re looking for a simple, flexible routine for your baby, you’ve come to the right place!

These sample baby schedule routines are perfectly designed to meet your baby where they are developmentally and help your baby transition through the milestones they will soon undergo.

Routines will also give you the confidence you need to understand your baby’s communication cues, offer them what they need when they need it, and ultimately help you care for your baby in the best way possible…full of mom-fidece!

If you’ve ever wondered to yourself…

What is my baby supposed to do all day long?

How long are they supposed to sleep?

Is my baby full?

How do I know what they need?

These routines will help!

Below you will find a sample baby routine categorized by age:

  • Newborn (0-4 weeks)
  • 1-4 Months Old
  • 5-8 Months Old
  • 9-12 months Old

Let’s dive in…

3 Things Every Baby Routine Needs

No matter the age, every sample routine will have 3 key components.

  1. Full feedings: Feeding your baby until full to prevent “snacking” throughout the day. Learn all about how to make sure your baby is getting a full feeding and the signs to watch for.
  2. Wake windows: The amount of time baby is up in between naps.
  3. Sleep: Consists of daytime and nighttime sleep. Naptime routines and bedtime routines will help your little one sleep better and longer.

These 3 key components are the solid foundation for every baby routine.

When you can confidently track your baby’s naps, full feedings, and wake windows you’ll be able to see your baby’s natural routine. Then you can use your baby’s natural routine to create your own daily flow that helps you, your baby, and your family thrives.

Every family has different needs. And the good news is, you CAN create an easy, flexible routine for your baby that helps you meet your baby’s needs while establishing a healthy structure that will enable you to fulfill your personal responsibilities as well.

No time to read this now? That’s okay! Save it to your favorite Pinterest Board!

Sample Baby Schedule Routine for Sleep and Feedings

Here is a breakdown of a sample baby schedule routine for babies ages newborn to 12 months old. Including the approximate amount of daytime sleep, number of naps, average wake windows, and feedings.

Remember, no sample schedule will be “perfect” for your baby.

This is an overall guide to help you form your own routine and also help you understand your baby’s actions throughout the day.

Each daily routine begins with the time your baby wakes in the morning from their nighttime sleep. From there, you begin tracking the time in between feedings, naps, and activities during awake time.

Throughout the week, times may change or shift based on your baby’s morning wake time, but the overall routine will remain consistent. This is perfectly normal.

Our goal is to follow a routine based on your baby’s patterns of what they need, not follow the clock minute for minute based on a schedule.

Newborn / 0-4 Weeks

Read the detailed newborn and 1-4 Week Old Routine Here!

The warm cuddles, the sweet “baby smell”, the feeling of their curled body fitting perfectly into your chest—oh the precious newborn stage!

Newborns do not have “schedules”.

During this stage, feed your baby on demand, let them sleep as they need, and get in all of those kisses on their little button nose.

Use this time to get to know your baby and his/her needs. Try to learn their tired cues and hunger cues because those cues will be the way they are communicating with you (along with crying- but that’s okay, babies cry…it’s what they do!).

Begin to lay the foundation to help your baby understand daytime is light and nighttime is dark, so your baby easily starts to learn the difference between days and night. (So she isn’t up all night and sleeping all day—trust me!)

But don’t worry, you can still take some steps to set your newborn up for terrific sleep and full feeding success by doing simple things throughout the day.

1-4 Months Old

As your little one enters the 1-2 month old stage, don’t worry too much about a “detailed schedule”. You will see your baby fall into a routine that best suits them. Take this time to continue to learn your baby’s communication cues.

As your baby approaches the 3-4 month old stage, you will see a routine being formed that meets your baby where they are developmentally. Follow their cues to ensure optimal naps and full feedings.

Read the FULL detailed, step by step 1-4 Month Old Routine Schedule here.

Routine Based on Wake Windows and Nap Lengths:

At this age, babies are napping after only being awake for a short amount of time. Babies 1-2 months will nap after being awake for about 30 minutes and babies 3-4 months will nap approximately 45 minutes after waking.

After every waking, there is a full feeding, a couple of minutes of playtime and then baby usually goes back down for a nap.

As your baby gets older, their wake windows will lengthen and their naps will decrease.

Overall 1-4 Month Schedule Routine

Daytime Sleep: 4-5 hours (depending on age, nap lengths, bedtime, and night sleep)

Number of Naps: 4

Wake Window: 30-60min

Bedtime: 7:30-8:30

Full Feedings: Every 2.5-3 hours (cluster feeding is still common at this age)

5-8 Months Old

Routine Based on Wake Windows and Nap Lengths:

Nap 1 is usually 2 hours after morning waking and nap 2 is usually 2.5 to 3 hours after waking from nap 1. Bedtime is 3-3.5 hours from waking after nap 2. The morning wake time is usually the shortest, follow your baby’s tired cues to know when they are ready for the first nap.

Overall 5-8 Month Schedule Routine

Daytime Sleep: 3-4 hours

Number of Naps: 3

Wake Window: 2-3 hours

Bedtime: 7-8pm

Full Feedings: Every 2.5 to 3 hours (follow pediatrician’s recommendations for introducing solids)

The third nap of the day is usually a “cat nap” ranging from 30-45 minutes, sometimes an hour. This nap helps push your baby to bedtime, so bedtime isn’t super early and then your baby begins to become an early riser (ultimately waking you up at 5am—yikes!).

Bedtime might have to be pushed up or back some days depending on when your baby wakes up from this nap.

This nap is dropped somewhere between 7-9 months. Every baby’s “sleep needs” are different so if your little one is still catnapping for the third nap and nighttime sleep is not affected, go for it.

If your little one is still too young to drop this nap but you begin to see the third nap is a struggle, try to get creative with helping your little one fall asleep for this nap so you can hold on to it a little longer. Most babies who are too little for only 2 naps a day can’t make it the 3-4 hour wake window until bedtime.


Related Reading:

9-12 Months Old

Routine Based on Wake Windows and Nap Lengths

Nap 1 is usually 2.5-3 hours after waking in the morning and nap 2 is 3 hours after waking from nap 1. Bedtime is usually 3-3.5 hours from waking after nap 2. Bedtime can shift a bit depending on when your little one woke up from nap 2.

No wake time is perfect…always follow your baby’s cues so you prevent them from being overtired but are also not putting them down too early for a nap when they aren’t tired yet.

Read the full, detailed 9-12 Month Old Routine Here!

Overall 9-12 Month Old Schedule Routine

Daytime Sleep: 2.5-3.5 hours

Number of Naps: 2

Wake Window: 2.5-3.5 hours

Bedtime: 7-8pm

Full Feedings: Every 2.5-3.5 hours mix of breastmilk/formula and solids

Newborn to 1 year old sample schedules. Image of baby in sink bath with mom

0-12 Month Sample Baby Schedule Overview

Want this sample schedule in bit-size form? Yay for charts! Here you can see the breakdown of naps, wake windows, and full feedings for each age group.

AGEDAYTIME SLEEPNUMBER OF NAPSWAKE WINDOWBEDTIMEFULL FEEDINGS
1-4 Month Old:4-5 hours430-60 minutes7:30-8:30 pmEvery 2-3 hours
5-8 Month Old:3-4 hours32-3 hours7-8 pmEvery 2.5-3 hours
9-12 Month Old: 2.5-3.5 hours22.5-2.5 hours7-8 pmEvery 3-3.5 hours

My Baby’s Routine is Suddenly Changing? Now what!

Whenever your baby’s normal routine starts to waiver, such as short naps or early morning wakings, or unusual fussiness, you’ll be able to compare and contrast your baby’s behavior based on their routine and pinpoint what could be causing it.

Maybe your little one is teething or is getting sick or is in a state of transition to longer wake windows and dropping a nap.

Having a solid but flexible baby routine will give you the confidence you need to know when something is “off” and give you the assurance you need to help you guide your baby through whatever they are experiencing.

When you see your “normal routine” starting to fall apart or change, then you can begin to cross off different possibilities of what your baby is experiencing. If it’s not something temporary, like teething or illness, then maybe it’s time to pivot your routine.

sample baby schedules newborn to 1 year old. Image of baby in high chair at table.

Testing Routines for Wake Windows and Optimum Naps

If you see your baby is not thriving on a routine, always use your instincts.

If your baby is napping too short, always ask yourself “were they tired enough?”. If your baby is taking a long time to fall asleep and is overly fussy, ask yourself “was he/she overtired?”. By learning your baby’s tired cues, you can know when they are ready for sleep and by doing this you are ensuring they are getting the optimum amount of comfortable sleep.

Once you see how long your baby needs to stay up and then nap, you begin to create a routine based on YOUR baby’s wake windows that allow you to meet your baby where they are developmentally. Don’t be afraid to shift times if you see your baby is miserable (and you’re miserable too!)

When baby is happy, mama is happy 🙂

Free Baby Tracker and Mom Planner
FREE Mommy & Me Mini Planner Printable Downloads!

The BEST way to create your baby’s own schedule routine is to begin to track your baby’s activities. By first getting an understanding of what your baby is already doing, you can see what direction you need to go.

To help you EASILY track your baby’s sleep, naps, feedings, and playtime, I created a Mommy & Me Mini Planner!

Stay organized and productive by keeping track of your own to-do list while ALSO tracking your baby’s sleep, feedings & activities.

A FREE instant download that you can print and view on any device!

Includes:

  • Daily Baby Journal
  • Mommy & Me Daily Planner (side by side view of your and baby’s routine)
  • Master Baby Schedule Template
  • Weekly Planning Tameplate
  • Monthly & Annual Panning Template

Get it free now!

Sample Baby Schedule Routine 1-12 Month Recap

Flexible routines offer your little one the predictability and stability they need to grow and also help you confidently learn your baby’s cues. From feedings to naps to playtime, these routines can bring a thriving structure to your day!

In this post there was a sample baby schedule routine categorized by age:

  • Newborn (0-4 weeks)
  • 1-4 Months Old
  • 5-8 Months Old
  • 9-12 months Old

Be sure to save this post so you can easily find it again as your baby continues to grow!

Remember, you’re the best mama for your little one—YOU know your baby best.

You got this, mama!

Always With Love, Brianna
Related Reading:
  • Easy Newborn Tips
  • How to Get Your Baby to Sleep In a Crib
  • How to start a nap schedule with your baby
  • Why a schedule for your baby is so important
  • What My Baby’s Daily Schedule looks like
  • Greatest Newborn Essentials to Make Mom Life Easier

February 18, 2022 · Leave a Comment

Simple 1-4 Month Old Baby Schedule: Step by Step Routine for Feedings, Naps & Playtime

Baby Routines

easy 1-4 month old baby schedule and routine.

Inside: The perfect step-by-step 1-4 month old baby schedule complete with an easy, flexible routine for feedings, naps, and activities to help baby thrive and make mom life easier!

I heard a screech coming from my baby’s bassinet and frantically checked the time- it was 3:30am…feeding hour.

If I didn’t know my sweet new baby’s routine, I would have panicked and thought something was wrong. But as my little one was growing and learning this brand new world, I was learning her.

Her cues, her cries, her needs.

The 1-4 month period IS exhausting. You’re still recovering from pregnancy and delivery, you’re getting to know this brand new little person, caring for their every need all while juggling what is left of your normal life.

But do not fret, routines are here to the rescue!

I’ll show you a 1-4 month old baby schedule and flexible routine that will flourish your connection with your baby, help you understand their cues and care for your baby in the best and easiest way possible.

By creating a flexible routine for your baby, you will begin to understand how your baby is communicating with you and what they actually need, all while gaining the confidence you need to care for them without feeling overwhelmed (or unqualified!)

You’ll have a better understanding of your baby’s wake windows, full feedings, and naps/sleep.

I’ll share with you 2 different sample routines to help guide you through the 1-2 month stage and 3-4 month stage so you never feel confused during any step of the way!

If you want to download the sample 1-4 month old baby schedule now, click the button below to get it sent straight to your email along with all of the baby routine tips and tricks in this post! Instantly download the routine to have it at your fingertips throughout the day to help you stay confident and prevent stress.

3 Keys to a Successful 1-4 Old Month Baby Schedule

Before we dive into the actual routine, it’s important to know *what* will actually be in your routine. After all, babies are new to this world and they don’t have many activities they can do.

There are 3 main keys that will make up your baby’s routine:

  1. Wake window
  2. Full feedings
  3. Sleep

Your 1-4 month old baby schedule will be formed around your baby’s cues. Their tired cues and hunger cues.

No time to read this now? That’s ok! Save this to your favorite Pinterest board for later!
1-4 month old flexible baby routine. Image of baby on blanket smiling

1. Wake Windows:

The term wake window is just a fancy term for the amount of time your baby is from one nap tot the next.

You can count your wake window starting from when your baby wakes up from their last nap to the minute they are placed back in their bed for the next nap. All of that time in between is counted as a wake window.

The wake window for a 1-2 month old is usually around 30-45 minutes. But as your baby grows each month the wake window will begin to stretch.

Such as a wake window for a 3-4 month old can be anywhere between 60-90 minutes. But if your baby is still only reaching a 45-minute wake window before becoming overtired, that’s perfectly fine.

Two main events that take place in that wake window are feedings and activities.

Since your baby is still an infant, those wake windows will be short and usually only accounts for a feeding and a few extra minutes of awake time.

These wake windows will help fill your baby’s tired cup- enabling them to get tired enough to have a successful nap/sleep time.

The key is to watch for your baby’s tired cues and offer a nap when they are becoming tired.

Your 1-4 month old baby nap schedule will be formed around your baby’s tired cues.

These tired cues include:
  • Rubbing eyes
  • Glazed & staring eyes
  • Red eyebrows
  • Yawning
  • Fussiness

You’ll begin to notice these tired cues around the same times throughout the day. This is your baby communicating with you they are tired.

These tired cues will show you when your baby needs to nap and these times will begin to create your nap schedule.

2. Full Feedings:

The next essential key to a successful 1-4 month baby schedule and flexible routine is accomplishing full feedings.

The term “full feeding” is just a fancy way of making sure your baby is completely full after a feeding. When your baby is full after having a feeding, they are more likely to go 2.5-3 hour stretches between feedings- which can help your baby sleep better too.

Achieving full feedings can also prevent your baby from “snacking”- wanting to constantly eat every 30minutes-1 hour. Snacking can inhibit a successful daily routine because you’re little one is always eating and never fully satisfied or full.

To learn how to easily accomplish full feedings or how to make sure your baby is feeding to get full, read all about full feeding in my post here.


Related Reading:
How to Feed to Get your Baby Full| Image of bottle on table

3. 1-4 Month Baby Sleep:

Let’s face it, a large portion of your baby’s day is sleeping. At this age, your baby’s wake window is a minimum of 30 minutes or if your baby is closer to the 4-month stage, the wake window can even be as long as 90 minutes.

That means your baby is sleeping every hour (between 1-2 months old) or every hour and a half (3-4 months old).

Naps at this age can last anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the time of day or how your baby is feeling at a particular time.

If you are struggling with short naps, you can read my Troubleshooting Baby Naps guide.

To set your baby up for successful naps you’ll want to:

1. Make sure your baby is staying awake for those wake windows (to fill their “tired cup”)

2. Accomplish full feedings (ensuring your baby isn’t prematurely waking up from hunger)

Okay, now that we’ve gone over all of the essentials of a successful 1-4 month baby schedule, let’s jump into some sample routines!

1-4 Month Baby Schedule and Routine

For the purpose of this post, I will be stating times but you do not have to follow this routine based on what time the clock says.

A flexible routine is just a series of patterns throughout the day to help structure your day and offer your little one support.

Use this routine as a guide based on when YOUR baby wakes up and starts their day. If your baby wakes at 6, then follow the routine steps from that time. If your baby wakes at 8, then follow the routine steps based on that time.

The goal of this routine is not for you to be worried about “time”. It is just to get familiar with the overall activities your baby does throughout the day.

1-2 Month Old Baby Routine

7:00am Feeding

7:20-8:00am Wake time

8:00-9:30am Nap #1 (First nap was short, tried to put baby back to sleep but no-go)

9:30am Feeding

10:00-10:30am Wake time (baby started showing tired cues at 10:15, did nap routine and baby was already sleeping at 10:30am)

10:30-11:30am Nap #2

11:30-12:00pm Wake time (Baby’s didn’t eat right after wake, didn’t show hunger cues until 12)

12:00pm Feeding

12:30-2:30pm Nap #3 (Baby woke after 45 minutes so you placed baby in a carrier and fell back asleep as you sat with them on your chest)

2:30pm Feeding

3:00-3:30pm Wake time

3:30-4:30pm Nap #4

5:00pm Feeding

5:30-6:30pm Nap #5 (cat nap in the baby swing while you get some chores done)

6:30-7:30pm Wake time (bath, etc.)

7:30pm Feeding & Bedtime

8:00-10:00pm Sleep (use bedtime routine)

10:30pm Dream Feed

Baby then sleeps as long as possible before next feeding

“Master” 3-4 Month Old Baby Routine

7:00am Feeding

8:30-10:00am Nap #1

10:00am Feeding

10:30-11:00am Wake time

11:30-1:00pm Nap #2 (Baby woke at 12:00pm but you rocked back to sleep and placed in carrier/sling)

1:00pm Feeding (Baby took a while to have a full feeding and showed tired cues at 2:00)

1:30-2:00pm Wake time

2:00-4:00pm Nap #3 (Baby slept almost 2 hours because last nap was shorter)

4:00pm Feeding (baby took an hour to have a full feeding, was distracted)

5:00-5:30pm Wake time

5:30-6:00pm Cat Nap (Baby slept in safe swing while mom cleaned)

6:00-7:00pm Bath & Wake time

7:00pm Feeding (Last “daytime” feeding before nighttime sleep)

7:30pm Bedtime (bed time routine)

10:30pm Dream Feed (woke baby to offer a feeding so they can sleep 3-4 hours until next feeding)

This routine has a combination of shorter and longer naps throughout the day as we as 2.5 hour and 3 hours between feedings.

It also shows a combination of different sleep locations and methods. Sometimes baby falls back asleep on mama’s chest, sometimes in the car, etc.

A flexible routine will help your baby know what is next and will help you know what your baby needs next.

3-4 Month Baby Schedule Chart with wake times, wake windows, feedings, and activities

Follow your own baby’s wake windows, hunger cues, tired cues, etc!

In a perfect world, your baby would sleep every hour for 2 hours and eat every 3 hours, making your mom life complete clockwork and a piece of cake. But babies are unpredictable and getting used to this world! So, you’ll want to go with the flow of your little one’s cues and offer them what they want as needed.

Don’t forget to grab my 1-4 Month Baby Routine Guide will 2 different sample schedules and baby routines that show different wake windows, nap lengths, and feeding times that accounts for the unpredictability of your day!

You may find one of these routines is more of a fit for your family 🙂

How Long Should Naps Be?

The key to setting up good daytime sleep is a consistent nap routine. You can read all about my successful, super easy nap routine that helped my babies have better and longer naps!

A newborn nap can be anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours. So, if your baby went to nap at 8:00am and only sleeps 30 minutes, you don’t follow the “sample schedule” and wait until 10am to put them back down for a nap.

Remember, at this age, their wake window is short. You’ll want to follow the wake window time and offer your baby a nap 30-45 minutes from when they woke up.

That’s why this routine is FLEXIBLE. You’re not following the clock for when to do something. You’re using your baby’s cues alongside the timing of when your baby should be napping or eating to create a routine that helps them thrive.

Be sure to download my 1-4 Month Baby Routine Guide to see 4 different sample schedules in action including a schedule with short naps, long naps, short wake windows, and long wake windows!

Fill out the form below to get the Routine Guide sent straight to your email!

How Long Should My Baby Be Sleeping at Night?

At this age, it is still possible your baby is still waking up every 3-4 hours during the night for feedings and maybe even cluster feeding some nights.

I like to follow a simple “guide” for baby nighttime sleep. For every week of my baby’s life, it’s possible my baby can sleep the same number of hours at night.

For example, at 4 weeks old, it’s possible for my baby to sleep 4 hour stretches at night. At 5 weeks old, it’s possible to sleep 5-hour stretches…and so on until they reach 8-9 hours at nighttime sleep.

But if your baby isn’t- don’t worry! You aren’t doing anything wrong.

By 3-4 months (12-16 weeks), it’s possible for your baby is to sleep 8-9 hours with the option of a dream feed 3 hours after their last feeding before bed. The dream feed stretches your little one’s sleep so they don’t wake in the middle of the night.

Not every night will be the same amount of sleep. And not every night will be identical.

This is not a hard and fast rule and if your little one isn’t sleeping “straight” hours just yet, that’s perfectly fine. All babies are different. All parents are different. Every family is different.

Whether you are nursing, bottle feeding, pumping, formula feedings, or any combination- YOU know your baby best.

If your baby is breastfeeding, feed your baby on demand, trying to accomplish those full feedings.

If your baby is still having multiple night wakings, that’s perfectly fine! As long as YOU are happy with your baby’s growth and your baby is happy, developing, and meeting new milestones, I wouldn’t stress about nighttime sleep unless you are ready to focus on nighttime sleep.

As long as you are watching those wake windows and full feedings, you are on the right track!

1-4 month baby routine for easy naps, feedings and activities. Image of baby on blanket

The 4 Month Sleep Regression / Progression

Babies experience the dreaded “4-month sleep regression”, but it’s more like a sleep progression.

At 4-5 months your baby’s sleep cycle shifts and can cause sleep disruptions for a few nights because your baby is now experiencing multiple stages of sleep- including light sleep, REM, and deep sleep.

As your baby goes between these stages of sleep, it’s possible for them to wake up because they are learning and adjusting to this new sleep pattern.

If your “my baby sleep all night” baby is now waking up and they are 4 months, this could be the reason.

A word about baby sleep…

There is a lot of chatter in the mommy blog world about sleep training, what is right, what is wrong, teaching your baby to sleep independently…and so on.

It can be VERY overwhelming.

If you are perfectly fine with your baby’s sleep patterns, that’s wonderful. If you are continuing to struggle with each month as they get older, reach out for support.

When it comes to baby sleep, just remember- if it feels wrong to you and your baby, then it’s probably wrong for your family.

There is no ONE way to deal with baby sleep struggles. And sometimes, what may *feel* like is wrong, is sometimes perfectly right! Such as your baby sleeping short naps or waking up at night.

Your child is a baby- they will naturally fall into a groove of sleeping as they get older.

Don’t stress, mama!

What Do I Do With my Baby When He / She’s Awake?

If you’re struggling with what to actually do during your baby’s wake window, check out the Tiny One’s Boredom Buster Activity Toolkit!

It’s jam-packed will easy, fun, cheap, & educational activities for babies 2 months-2 years old. This resource will grow with your child and help them reach new milestones while practicing existing skills!

A 2-month baby won’t “play” as a 12-month baby would, but you can still do fun little connection activities with your baby that will keep them engaged, show them new things and strengthen your bond. 🙂

Learn more about the activity toolkit here!

1-4 Month Baby Routine Schedule Guide. Image of tablet with guide displayed

Free 1-4 Month Baby Routine Guide

Don’t forget to download your free routine guide so these sample routines and schedules can get sent straight to your inbox!

The Routine Guide includes:

  • 1-2 month routine sample
  • 3-4 month routine sample
  • Daily routine “create your own” template
  • Baby daily tracker (to track naps, activities, diaper changes, moods, and feedings all in ONE place!)

Recap:

Remember, don’t compare your baby’s journey to another.

Your little one is still just that- a baby! Enjoy the snuggle as they fall asleep on your chest, savor their little breath hitting your neck and cherish every cuddle as their little body fits so perfectly onto yours.

This 1-4 month old baby schedule and flexible routine will flourish your connection with your baby, help you understand their cues, and care for your baby in the best and easiest way possible.

I hope you found the information you need to feel confident caring for your little one in the best way possible and assurance to know that you are doing great!

Remember to follow those wake windows, tired cues, and hunger cues.

YOU know your little one best!

You got this, mama!

Always With Love, Brianna
Related Reading:
  • What My Baby’s Daily Schedule Looks Like
  • Easy Newborn Routine to Survive the First 4 Weeks
  • 6 Reasons Your Baby Needs A Successful Routine to Thrive

November 14, 2021 · Leave a Comment

Simple 9-12 Month Baby Routine to Help your Baby Thrive

Baby Routines

Inside: Learn step by step a gentle & flexible 9-12 month baby routine to communicate & connect with your baby to help them thrive- including a nap, feeding & activity schedule!

As I tried to wrestle my daughter into my favorite pink pastel footie a thought hit me like an oncoming train—my little girl is no longer as little as she once was.

Clearly too big for this adorable little outfit, it was time to wrap my head around the cold hard facts—my baby is growing and will soon be a year old.

(cue the sobs!)

But with the new journey ahead of us comes waving goodbye to late-night feedings, midnight wakings, and the unfamiliar territory of getting to know your newborn.

Now we’re onto climbing & cruising and walking & expressions…yay!

If you’re trying to navigate the new terrain of your 9-12 month old, fear not…

I’ll show you a simple and flexible 9-12 month baby routine to help you find simple ways to communicate and flourish your connection with your little one while removing those stressful stumbling blocks that make you question your #momlife confidence.

With this 9-12 month baby routine, you’ll learn:

  • what to do with wake windows
  • a useful & easy nap routine
  • simple activities to keep baby busy & learning
  • feeding tips to make mealtimes a joy

Let’s dive in!

3 Components of a 9-12 Month Baby Routine

A thriving baby routine consists of meeting your baby where they are developmentally and having flexible components that shift as your baby continues to grow and develop.

Your 9-12 month old baby is now physically exploring the world. Whether they are crawling, cruising, or walking, developmental strides such as these are the difference between a newborn and a one year old.

Your baby is experiencing the world in a whole new way.

So naturally, a 3-month baby routine will look very different from a 12 month old baby routine. But there are key foundations that will remain the same. These key principles are the foundation for every baby routine- whether 1 week old or 1 year old.

There are 3 key foundations that make up your baby routine that will never change: wake windows, activity time, and feedings.

These 3 key principles will be in every daily routine, no matter their age, but will shift as they grow and develop.

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9-12 month baby routine to help your baby thrive

All tips and advice given are based on my own experience and given to me by my own pediatrician. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your doctor. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please view Mastering Mom Life’s Terms, Disclosure & Disclaimer Policy and Privacy Policy.

1. Wake windows

Wake windows are the length of time that your baby is awake between each nap. It is counted from the minute they wake up to the minute they go back to sleep.

That stretch of time is called a wake window.

Wake windows will lengthen as your baby gets older. That’s why a newborn can only stay up for 30 minutes but a 10-month-old will stay awake for 2-3 hours at a time.

Your baby’s wake window is a key foundation of their overall daily routine. The wake window will change as they grow but your little one will always have a wake window until they drop their last nap.

The average 9-12 month old baby wake window is 2-3 hours.

I’ve noticed over the years that the first wake window is shorter, can even be 1.5hours to 2 hours. But as the day progresses, the wake windows lengthen a bit.

Tired Cues

This is where it’s imperative to know your baby’s cues. Are they showing your sleepy cues?

  • Rubbing eyes,
  • Staring off into space,
  • Red eyebrows,
  • Fussy.

Sometimes my baby can make it a full 2hour wake window in the morning but sometimes she starts showing those tired cues early and I follow what she needs.

That’s the beauty of a flexible routine- it’s based on YOUR BABY. Not a minute-for-minute schedule that was designed for another child.

Follow your baby’s cues…it’s their way of communicating with you and telling you what they need.

2. Activity time

Activities are a HUGE part of the day. It’s what keeps your baby “busy” when they aren’t sleeping or eating. You don’t have to spend hourrsss every week planning super complicated activities that you found on Pinterest. Activities can be as simple as a walk around the block or a peek-a-boo book.

Keep it simple and attainable so you don’t overwhelm yourself. I’ll show you the 3 main activities I do with my baby- keep reeding!

3. Feedings

At the 9-12 month old stage, babies usually eat 4-5 times throughout the day. Whether it be all formula/breastmilk or a combo of milk and solids.

The main key is to feed your baby every 2.5-3 hours.

In my 9-12 month baby routine, you’ll see how I feed my daughter throughout the day and how I structure her feedings.

Hunger Cues

It’s best not to follow a minute-by-minute feeding schedule and to follow your baby’s hunger cues.

Some hunger cues include:

  • Putting hand to mouth (sign language)
  • Staring at you if youre eating
  • Moving lips
  • Crawling/walking to kitchen when food is
  • Irritibility after about 2.5 hours of eating

Let’s jump into the sample schedule (what my day looks like almost hour for hour with my 9-12 month old!)

Sample 9-12 Month Baby Routine: Step by Step Schedule

Remember this sample schedule will shift based on the time your baby wakes up that day. You do not have to follow this schedule minute for minute because it will be determined by YOUR baby’s time frame.

You can keep with the overall structure of the day, but the schedule will shift based on your baby’s wake times, nap lengths, and feeding times.

Be sure to download the 9-12 month baby Routine Guide so you have this sample schedule saved right to your device and have it at your fingertips when you need it!

The 9-12 month Routine Guide also comes with 2 sample schedules AND an instant download/printable template to help you make your own routine/schedule!

Complete the form below to get it sent straight to your inbox!

Use this schedule as a sample pattern for your own routine 🙂

7:30 am Wake

After I hear her stirring, I go into her room, turn off her sound machine, open up the curtains, sing her a good morning song and change her diaper.

7:35 am Feeding

She usually drinks about 6 ounces every morning when she wakes up. Sometimes she will drink 4 ounces and then drink the other 2 ounces over the next 30 minutes.

8:00 am Breakfast

I make breakfast for my toddler at this time and give my 9-12 month old her “breakfast”. Usually, this is something small like a couple of avocado slices or boiled pears in her high chair.

8:30 am Connection Activity

After breakfast is our first activity time! This activity time is all about connection and bonding.

Below under the Connection Activities section, I share all of the different easy activities that I rotate each week.

We’ll play together for about an hour (my toddler too!) and then I’ll watch for her tired cues to start our nap routine.

9-12 month baby morning playtime playing with toys
7:30-9:30 am Wake window

This wake window is usually about 2 hours but some days it’s 1.5 hours. As she approaches 12 months, she may be awake for 3 hours and need her second feeding before her first nap.

Remember, flexibility is key when reading your baby’s cues!

9:30 am Nap

I start her nap routine about 10 minutes before she goes down and she will sleep for 1-1.5 hours.

Don’t forget the nap routine!

10:30 am Feeding

When she wakes from her nap I usually give her another 6 ounce bottle. Remember, we feed our children every 2.5-3 hours depending on their hunger cues.

11:00 am Mid-morning snack

My daughter will usually eat 4 ounces straight at a time and then likes to eat some sort of solid food with the rest of her 2 ounces. This is why I have a feeding at 10:30 and a “snack” at 11. This snack is just a continuation of her feeding at this time.

I’ll give her a puree of some sort with the rest of her milk. At this time, she usually likes pears or apple sauce and I’ll give her a string cheese or some puffs.

If you’d like to see my homemade baby applesauce recipe, follow me on Instagram and check out my highlights!

11:30 am Activity (outside/errands)

This activity time is usually an outside activity. If the weather permits, I like to get outside at least once a day. If it’s raining or we’re unable to go out, I like to encourage some independent playtime.

This is the wake window that I usually go out if I need to run an errand or drive somewhere. It’s a good amount of time to be out and a good time to be out with kids (less traffic, fewer people out, etc.)

1:00 pm Feeding

Because the wake window is 3 hours and the feeding window is 3 hours, I feed her another milk feeding before she goes down for her nap.

Baby R was waking up after 45 minutes during this nap and I realized it was because she was hungry! So I started feeding her before the nap and she goes 2 hours now. Helps with her overall mood and her nighttime sleep.

1:30 pm Nap

It’s naptime again! This is the last nap of the day. As your baby grows between those 9-12 months, this time with shift and the nap length will shift. Just follow your baby’s hunger and tired cues!

3:00 pm Activity

After a nice long nap, it’s activity time again! I like this activity time to be a combination of independent playtime and chore time. I’ll get some chores done in the same room that Baby R is playing in.

4:00 pm Feeding

This milk feeding fades away as your baby grows between 9-12 months but I wanted to keep it in this schedule just in case it helps you better see the overall feeding routine we had. At this time Baby R would drink 4 ounces and mostly eat solids as she turned 1.

4:30/5:00 pm Dinner

We always include the baby in our dinnertime. My toddler pulls up the high chair for baby R and we eat as a family! I give her different amounts of food based on if she had milk at 4:00 or not.

If she didn’t then we would give her a variety of things. If she did, we would give her food that we know she would like to eat.

9-12 month baby early evening playtime playing with toys
5:30 pm Activity

This activity is usually family time. We clean up dinner, play around the house and let them get all the wiggles out before we start our bedtime routine.

6:30 pm Bath/Bedtime Routine

A consistent bedtime routine is the golden nugget of great nighttime sleep. We start out bedtime routine with a:

  • Bath
  • Put on pajamas and lotion
  • 10-minute bonding playtime
  • Last feeding
  • Put on sound machine
  • Close curtains/make room dark
  • Lay baby down
  • Sing a song
  • Parent leaves room

Having a bedtime routine helps your baby understand that nighttime sleep is next. It creates an atmosphere of calm and tranquility and signals your baby it’s time for sleep. You can read all about the amazing benefits of a bedtime routine here!

7:00 pm Feeding

This is the last feeding of the day. It’s uncommon for your baby to drink more ounces at this feeding than the rest of the day. We usually snuggle up, feed baby R and then get ready for bed—we’re almost done for the day!

7:30 pm Nighttime Sleep

After baby finishes their feeding, gets changed and all comfy, it’s time for sleep- woohoo!

Remember to download the FREE 9-12 Month Routine Guide to instantly download 2 different daily sample schedules!

Key Principles-

Within this sample schedule here are 3 constant keys:

  • 2-3 hour wake windows
  • 5 feedings (combination of milk and solids)
  • 4 activity times

Let’s jump into the different activities you can do with your 9-12 month old during the day…

Grab the Tiny One’s Boredom Buster Toolkit for over 30 easy, cheap, fun, educational activties!

9-12 Month Activity Routine

The word “activities” is such a broad term.

To me, an activity can mean a walk to the park or a huge activity that took 3 hours to prep. There’s a lot of room for interpretation.

And because of that, I find that a lot of moms become completely overwhelmed with how to entertain their little ones because they feel they “aren’t doing enough”.

It’s very frustrating to feel like you have to get a mile-long chore list done every day AND plan super fun, educational 3-hour activities for your baby.

But you don’t have to!

I like to sort activities into 3 categories:

  • Connection activities
  • Independent activities
  • Outdoor activities

Connection Activities

Connection activities are activities that promote parent/child bonding. There are activities that you and your child are doing together. You’re playing with them, teaching them something new, and actively being a part of their playtime.

Here are some examples of connection activities:

  • Reading (with books that have sound is so fun!)
  • Simple art & craft
  • Playing with educational toys

You can also use connection activities to transition into independent activities. Connection activities can easily become independent activities because after you use your connection time to teach your child to do something, they can then practice it and do it themselves during independent playtime.

9-12 month baby routine to help your baby thrive! Plus a nap, feeding & activity sample schedule.

Independent Activities

Independent activities are things that your child can do on their own. These are supervised activities that your baby can try and accomplish without your immediate help such as trying to play with a puzzle, building blocks and tearing them down, sorting shapes, etc.

Independent activities are great for helping your child meet new milestones and developmental growth!

Independent time is great because it also teaches your child how to play without you right beside them. It gives them the room and space to figure things out for themselves and learn how to do things on their own.

Ever saw your baby figure out how to fit a square block into a square hole? It’s victorious! Their little brains are constantly learning, shaping and growing, and giving them this time is important to their growth.

It doesn’t mean you just leave your baby in the living room and walk away- please no. It just means your baby is playing on the floor of your bedroom while you fold clothes, make the bed, and do things you need to get done in that area.

Activities include:

  • Duplo blocks
  • Sensory mat
  • Safe sensory bin toys

Outdoor Activities

Outdoor activities are pretty self-explanatory– anything you do outside with your child. This could be walking around the block, playing in the park, roaming around the backyard or even running errands to Target!

I like to add an outside activity every day or every other day, weather permitting. Getting out of the house helps with “cabin fever” and is even good for your mental health as a mom.

Easily Plan Activities with the Tiny One’s Boredom Buster Activity Toolkit!

If you’re stuck on pause because you have no idea what to do with your baby during these different activity times, the Tiny One’s Boredom Buster Activity Toolkit will be a lifesaver!

The Tiny One’s Boredom Buster Activity Toolkit helps busy moms create a simple activity & play routine for their little one without the stress of spending hours on preparation.

Learn how to take the overwhelm OUT of planning fun, educational & affordable activities for your children while encouraging independent play AND parent bonding.

This toolkit is specifically designed to keep your baby or toddler busy, stimulated, and having fun all while helping your baby/toddler meet new milestones and practice existing skills!

It includes over 35 activity guides for babies and toddlers from 2 months old to 3 years old, over 10 templates to help you plan an easy playtime activity routine that works for YOUR family, and over 15 printable activities pages that you can whip out when you’re in a pinch.

Learn more about the Activity Toolkit Here!

9-12 Month Sleep Schedule

As you can see in this daily routine, Baby R naps twice a day with 2-3 hours of daytime sleep and sleeps 11-12 hours each night.

Your baby’s nap times and nap lengths will begin to shift in between the 3 months of when they are 9-12 months. That’s why knowing your baby’s tired cues are super important.

Some tired cues include:

  • Rubbing eyes
  • Playing with ears
  • Red eyebrows
  • Gazing off
  • Slow blinking
  • Yawning

It’s also really helpful to have a naptime routine that promotes great daytime sleep and a bedtime routine that promotes restful nighttime sleep.

Food Schedule

At this age, your baby is eating a combination of milk (breastmilk/formula) and solids. My daughter eats every 2.5-3 hours, whether it’s a mix of milk and solids, just solids, or just milk.

Remember to focus on full feedings!

Follow your pediatrician’s guide on what your baby should be eating and follow your baby’s hunger cues.

FREE 9-12 Month Routine Guide!

Recap time!

There you have it!

You learned my step-by-step gentle and flexible 9-12 month baby routine, including nap, feeding, and activity schedule, to help your baby thrive!

This 9-12 month baby routine was created to flourish communication & connection with your baby without feeling overwhelmed with questioning yourself if you are “doing the right thing” for your baby all day.

YOU know your baby best! Follow your instincts and follow your baby’s cues—they will never fail you <3

Don’t forget to download the 9-12 Month Routine Guide equipped with 2 sample schedules and templates to help you create your own routine based on your baby’s cues!

You got this, mama!

Always With Love, Brianna

Related Reading:

  • 6 Amazing Benefits of a Nap Routine
  • The Importance of a Bedtime Routine
  • How to Know Your Baby’s Full Feeding Schedule
  • Why a Flexible Schedule for Your Baby is So Important

October 7, 2021 · Leave a Comment

When to Change Baby Bottle Nipple Size- 5 Easy Tips You Should Know

Baby Routines

When to change bottle nipple size

Inside: Find out all the signs you need to know when it’s time to change bottle nipple size! Read how to switch, increase or change your baby’s bottle nipple tear-free.

I gazed down at my daughter’s sweet little apple-red cheeks as she was struggling to drink her bottle.

After every 5 seconds, she would sway her head and push the nipple from her mouth…

Why wasn’t she drinking??

Then a thought hit me like a ton of bricks—maybe she was frustrated with the nipple!

Thankfully I had the next size bottle nipple stored away in my kitchen cabinet. I popped it on the bottle and voila…she drank the whole bottle fuss-free.

There are many signals your baby can begin to show you when it’s time to size up on their bottle nipple. I’ll show you all of the different tips, tricks, and signs you should know when it’s time to change your bottle nipple size.

If your baby is starting to struggle when drinking the bottle and she was normally doing great, here’s everything you need to know!

When to change bottle nipple size

Is your little one suddenly refusing the bottle or becoming fussy during a feeding?

I’ve noticed over the years that sometimes what “seems” like bottle refusal can really just be your baby telling you that the nipple flow is too slow.

If your baby is suddenly refusing the bottle or showing one of these signs then it’s time to increase the nipple size:

  • Taking longer to finish a bottle
  • Becomes irritated or fussy while eating (when baby was normally acting like himself/herself)
  • Falls asleep toward the beginning of a feeding without eating much
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5 Signs its time to change nipple size

How do nipple sizes affect bottle refusal?

Bottle refusal is a very real thing. And many factors can be the cause of bottle refusal. Some reasons include:

  • Taste of milk
  • Need to change formula (digestive issues, etc.)
  • Baby wanting to return back to nursing
  • Sickness
  • Time to change nipple size

(Always talk to your pediatrician if you are experiencing sudden bottle refusal.)

If you can rule out all of the other bottle refusal signs, then it’s most likely time to change the nipple size. Some babies will refuse the bottle when the flow is too slow. And some babies will refuse the bottle when the flow is too fast and they need a smaller nipple size.

Here are some signs when to know the flow is too fast and it’s time to decrease the nipple size…

5 signs when it’s time to decrease nipple size

If baby is consistently:

  • Coughing/choking with milk
  • Guzzling too hard
  • Milk is pooling out of mouth during swallows
  • Hard gulping with head movements

…then try to go back to using a slower nipple flow (smaller nipple size) to see if you see any feeding improvements.

If at any point you see your baby struggling to eat because the flow is too fast, don’t be afraid to change the nipple size back to a smaller one immediately. Even if that means mid-feeding.

(As always, talk to your pediatrician about your feeding concerns!)


Related Reading:

Is your little one gassy? Find out the best bottle feeding tip and learn how to easily prevent and reduce gas here!


What is the difference between nipple flows?

In a nutshell, a smaller size nipple is a slower flow and a larger size nipple is a faster flow.

Nipple flows are based on baby’s age for most baby bottles.

Here is a sample breakdown for Dr.Brown’s bottle nipple sizes:

  • Level 1- 0+ months
  • Level 2- 3+ months
  • Level 3- 6+ months
  • Level 4- 9+ months

How to Change Bottle Nipple Size

Now that you *what to do*, it’s time to jump into *how*!

1. The first step to changing the bottle nipple size is to have the different nipple sizes on hand.

I always like to be prepared and have an extra nipple in the next size up on hand. This prevents the hassle of needing to scurry to the store in a pinch when my baby is struggling to eat.

2. The second step is choosing the easiest feeding of the day to make the transition.

For my oldest, the easiest bottle of the day was the morning feeding right after she woke up. For my youngest, her best feeding was right before bed.

3. If you are increasing your nipple size, you can begin feeding with the smaller nipple to see if the feeding struggles continue.

After 1-2 minutes, switch to the larger nipple size.

4. Place the bottle horizontal to the floor, with milk inside of the nipple tip but not completely filling the nipple.

This should help you regulate the flow of the milk and help your little one adjust to the faster flow without having too much milk pool in their mouth.

You should see an improvement in his/her feeding.

5. If you are decreasing your nipple size, you can switch to the smaller nipple first and see if the feeding improves.

You’ll want to make sure your baby is no longer coughing/pooling milk in their mouth for the whole feeding.

5 tips to switch baby bottle nipple size

Bottle Nipple Differences

Not all bottle nipples are created equal. Some nipples are narrow and long, some are wide and short and some nipples are created to replicate breastfeeding.

If you find that changing the bottle nipple size is not helping the feeding issues then perhaps it’s time to try a different bottle and bottle nipple.

My daughter adamantly refused Tommee Tippee bottle nipples. And I have no idea why!

After troubleshooting nipples sizes, I found it was time to switch bottles altogether- and it worked!

Changing bottle styles might be the trick if you find yourself stuck in a bottle pickle. If you are sensing that there is another cause of your baby’s feeding issues, do not hesitate to contact your baby’s pediatrician.

Do I have to change bottle nipple sizes based on the chart?

No 2 babies are the same!

There is no “perfect age” to switch your baby’s nipple size so it’s always best to follow your baby’s feeding cues. Look for the signs that he/she would show when it’s time for a faster nipple flow and meet your baby’s needs accordingly.

My daughter didn’t move to a level 3 nipple until she was almost 8 months old. If I were to follow the chart I would have automatically sized up her nipple when she turned 6 months. But if I would have done that then the faster nipple would have disrupted her feedings and maybe even her whole day!

Always follow YOUR baby’s cues. Watch for their signs- you know your little one best!

On the other hand, if your baby is younger than the recommended age for a certain nipple level but your baby is showing signs that he/she needs a faster flow, feel free to try it! After a feeding or 2 then you will know if the nipple is just right or too fast.

Some babies are slow eaters and some babies are aggressive eaters. How your baby normally eats will directly affect their nipple size. Remember, you know your baby best!

Baby Schedule Collection Free Printables: Baby Tracker | Baby Schedule | Nap Schedule | Feeding Schedule | #momlife #parentingtips

Download a FREE Baby Feeding Tracker!

The best way to know when your baby is acting differently during a feeding is to consistently track their feedings! By tracking your baby’s feedings, you can easily see a pattern and notice their feeding cues.

Knowing your baby’s feeding cues can help you anticipate their needs and solve any feedings that may arise in the future.

Download a Baby Feeding Tracker inside my FREE Baby Schedule Collection.

Receive 3 instant downloads including a weekly feeding tracker, daily baby schedule, and overall baby tracker!

Use the form below to have the trackers sent straight to your email!

Recap: When to change bottle nipple size

Bottle feeding can seem overwhelming at times but remember, hope is not lost!

By following your baby’s cues, you can meet them where they are developmentally and anticipate their needs.

Here are some signs when it’s time to change bottle nipple size to a faster flow:

  • Takes longer to finish a bottle
  • Becoming irritated or fussy while eating (when baby was normally acting like himself/herself)
  • Falling asleep toward the beginning of a feeding without eating much

Here are the signs when it’s time to change bottle nipple size to a slower flow:

  • Coughing
  • Choking with milk
  • Milk is pooling out of mouth during swallows
  • Hard gulping with head movements

Remember to follow your baby’s feeding cues (don’t forget to download the Free Baby Feeding Tracker inside my Baby Schedule Collection!)

You know your little one best!

Always With Love, Brianna

Read more tips for baby feedings!

  • Best Bottle Feeding Tips to Prevent Gas
  • How to Know Your Baby is Full: Accomplish a Full Feeding
5 signs its time to level up baby bottle nipple size

September 3, 2021 · Leave a Comment

Easy Step by Step Tear-Free Baby Bath Routine

Baby Routines

Baby bath routine: baby in pink towel

Inside: Learn a simple, tear-free baby bath routine to help you easily clean your little one while encouraging parent/baby bonding so you and your little one enjoy bath time!

It’s time to get your little bundle of joy all squeaky clean!

Bathing your baby can seem a little intimidating at first, especially for new parents. Your little one seems so fragile and helpless and the last thing you want to do is disrupt or hurt her.

Trust me I’ve been there!

Even for my second babies I was a wreck trying to bathe her because I thought I would somehow hurt her tinnee, tiny little body.

Once you get the all-clear from your doctor to start bathing your baby, bath time can be a really fun bonding time between you and your sweet little one.

I’ll teach you a super simple, tear-free baby bath routine to help you easily make sure your baby is being cleaned properly and encourages parent/baby bonding. So both you and your baby will enjoy bath time!

No time to read this now? That’s okay! Download the FREE Baby Bath Routine Cheatsheet to get this step by step routine (+ awesome baby bath tips & tricks) sent straight to your email!

There’s nothing sweeter than seeing your sweet little baby look up at you with those big Disney-like cartoon eyes. This precious baby is dependent on you for everything, and you have the most important job in the world– being a parent.

But caring for your little one doesn’t have to be overwhelming…Let’s dive into baby bath time!

When Can Baby Take a Bath Every Day?

A baby can take their first bath after his/her umbilical cord falls off (usually 10-14 days after birth). Before then, just wipe down your baby with a warm washcloth and keep the umbilical cord dry.

After the umbilical cord falls off, feel free to give your baby his/her first bath!

You can just use water for those newborn days (or a mild soap if needed).

For the first few months of life, your baby only needs a bath about 3 times a week, or when needed.

After about 4 months if your baby enjoys a taking baths you can start adding more baths to your week.

There is no concrete answer to know “when” your baby can start taking baths every day, but between 5-6 months I found that my babies enjoyed baths every day the most.

It also became a part of our bedtime routine which helped them sleep longer and better, so that was a major plus!

Talk to your child’s pediatrician about bathing before making significant changes to your bathing schedule.

But you do NOT have to give your baby a bath every day to enjoy the benefits of a baby bath routine.

(This is a great article all abut how often you can bathe your baby.)

When Can I Start a Baby Bath Routine?

You can start a baby bath routine as soon as you begin giving your baby baths. The routine will change a bit as your child grows and develops (a newborn bath routine will be slightly different from a one-year-old bath routine).

But not matter what your baby’s age is, each part of the baby bath routine will remain the same! You just slightly alter the details based upon your baby’s age. And I’ll show you exactly how to do this too.

Why is a Bath Routine Important?

You may have heard it before but- babies thrive on routines. The more consistency and predictably a baby has in their day, the better.

Adding a bath routine to your day doesn’t HAVE to be make or break but it does add a bit of reinforcement to the structure of your evening before baby’s bedtime.

Establishing a simple and quick bath routine also helps your baby wind down and prepare for nighttime sleep.

Side Note: Differentiating between daytime and nighttime sleep is a huge part of your baby learning to sleep through the night. With daytime sleep, you wake up within 1-2 hours. However, with nighttime sleep, you stay asleep until feedings are needed or until baby is developmentally ready to sleep until morning.

Also, the routine doesn’t have to be long or strenuous 20 step plan. It can be as simple and to the point as you wish.


Related Reading!

Importance of a baby bedtime routine to help your baby sleep longer and better!

Use Bath Time to Connect

Don’t forget, you can use your baby’s bath time as a way to further connect with your little one.

Bath time is private- intimate. Only you (and other caregivers you allow) are allowed to give your baby a bath because you are entrusted to clean and care for this sweet baby so they can continue to healthy grow and thrive.

Your baby’s hygiene is such a crucial part of maintaining your child’s health and your baby’s bath is a special time to connect with him/her! You can sing songs, play different bath games, and so much more.

If you can, try to unplug from your phone or from the other daily responsibility of your household and give your baby undivided attentions to further make those special bonds.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please view Mastering Mom Life’s Terms, Disclosure & Disclaimer Policy and Privacy Policy. I wholeheartedly believe in all of the products I recommend and use them all! 

Bath sponge and towel

Baby Bath Essentials

The simple “let’s throw the baby in the sink for a quick wash” days are longgg gone.

If you’ve walked into a Target or Buy Buy Baby recently you’d see there are hundreds of different baby products- just to give your baby a bath!

It’s quite insane.

The good news is, you don’t need the latest, trendiest, expensive baby bath product to give your baby a good ol’ bath.

All you need to do is first figure out where you’re going to bathe your baby and then you’ll know what baby bath essentials you need. (sink, tub, bottom of the shower, etc.)

Here’s a list of minimal things I use that are the bare necessities:

  • For bathing your baby in the sink- Flower bath insert (I’ve used this one before and it’s so soft, fits multiple sinks, cleans & dries well, and is easy to store)
  • For bathing your baby in a traditional tub- Infant to Toddler Convertible Baby Tub (I’ve used this one for both of my babies and I love it because it grows with your little one, is lightweight, and easy to clean)
  • Thin washcloths- I use these washcloths because they are super gentle on your baby’s skin and don’t get that yucky “mildewy” smell.

After each bath, I clean the washcloths in the sink and let them air dry until the next day. Every 3 baths, I’ll throw them in the washer/dryer and rotate them. That way you don’t need to buy 25 washcloths.

Mom Tip: After each bath, I clean the washcloths in the sink and let them air dry until the next day. Every 3 baths, I’ll throw them in the washer/dryer and rotate them. That way you don’t need to buy 25 washcloths.

  • Mild, natural soap- I personally use the Baby Dove Sensitive Wash and Aveeno Baby Oat Extract Hypoallergenic Soap. Every few weeks I switch between soaps.
  • Bath toys (usually for babies older than 8 months)- I’m not a fan of the squirt toys for younger babies because of the mold that can sometimes grow within the toy. But some squirt toys open so you can properly clean them!

6 Step Easy Baby Bath Time Routine

1. Setting the water

The water temperature is one of the most important parts of preparing your baby’s bath. Too hot and your baby’s skin could minorly burn. Too cold and your baby could catch a chill.

But don’t let the water temperature stress you out too much! (As a new mom it took me like 10 minutes to find “the perfect” bath temperature and I was freaking out)

Use this as a simple rule of thumb- if you place your elbow in the bath water and it feel comfortable to touch, then it will be okay for your baby.

If it feels a tad hot after the initial touch, remove some water and replace it with cold water.

If it feels too cool, remove some water and replace it with hot water.

Then retest it.

Baby bath routine

After a couple of baths, you will also begin to notice what temperature your baby likes. Watch his/her cues to see if they are uncomfortable.

If your little one if splashing around and all smiles, then you’re good!

If you are still a bit anxious about the water temperature, you can purchase a baby bath water thermometer that you drop in the water and will tell you when the temperature is suitable for a baby.

2. Cleaning the cracks & crevices

Now that the temperature is good and the baby is acclimated to the bath, it’s time to scrub a dub dub!

You’ll want to take the washcloth and soak it then wring it out so it’s not excessively dripping. (Use your discretion whether you want to use a mild soap)

Next, clean your baby’s ears, neck, legs rolls and tushy.

You’ll basically want to wipe down all areas that have rolls. Sometimes dried milk can get caked and dried in the rolls under your baby’s neck. If left uncleaned, her neck can become red and irritated.

If your baby happens to be rolly under the neck (like my babies!), be sure to clean and dry their neck every evening.

You don’t have to “deep clean” your baby every night, but a quick wipe down will help keep your little one nice and fresh.

If your baby recently had a diaper mishap (aka – a poop blow out), be sure to wipe down their private parts gently but well to remove any residue.

Mom Tip: Use this time to also inspect your little one and make a note of any other things you have to take care of for their proper hygiene such as trimming their nails, applying special lotion for dry skin, cleaning their ears, etc

.

3. Cleaning hair

Now we’re on to the hair…

Take the wash cloth and gently scrub your baby’s hair in circle. This will also help if your baby is experiencing cradle cap. Use your discretion whether to use soap or not based on how many baths your baby was given that week so far.

Some parents use a baby visor to keep the water out of the baby’s eyes when cleaning their hair.

But I simply tilt my baby’s head back a tiny bit and put one hand on her forehead (like a dam) to keep the water from dripping down her face.

Mom Tip: At any point, if your baby starts crying or pretesting the bath, you can stick a toy or something fun to the shower wall so when your baby looks up, they are entertained.

Works every time!

4. Adding fun to the baby bath routine

Now that the cleaning portion of the bath is over, it’s time for the fun!

Sing bath songs, show your baby some colorful toys- if your baby is old enough, you can use this time as an educational opportunity. Count toes, name body parts, play peek a boo.

You can begin to make bath time fun as early as 3 months!

5. Getting dried

Take the towel and place it face up on your chest. Pick baby up from the bath and place baby’s back on your chest, then wrap your baby in the towel.

Bring your baby to a safe, flat surface (such as a changing table or a bed) and dry baby off.

Remember to never leave your baby unattended on any surface!

Dry off your baby’s hair, legs, arms, and be sure to get all the cracks and crevice’s. Let your baby dry off a but and get some air before putting on their diaper and clothes

You can use this time to use a soft, natural, mild lotion or oil and gently massage your baby.

This is a great way to help your baby wind down and prepare for bedtime.

A word about sensitivities: at any point if you notice your baby’s skin becoming irritated, red, slightly inflamed, or bumpy, immediately stop any use of soaps or lotions and contact your pediatrician.

Sometimes one ingredient can be the culprit to your baby’s discomfort. But your pediatrician will be able to better advise you.

I use this organic massage oil after every bath

6. Getting dressed

It’s pajama time! For nighttime, dress your baby in comfortable, breathable clothing. If you are still swaddling, a simple onesie under the swaddle is fine. If your baby sleeps with their arms and legs out, a footie or 2-piece pj set is great.

Be sure your baby is staying cool and comfortable throughout the night.

Extra- 7. Preparing for bed

Your baby is now bathed, dried, dressed and ready for your bedtime routine.

This is a great time to offer a feeding before bed, sit & cuddle, read a book, etc.

Complete your bedtime routine and your little one is now ready for sleep!

Download the Baby Bath Routine Cheatsheet!

Want to keep this routine to refer back to later? I got you!

Get the instant download of this step-by-step routine (+ awesome baby bath tips & tricks) sent straight to your email! A 5-page printable download you can save to your phone or you can print 🙂

Recap:

By using these 6 simple steps you can create your own baby bath routine that promotes baby and parent bonding while also getting your baby nice and clean.

Keeping up with your child’s hygiene is an important part of their healthy growth. But as you’ve seen, it doesn’t have to be stressful!

Now when your baby looks up at you with those big Disney doe-eyes, know that you are the best parent for this baby and you are doing an amazing job.

You got this mama!

Always With Love, Brianna

Check out these other posts with baby tips & tricks!

Why a steam bath is a miracle for your baby’s cough and cold
Baby Schedule Collection Free Printables

Please know that I am not a doctor or physician and I am not medically trained. All tips and advice given is based on my own experience and given to me by my own pediatrician. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your doctor. This post is solely to offer encouragement from my experience and not designed to offer medical advice or treatment.

May 18, 2021 · Leave a Comment

The Best 3 Month Baby Schedule to Make Naps, Feedings & Play Easy

Baby Routines

3 month baby schedule

Inside: Learn how to create a flexible, easy 3 month baby schedule that will encourage healthy growth and development by following your baby’s cues.

You’ve officially hit the 3 month milestone- congratulations!

Your little one is leaving the “squishy, wrinkly newborn” phase and quickly entering the “chubby cheek, I want to smile all the time” baby phase—my favorite one 🙂

The 3 month milestone is a big one, as your baby is beginning to learn different routines and becoming acquainted with the stead patterns of feedings and naps.

Your little “I want to sleep all day newborn” is learning the world more and more each day and going through developmental spurts- which means their habits will start to shift.

Some 3 month old changes include:

  • Longer wake times
  • Increased feedings
  • Different nap lengths
  • Playtime alertness
  • Routine awareness

But don’t let these changes overwhelm you!

The best 3 month baby schedule to make feeding and naps easy

By following your baby’s cues I’ll teach you how to create a flexible 3 month baby schedule that will healthily encourage your baby’s growth & development AND that will help you feel confident caring for your little one.

FREE Instant Download: Easy 3-4 Month Baby Schedule Guide

No time to read this now? That’s okay!

Instantly download the FREE 3 Month Baby Schedule Guide to get these sample schedules and golden nuggets of baby schedule tips sent straight to your inbox!

How to Create an Easy 3 Month Baby Schedule

As a new mom, I was super intimidated by the term “baby schedule”.

Did that mean if my baby ate 20 minute after her “schedule time” it would ruin the day?

Did I have to follow a schedule down to the very minute?

The thought of a schedule seemed super stressful and I wanted a more laid back, go with the flow approach to parenting… (while still keeping some sort of structure).

Here’s the good news- you can create your own baby schedule that is flexible and that works for YOU and your baby.

Some families have other siblings that need to be dropped off at school at 7am, so a 8am baby wake time won’t work for them. Some parents need to work at night so a 9pm baby bedtime won’t work.

By creating a schedule that is flexible to your family’s needs but that is also meeting your baby where he/she is developmentally will help you care for your little one in the best and easiest easy possible.

Here are the 3 components of a baby schedule you absolutely need:

  • Feedings
  • Sleep
  • Wake time
How to create an easy and flexible 3 month baby schedule

3 Steps to Create Your Own Baby Schedule

1. Track your baby’s daily actions and mood for 3 days.

Set aside 3 days to track your baby’s actions. When does he eat? When does she start getting tired? How long does he sleep? How long does she play?

By tracking these actions for 3 days you’ll be able to see an overall routine that your baby is doing.

2. Use that pattern to create a schedule

Babies naturally fall into a routine (just like adults!). We eat, sleep, and live our daily life within the same structure from day to day.

By seeing their sleep, wake, and eat patterns, you can create a schedule that will help them limit their fussy times.

By using this method, you’re not forcing your child on a schedule that doesn’t work for them. You’re leaning into the turn of their natural body clock.

3 month baby schedule guide and baby tracker

Use this FREE Baby Daily Tracker to help you complete these steps stress-free. Track your child’s naps, feedings, moods, and activities all in one place. Then you can easily start to see their routine so you can know without a doubt their golden wake window 🙂

Get the FREE Tracker in the 3 Month Baby Schedule Guide now!

Sample Easy 3 Month Baby Schedule: Overall Daily Schedule

Example 1
7:00am Wake & Feeding
7:00am – 8:30 Wake Time
8:30 – 10:00am Nap #1
10:00am Feeding
10:00am-12:30pm Wake Time
12:30pm-1:30pm Nap #2
1:00pm Feeding
1:00-3:00 Wake Time
12:30pm-1:30pm Nap #2
3:00-4:00pm Nap #3
4:00-5:45 Wake Time
4:00pm Feeding
5:00-5:45 Nap #4
6:30 Bath
7:00pm Feeding
7:30 Bedtime
Example 2
6:15am Wake & Feeding
6:15am – 7:20 Wake Time
7:20 – 9:20am Nap #1
9:30am Feeding
9:20am-10:45am Wake Time
10:45pm-11:45pm Nap #2
12:00pm Feeding
11:45-1:45pm Wake Time
1:45-2:20pm Nap #3
2:20-4:00 Wake Time
2:30pm Feeding
4:00-5:00 Nap #4
5:00-6:30pm Wake Time
5:00 Feeding
6:00 Bath
6:30pm Feeding
7:00 Bedtime

(Notice how each schedule is flexible – feeding times relatively stay around 2.5 to 3 hours but some naps are shorter than others and the rest of the day is slightly altered. This is OKAY!)

Based on the time your baby wakes up, use my personal sample schedules (the ones above!) as an outline for the day.

You can create your own easy 3 month baby schedule by using these sample schedule as a framework and plugging in your own times for feedings and naps.

Download the FREE Easy 3-4 Month Baby Schedule Guide to:
  • instantly download these sample schedules
  • AND receive a blank schedule template for you to create your own baby schedule

How to understand a 3 month baby schedule

Beginning at the 3-4 month mark, your baby will begin to understand patterns and habits- in a nutshell, they’ll begin to anticipate routines.

Routines help let your baby know what’s next AND helps you understand what your baby needs next.

When you follow your baby’s cues you’ll begin to see when he/she is tired, hungry, playful, etc. Then you use these cues to establish an overall routine.


RELATED READING

Schedule for Your Baby | The Importance of a daily schedule for your baby | mom life hacks | baby tips | #parenting #motherhood

Here are the 4 main factors to understand in your 3 month old baby schedule:

1. Longer Wake Times

Wake time consists of a feeding and activity time. Keeping your baby stimulated during this time can help ensure they have a restful sleep the next time they nap.

As your baby grows, her/his wake time will start to get longer. As each wake time gets longer, naps will eventually be dropped because your baby is staying awake for a longer period between each nap.

During the 3-4 month phase, your baby will be in between the 3-4 naps, where the 4th nap gets dropped around 5-6 months.

2. Increased Feedings

Around this time is where babies usually begin to increase the amount they are eating each feeding. Accomplishing a full feeding is not only important for your baby’s growth but can also help your baby achieve better sleep.

Read this article here all about how to accomplish full feeding and create an easy full feeding schedule that follows your baby’s hunger cues!

4 keys to create the best 3 month baby schedule
3. Different Nap Lengths

It’s important to offer your baby a nap 60-90 minutes from the last time they woke from their prior nap.

Between 3-4 months, some babies can even begin to reach 90-120 minute wake windows.

That’s why it’s important to know your baby’s sleep cues. By catching your baby before they reach the “full-on baby down” tired stage, you can prevent your little one from getting overtired and disoriented, which hinders naps.

Some tired baby cues are:

  • Staring off into space
  • Rubbing eyes
  • Yawning
  • Red eyebrows
4. Playtime Alertness

At this stage, your baby is becoming more aware of his surroundings. Your baby isn’t too small to play!

Use wake time to play:

  • In front of the mirror
  • With finger puppets
  • Splash toes in water

If you’re struggling with what to do when your baby is awake, check out my Tiny One’s Boredom Buster Activity Toolkit.

It’s filled with activity guides for babies 3 months to 3 years old- so this guide can GROW with your little one!

I created it to help parents plan easy, cheap, educational activities that promote developmental growth and independent play as well as parent bonding.

Learn more about the Boredom Buster Activity Toolkit HERE!

FAQ’s

What is a sample 3 Month Old Bottle Schedule?

At this age, your baby should be eating every 2.5 to 3 hours.

If you are struggling with feedings, be sure to talk to your child’s pediatrician about any concerns that you have (such as the baby not going longer than 2 hours between feedings)

Sometimes feedings can take longer than others so don’t worry too much about how long it takes for your baby to eat at this age. Your baby is still learning!

My first child drank her bottle within 30 minutes. My second took about an hour nursing every feeding.

Just be sure to watch your child’s wake window and offer a nap every 60-90 minutes to prevent your baby from getting overtired and cranky.

(The key is to make sure your baby is accomplishing full feedings. Read all about how to make sure your baby is feeding to get full here!)


RELATED READING

Full Feeding Schedule | Feeding to Get Your Baby Full | Baby Tips | Feeding Schedule | Mom Life Tips | #momadvice #parenting

Here is a sample 3 month old feeding schedule:

7:00am- 4-5 oz

10:00am- 4 oz

12:30pm-4-5 oz

3:00pm- 4 oz

6:00pm- 4 oz

8:30- 5 oz

(dream feed if needed at 10:00)

*Then you feed your baby as needed if they wake for night feedings

(Notice how some feedings were 3 hours between and some were 2.5 hours between. Count the next 3 hour window from when your child begins eating the last feeding)

At this age my children were beginning to go from 9:00pm to 5:00am without a feeding but every child is different so be sure to meet your baby where he/she is!

Best Bottle Feeding Tips to Help Prevent Gas

Should I Follow “Eat, Wake, Sleep”?

In my personal experience of parenthood, my children never truly followed an eat, wake, sleep schedule.

As long as you are following your own daily routine of feedings, naps and wake time your child should be falling into their own groove of a natural “eat, wake, sleep” cycle.

Let me explain…

Let’s say you fed your child at 10:00am and then put him down for a nap at 11:00am. He slept for 50 minutes. Now it’s 11:50am and you know your baby won’t start to show hunger cues until about 12:45ish. You have a whole hour of wake time with your baby BEFORE they are eating. Which mean that when they eat, they’re wake window will be ending and they will go to sleep right after eating.

In this scenario, you followed a “sleep, *wake*, eat” cycle.

For the rest of the day your schedule might look like a “eat, sleep, wake” cycle.

And that’s okay!

As your baby continues to grow there won’t be a strict schedule that you need to follow. So don’t worry yourself too much about following schedules like this just yet.

For a 3 month old, as long as you are following an overall healthy routine of feedings every 3 hours and naps every 60-90 minutes, your child will fall into a schedule naturally.

Don’t Forget- Download the FREE 3-4 Month Baby Schedule Guide!

Get instant access to the FREE Easy 3-4 Month Baby Schedule Guide.

Instantly download this 6 page guide that includes:

  • these sample 3 month schedules
  • a baby tracker to help you track your baby’s activtyes and cues
  • a schedule template to help you create your own flexible baby schdudle

Get the FREE GUIDE HERE!

Recap:

As you enter the 3-4 month stage of your little one’s sweet life, don’t fret about all of the changes going on.

By using these simple foundations in your baby’s schedule, you will be more prepared for all of the developmental milestones your baby is reaching.

Remember, by following your baby’s cues you can create a flexible 3 month baby schedule that will healthily encourage your baby’s growth & development AND that will help you feel confident caring for your little one.

Be sure to take one day at a time and know that you’re doing a great job!

…Excuse me while I run and hide away from the 4 month sleep regression….

You got this mama!

Always With Love, Brianna

Check Out These Other Posts About Baby Schedules!

Baby Daily Schedule | What My Baby's Daily Schedule Looks Like | Motherhood | Baby Schedule | #momlife #parenting
Nap Schedule | How to Start a Nap Schedule with Your Baby | Parenting Tips | Motherhood | #momadvice #momlife #babysleep
Baby Schedule Collection

May 9, 2021 · Leave a Comment

How to Create an Easy Baby Schedule (4 Step by Step Tips)

Baby Routines

baby laying down

Inside: Learn the 4 simple steps you can take to create an easy baby schedule that is flexible and encourages developmental growth!

Let’s talk about the dreaded S word

— Schedules.

Specifically, baby schedules.

A baby schedule doesn’t have to be a harsh, rigid schedule dictated by the ticking hands of the clock.

It can be as simple and as flexible as you like while meeting your baby right where they are developmentally.

Here are the 4 key principles for every baby schedule foundation we’ll be diving into:

  1. Wake windows
  2. Full feedings
  3. Restful sleep
  4. Stimulating activities

By using these 4 key pillars you’ll be able to create your own easy, flexible baby schedule that fits YOUR family!

From sleep training to baby-led weaning to toddler discipline, there IS a way to confidently communicate with your child and have your child communicate with you in a way that is positive, encouraging, and simple.

It all begins with a baby schedule!

Not a restricting schedule- but a flexible, positive routine that helps your baby reach new milestones and thrive.

To create your own flexible baby schedule, you’ll want to make sure you follow these 4 key principles throughout the day.

Free Baby Tracker and Mom Planner

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Why is a baby schedule important?

Having a schedule for your baby comforts them by giving them something they can expect daily- this in turn will benefit both you and your baby greatly!

When a baby is fed, bathed, plays, and sleeps around the same time every day it gives them a pattern. This pattern will then help you teach them fundamentals- such as eating, sitting up, self-soothing, etc.

When your baby knows what’s going to happen next it becomes a part of them and then begins to flow naturally as they grow.

In short, babies thrive on schedules.

You can read all about the 7 key benefits of having a baby schedule here!

How to create a flexible baby schedule

How to create a baby schedule?

If you’re having trouble knowing what your child’s existing schedule is, then follow these simple steps to help you!

1. Track your baby’s daily actions and mood for 3 days.

Set aside 3 days to track your baby’s actions. When does he eat? When does she start getting tired? How long does he sleep? How long does she play?

By tracking these actions for 3 days you’ll be able to see an overall routine that your baby is doing.

2. Use that pattern to create a schedule

Babies naturally fall into a routine (just like adults!). We eat, sleep, and live our daily life within the same structure from day to day.

By seeing their sleep, wake, and eat patterns, you can create a schedule that will help them limit their fussy times.

By using this method, you’re not forcing your child on a schedule that doesn’t work for them. You’re leaning into the turn of their natural body clock.

Use the FREE Baby Daily Tracker to help you complete these steps stress-free. Track your child’s naps, feedings, moods, and activities all in one place. Then you can easily start to see their routine so you can know without a doubt their golden wake window 😊

Get the FREE Tracker by clicking the button below!

You simply want to reiterate a “structure” to your baby’s day that will help your little one understand what is going to happen next- this brings your baby great comfort when they have a stable routine for their day.

Learning your baby’s cues

By creating a flexible schedule you’ll also begin to understand your baby’s cues better.

Have you ever asked yourself is my crying because something is bothering her or is it hunger?

When you have an overall routine for your day you’ll start to know your baby’s cues and this will help you understand your baby better.

Your baby’s cues are the way they communicate with you!

When you are able to understand the cues, you are communicating with your little one 🙂

How to make a baby schedule flexible and rigid-free

4 Keys to Create an Easy Baby Schedule

Baby schedules do not have to be rocket science. You simply follow your baby’s cues for the 3 main behaviors of the day- sleep, feedings, and activities. These 3 behaviors are going to be the premise of your baby’s whole day.

 Here are the 4 easiest steps you can take to create your own flexible routine:

1. Watch your baby’s wake windows

(This applies to any child that is still taking naps– from 3 weeks old to 3 years old).

Your baby has a certain amount of time they should be awake before going back to sleep. These times will change as your baby grows. You want to ensure your child is staying awake long enough to fill their “tired cup” but not reach a point where they are overtired.

Creating a schedule that is within the healthy boundaries of your baby’s wake windows will build the overall frame for your day.

What is a wake window?

A wake window or wake time is the amount of time your child is up from their last sleep to the time they go back to sleep.

This wake time is used to help you understand the maximum amount of time your child can be up without being overtired and fussy—and ultimate missing the time they were supposed to nap.

Wake Hours per Month

Here’s an example of Baby L’s wake time windows as she’s grown:

Birth-3 months: 1- 1.5 hours awake

4-6 months: 1.5-2 hours awake

7-9 months: 2-2.5 hours awake

10-14 months: 3-4 hours awake

15-24 months: 4.5-5 hours awake

24-36 months: so far, it’s remained at 5 hours of wake time

Feel free to use this as a guide for your baby’s wake times!

2. Accomplish Full Feedings

Ever asked yourself “is my baby done eating?” and then 30 minutes later you have a full-blown baby meltdown only to realize that your child was still hungry?

This has happened to me countless times!

In order for your baby to thrive, they need to complete full feedings.

This will not only help them grow but also help them accomplish better sleep and stimulated awake time.

It’s important to know that the goal of every feeding is to have a full feeding- this will allow your baby to stay fuller longer and create a feeding pattern for them that works.

When your child is hungry or has trouble with feedings, it can throw off the whole day because they’re not experiencing healthy feedings. When your child has a full feeding, they are content, satisfied and will last until their next feeding.

Full feedings are an important building block in your overall baby schedule.

(If you are struggling with feedings and are noticing that the rest of your day is also being affected, talk to your doctor.)

Full belly = Happy baby

If you want to learn how to accomplish full feedings, read this post to learn the signs of incomplete feedings, how to reach full feedings, and how to create a healthy full feeding schedule!

Baby Napping

3. Encourage Restful Sleep

The next step to create an easy baby schedule is to focus on restful sleep- usually made up of a couple of naps and a long nighttime stretch of sleep.

(Depending on how old your little one is will determine how many times they nap and for how long.)

For example, a 4-month-old will nap 3-4 times a day for 45 minutes- 2 hours and have a long nighttime stretch between 8-11 hours. But a 2-year-old will probably nap once for 2-3 hours and have a long nighttime stretch for 10-12 hours.

Both of these different scenarios meet the recommended amount of sleep a child needs within a day.

You’ll want to create a sleep environment conducive to a good sleep, including:
  • a swaddle or sleep sack (if applicable),
  • a dark room,
  • sound machine
  • keeping the room a cool temperature.

Learn all about the importance of a nap routine and how it can promote better, restful sleep for your baby by reading this article here!

Educational & fun toys are the best to fill wake time!

4. Fill wake time with activities

Now that your little one is eating well, sleeping, and is up for an appropriate amount of time, it’s time to fill that wake time with stimulating activities that encourage developmental growth!

From tummy time to sensory bins, you can add fun activities that are age-appropriate for your little one to keep them busy, stimulated, and reaching new milestones.

You don’t have to go crazy creating hard-to-set up and expensive activities. Simple things like mirror play and finger puppets can go a long way.

If you’re struggling with how to keep your little ones entertained while they are awake, check out my Tiny One’s Boredom Buster Activity Toolkit.

This toolkit is filled with 30+ easy, affordable activities for all age ranges that will help you take the overwhelm OUT of planning fun, educational and affordable activities for your child while encouraging independent play and parent bonding!

The Tiny One’s Boredom Buster Activity Toolkit is a flexible step-by-step activity system where you can easily plan your own weekly activities by plugging them into YOUR daily routine based on the provided activity worksheets and templates!

Learn more about this sanity saving activity toolkit here!

Don’t forget to download the Mommy & Me Mini Planner!

Sometimes words are useless if you don’t have the tools you need to back them up!

To help you easily create your own flexible baby I created this FREE mommy & me mini planner/tracker to help you track your baby’s daily actions and create a thriving routine for your little one!

It includes different baby tracker sheets to track naps, feedings, and diapers as well as planning templates for YOU to help you get more done in less time while taking care of your little!

The Wrap Up

These 4 keys will help you create an easy baby schedule that is rockin’, flexible, effortless, and works best for your family.

Remember to always:
  1. Watch wake windows
  2. Try to accomplish full feedings
  3. Create a restful sleep environment
  4. Fill wake time with stimulating (& easy!) activities

Your baby schedule can be as simple and as flexible as you like while meeting your baby right where he/she is developmentally.

You got this, mama!

Always With Love, Brianna

Check out these other posts all about easy baby routines!

How to Easily Start a Baby Nap Schedule to Make Naps Better!

What My Baby Schedule Looks Like

Ultimate Step by Step Guide to Help Your Baby Nap

April 29, 2021 · Leave a Comment

The Best Newborn Baby Essentials You Actually Need

Baby Routines

Toddler holding baby doll- newborn baby essentials

Inside: Wondering what your baby will *actually* need? Find out the 10 best newborn baby essentials to make the first 3 months easy so you can stress less and just enjoy the cuddles!

I stepped out the car with my newborn baby in my arms and stood in front of my door.

“Can I actually care for this sweet, little baby all on my own??”

Nothing can quite prepare you for caring for a newborn but with the right essentials, you’ll feel like you got it all under control!

Without the proper newborn baby essentials, it can feel like climbing Mount Everest without any climbing gear- impossible.

I’ll share with you the best newborn baby essentials to help you feel confident that you’re caring for your baby in the best and easiest way possible.

…while staying on budget!

Being a parent is expensive. (Super understatement…) It’s important not to waste your precious money on items you don’t need so you can just focus on the essentials that are actually worth it.

Here is a list of newborn baby essentials you will actually need and use on a daily basis for the first 3 months to make your mom life easier.

Newborn essentials checklist free printable

What are Newborn Baby Essentials?

Newborn essentials are all of the items that your newborn is going to need to use every day. These items are going to be the things you use day in and day out to care for your baby in the best way possible.

…And also make your mom life easier!

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How to Make the First 3 Months with Baby Easy | Newborn Essentials | teddy bear on floor

Where to Buy Newborn Essentials?

Finding newborn essentials these days is really easy. From your local Dollar Tree to Walmart or Target, you can find baby items almost anywhere.

But baby items can be really expensive. The little costs really add up and before you know it, the 10 items in your cart ring up to $200. Not fun.

The key to finding newborn baby essentials is to *know where to look*.

In this post, next to each newborn baby essential, I’ll link to where you can find that item for cheap.

An Amazon Prime account also really comes in handy for baby essentials. They have an Amazon Family Program where you subscribe monthly for the items and it gets automatically shipped directly to you every month for 5-10% off the regular price.

Those savings really add up!

And it saves you a trip to the store so you don’t have to take your little one out on those last-minute errands when you run out of an essential.

When to Buy Baby Essentials?

Before your baby arrives, you’ll want to add most of the newborn baby essentials to your baby registry. Even if it’s your second, third, or tenth child- I truly believe in baby registries because every mom should receive all of the extra help they can get!

For my first child, I created a registry at Target, Buy Buy Baby, and Amazon.

I was pregnant with my second child during the “stay at home order” in 2020 and since most people were quarantined and stores shut down, I only created an Join Amazon Family 30-Day Free Trial” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener nofollow”>Amazon Family Program– it comes right to my door.

Talk about stress-free!

The best newborn essentials for the first 3 months

The Best Newborn Baby Essentials You Need for the First 3 Months

Those first months at home with your baby can seem really overwhelming. Between feedings, naps, a million burp cloths, different cries, and sleep deprivation- things can go from sane to chaotic reaallyyy fast.

But having these essentials on hand can help you care for your baby in the easiest way possible so you can stress less and just enjoy on the cuddles.

What Essentials Does a Newborn Need?

1. A Way to Feed

The most important newborn baby essential you are going to need is a way to feed your baby. Whether you are breastfeeding or formula feeding, you need to have all of the necessities for feeding your baby through whatever decision you choose.

In the past I have breastfed, pumped, bottle-fed, and formula-fed so I can speak from experience on most of the feeding options!

Here’s a quick list of essentials for each way of baby feeding—

Breastfeeding:

  • Support pillow
  • Burp cloths
  • Breastfeeding basket with a water bottle, charger, snacks, etc.

Pumping:

  • Breast pump
  • Pumping bra
  • Extra pump parts
  • Bottles
  • Breastmilk storage bags

Bottle Feeding:

  • Bottles
  • Nipples
  • Nipple rings
  • Storage caps

RELATED READING: How to Prevent & Reduce Baby Gas while Feeding

2. Diapers

The next newborn baby essential you’ll need for the first 3 months (and far, far beyond…) is diapers.

This is probably an obvious baby necessity but I learned the hard way that it’s important to have different size diapers on hand.

Don’t be afraid to try different kinds of diapers because each diaper is designed a bit differently.

For example, I love the absorption of Pampers Swaddlers but I love the tabs and elasticity of Huggies.

Put a couple of different diapers on your registry to try! Add size newborn to size 3 just so you can ensure you’ll have enough diapers to get you through the first few months.

Here are some other diaper changing essentials you’ll need:

  • Changing pad
  • Wipes & baby wipe container
  • Diaper disposal bags

3. Baby Clothes

The next newborn essential you’ll need is clothes for your baby.

You don’t need a huge wardrobe for your new little one. Although baby clothes are sooo irresistible and cute 😊

Especially if you’re on a budget, you only need these baby clothes essentials:

  • 10-15 short sleeve body suits
  • 8-10 long sleep and footed body suits
  • 5-8 pants
  • 10-12 pairs of socks
  • 15-20 burp cloths and bibs

The quantity of each clothing item varies because you’ll have a couple of spit up accidents per day (and let’s not forget poop explosions!) so you’ll need more of the same item on hand.

If you have a washer/dryer, you can even have less clothing items and commit to doing a load every day.

4. Diaper cream

I know a lot of parents who don’t use diaper cream on a daily basis but in my personal experience, it’s been a lifesaver.

I’ve used the same diaper cream on each of my babies every day and they NEVER had diaper rash, irritation, or rashes!

I totally attest this to the Baby CeraVe Ointment.

You can even put this ointment on your baby’s body if they have a little scratch or a minor rash (always consult with your pediatrician).

5. Swaddle

The next newborn baby essential for the first 3 months is a swaddle. My first daughter loved her swaddle. My second had to get a bit adjusted to it before we can use it consistently but once she got used to it, it was like magic.

I truly believe the swaddle can be the different between a bad night and a good night sleep. Of course, your baby won’t be sleeping through the night for the first few months, but laying a solid sleep foundation is crucial in those first 3 months of their little life.

Using a swaddle can really help set that sleep foundation.

My daughters would wake themselves up from a deep sleep when they flail their arms and the swaddle completely solved this little issue. By week 8, each of my little ones was sleeping 7-8 hours a night!

You can read my step by step easy and flexible newborn routine that I used here

Here are a couple of different swaddles I have used:

  • Halo swaddle
  • Swaddle Me
  • Swaddle Blankets
The Bare Necessities a newborn needs

6. Bassinet/Crib

Your little one is also going to need a place to sleep, either in a full size crib or a bassinet. The location is totally up to you!

With my first, we set her in her own room in a crib the first night we came home from the hospital.

With my second, we didn’t have an extra bedroom so we purchased a bassinet and placed her in our room behind a partition for the first few months.

As long as your little one is in a safe, sleep approved bed designed for babies, you’re good. If you are co-sleeping, the make bassinets that attach to your bed which is great for those late-night breastfeeding sessions.

I personally always placed my babies in their own sleep bed/space but talk to your pediatrician about what’s best for your family.

Some of my other favorite baby sleep essentials that helped set a solid sleep foundation are:

  • Sound machine
  • Swaddle
  • Cool temperature
  • Blackout curtains

7. A way to bathe

You won’t be bathing your baby in a submerged bath until their little umbilical cord falls off, but after those 10-15 days, you are usually free to give your little one a bath.

Which is one of my favorite things to do!

You’ll need a safe way to bathe your baby. There are a ton of options, from small and space-saving all the way to luxury baby baths.

If you don’t have a bath tub, you can even use special foldable sink tubs.

The most important thing is to have a save way to bathe your baby!

8. Car seat

The final newborn baby essential you’ll need for the first 3 months is an infant car seat. Most hospitals won’t even let you discharge your baby from the hospital unless you show them your car seat.

There are a TON of different car seat options but you want to make sure the car seat is approved for infants, especially the first few months.

A lot of car seats come in a convertible format, so they can be for infants, babies, and then even toddlers.


Related Reading:
5 tips to help your baby love the car seat

Tips for Newborn Baby Essentials on a Budget

Here are some simple ways to save money on newborn baby essentials:

Use a bag you already have as a diaper bag

Diaper bags are so cool. Some even have built-in changing pads. But you don’t really *need* a diaper bag. And some diaper bags can be really expensive.

All you need is an open tote bag with pockets or a book bag with pockets and a baby changing kit.

Then all you have to do is throw the baby changing kit in your bag along with an extra change of clothes, burp cloths, and a pacifier- then you’re good to go!

Try store brand diapers

Diapers can be really expensive as well. Visit your favorite local stores and try their store brand diapers. Most diapers are made of the same materials and even the same manufacturers, they just have different names!

Keep an eye on any rashes or skin sensitivities you begin to notice on your baby. If you notice anything that would be irritating your baby’s bum, change diapers.

Don’t buy a special diaper disposal can

If you want to save money, don’t spend any money on expensive diaper trash cans. Especially the ones that cost extra for special diaper trash bags.

Yes, baby diapers are smelly and you don’t want that odor lingering in your home all day long. Here’s what you can do:

  • Purchase a small diaper pail ( I got mine for $1 at Dollar Tree)
  • Use these diaper disposal bags
  • Place the dirty diaper in the bag, tie it up & throw in the diaper pail.
  • After your next diaper change, open the bag and add the dirty diaper to it
  • Add up to 4 diapers to that same disposal bag
  • Empty the diaper pail every night and you’re all set!

So a disposal bag that cost you 10 cents just kept your home smelling fresh and poopy free all day 😊

Invest in convertible items

If you’re looking to save money long term, look into buying baby essentials that can grow with your baby. Most baby items are “convertible” and all you need is a couple of extra parts to make them suitable for different stages of your baby’s life.

So instead of buying an infant car seat, a regular car seat, and a toddler booster seat, purchase a convertible car seat that has all 3. It’ll save you three times the money as well!

The same goes for convertible cribs and strollers too.

Download a FREE Newborn Essentials Checklist

Baby shopping can really make your head spin! Download this Free Newborn Essentials Checklist as an easy way to keep track of everything you need and everything you already have so you don’t forget anything in this article.

The checklist also includes an empty checklist template where you can create your own list!

Download the free newborn baby essentials checklist now

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Take the overwhelm out of prepping for your newborn’s arrival! Get the FREE Newborn Essentials Checklist when you join my Mom Life Insider Tribe (+receive weekly freebies and mom life tips!)

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    Well there you have it!

    I hope this list of newborn baby essentials will help you make the first 3 months at home with your baby as easy as possible….and sanity-saving 😊

    With these newborn baby essentials, you’ll feel confident that you’re caring for your baby in the best and easiest way possible!

    You got this, mama! ❤️

    Always With Love, Brianna

    Read these other posts to help you care for your newborn easily!

    Easy Newborn Routine to Accomplish Full Feedings & Healthy Sleep

    9 Best Tips to Make Motherhood Easy with a Newborn

    Bottle Feeding Tips to Reduce and Prevent Gas

    February 14, 2021 · Leave a Comment

    How to Easily Prevent Baby Gas (Best Bottle Feeding Tips)

    Baby Routines

    Best Bottle Feeding Tips to Help Prevent Gas

    Inside: Find out 7 easy and effective bottle feeding tips to prevent and gas so you can have a happy baby!

    It was 2 o’clock in the morning and my sweet little 5 week old baby girl was crying for an hour straight. Not normal “baby crying”. I’m talking back-arching, red-faced, legs scrunched, screaming-crying.

    And I was crying with her.

    I was at a loss for words and had no idea what to do.

    Was it colic? Did her stomach hurt? Is this a sign that something is seriously wrong and I just don’t know it??

    Then, as if heaven opened up, she let out an earth-shaking burp and toot -what we call passing gas in our house 🙂

    Low and behold, she had a really, really, bad case of trapped gas!

    From that night forward, I vowed to do everything I can to prevent it from happening again.

    If your baby is experiencing gas pains, I’m going to share all of my best tips and tricks to help you prevent and eliminate any gas troubles!

    I used these same exact tips with my first baby to help reduce gas and with my second baby to help prevent gas troubles from ever arising.

    And it’s worked!

    Here are 7 easy baby bottle feeding tips to reduce gas and prevent discomfort in your baby’s tummy.

    No time to read this now? That’s ok! Save it your favorite Pinterest board for later!
    How to easily prevent baby gas: bottle feeding tips

    Please know that I am not a doctor or physician and I am not medically trained. All tips and advice given is based on my own experience and given to me by my own pediatrician. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your doctor. This post is solely to offer encouragement from my experience and not designed to offer medical advice or treatment. Please view Mastering Mom Life’s Terms, Disclosure & Disclaimer Policy and Privacy Policy.

    What are the signs my baby has gas?

    When your baby is experiencing gas, it can look like:

    • Excessive crying
    • Red face
    • Arched back while crying
    • Scrunched legs

    In my personal experience, my daughter’s colic had a lot to do with her gas issues (and feeding issues that I’ll show you how to prevent).

    How to identify baby gas issues?

    Sometimes gas pains can mirror signs of colic. That’s why it’s so important to track your baby’s feedings, poops, and overall behavior every day.

    To identify the difference between normal gas and gas issues, you’ll want to write down when your baby eats, how much, and their mood afterwards.

    If you are breastfeeding, also keep a food diary of what you are eating and when because your diet directly affects what your baby is eating.

    If you start to see a pattern of:

    • fussiness after eating,
    • baby stops fussing after burping or passing gas,
    • is irritable for more than an hour everyday,
    • showing discomfort when cries (red face, pulling up legs, arching back)
    • not sleeping or eating well

    These are just some common signs that your baby is experiencing gas troubles. If you notice a consistent pattern of these signs, it’s time to visit the pediatrician and possibly discuss other feeding options such as a mom diet change for breastfed babies or a formula change.

    Download the FREE Mommy & Me Planner + Tracker!

    Use this free planner to help you track your baby’s feedings, moods, diaper changes, naps & more!

    It also helps you plan your to-do list and everyday mom life tasks in the same place so you don’t have to use 3 different planners and lists to get the job done!

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    Why do babies get gas?

    Babies are naturally gassy! A baby’s digestive system is still developing and is maturing as they grow.

    Just like adults, when we eat and our belly grumbles, a baby’s stomach does the same thing but they are too little to vocalize it and their systems are immature.

    That’s why we burp babies, because they can’t burp themselves yet.

    Babies also tend to swallow air when eating and this creates little bubbles of gas in their tummies.

    7 Easy Baby Bottle Feeding Tips to Prevent Gas

    Here is the list of exact step by step tips I used to help prevent and reduce gas in my babies.

    I started using these tips when my first born was 4 weeks and used them immediately after birth when my second was born.

    1. Angle Your Baby When Feeding

    The first bottle feeding tip to reduce gas in babies to position your baby at least 45 degrees on your lap when feeding.

    Don’t lay your baby down to eat.

    A good tip to keep an eye out for is to make sure their head should be elevated higher than their stomach.

    Your baby doesn’t have to be sitting straight up, 90 degrees, but you just want to keep their head and elevated so they can digest properly.

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    Easy Bottle Feeding Tips to prevent and reduce baby gas

    2. Fill Bottle Nipple

    One of the main culprits that causes gas is when your baby swallows air.

    To prevent this from happening, fill the bottle nipple completely with milk so your baby is only swallowing the milk and not extra air.

    The key to this tip is to use the slowest nipple your baby can tolerate without getting frustrated (and taking 10 years to eat haha).

    You want to use a slow flow nipple so your baby isn’t just swallowing large amounts of milk, which can another cause of gas and can leave lead to increase spit ups.

    If you are using the pace bottle feeding method, be sure to use an anti-colic bottle (see tip below!) and a slow flow nipple.

    3. Use Anti-Gas Bottles to Prevent Gas

     This bottle feeding tip to prevent gas is kind of obvious, but can really be a difference between a fussy baby and a calm, comfortable baby.

    When I was a new mom making my baby registry, I had no idea why there were 100 different bottles.

    After my baby was born and we started to experience baby gas troubles, I totally understood.

    Different bottles have different functions.

    There are:

    • Standard, regular, “I can buy these at the dollar store” bottles.
    • Breastfeeding bottles that mimic a breast
    • Anti-colic bottles
    • Anti-gas bottles
    • Wide nipple bottles
    • Narrow nipple bottles
    • & so on!

    The bottles you want to focus on are anti-colic/anti-gas bottles. They have a ton of different options out there too that will best fit your baby’s needs.

    To cut to the chase, these bottles are designed to eliminate extra air so your baby isn’t swallowing large amount of air when they suck.

    Most of anti-gas bottles have a vent of some sort to dispel that air from the bottle.

    I’ve personally used the Tommy Tippee anti-colic Closer to Nature bottles and Dr. Browns bottles.

    Each of these bottles come in a wide nipple or standard nipple depending if your little one is breastfeeding or not (the wide nipple mirrors the natural breast-like feeling)

    In my experience, the Dr. Browns bottles work better for my babies because I’ve noticed they have considerably less gas when we used them and they are easier to hold.

    The downside to these bottles is the extra parts. More parts mean more dishes/cleaning but in my opinion, it’s worth it if my baby is going to be less gassy and happier 🙂

    Want to make sure your baby has a full feeding so they sleep better? Check out this post to help you reach full feedings!

    4. Burp after every ounce to Prevent Gas

    A baby’s system isn’t mature enough yet to “burp by itself”. You know when you drink soda really fast and you feel a bubbly sensation and then burp? No one had to pat your back to burp you. Your body did it on it’s own.

    A baby’s digestive system can’t perform that function yet.

    So instead of just releasing the gas through a burp like an adult, your baby just feels that uncomfortable, bubbly sensation….and therefore cries.

    To prevent the gas from building up in your little one’s belly, you want to frequently burp your baby during her feedings.

    Not every 2 minutes where he gets frustrated and is screaming from hunger. But after every ounce or 2, simply burp your baby.

    How to burp your baby:
    • place your baby in a burping position
    • cup your hand slightly
    • gently pat their back for a couple of seconds (30-60 seconds)

    Doing this after every ounce or so can help prevent and reduce your baby’s gas.

    Common burping positions:
    • Place baby upright with their belly flat against your shoulder and pat their back
    • Sit baby straight up on your lap and gently lean them a bit forward while holding their chest and pat their back
    • Lay baby flat on their belly on your forearm while your hand is gripping/securing their chest and pat baby’s back (football hold)

    Remember to always have a burp cloth ready for the occasional spit up!

    5. Bicycle Legs

    This baby gas tip is for after feedings or can be done with your baby is actuall crying with gas.

    Simply lay baby on their back on a secure, flat surface. Start to move their legs up toward their chest and then back down again. Mimicing a bicycle!

    This helps release gas and comforts them when they are experiencing gas.

    6. Keep baby elevated every 10 minutes for 1-2 minutes

    Another great tip to prevent and reduce baby gas is to keep your baby elevated for a couple of minutes after every 10 minutes during a feeding.

    This also is a good hack for babies who struggle with reflux!

    I incorporate this tip during every feeding by combining it with my daughter’s burp time.

    Every other time I burp her, I will keep her upright and elevated for a couple of minutes after she burps just to really secure her from getting any gas.

    7. Optional: Use a Probiotic

    15 minutes after I delivered my daughter, she was sent to the NICU and received 2 doses of antibiotics every 12 hours for 3 days. At the time, I had no idea the possible effect antibiotics can have on a 1 hour old baby!

    After my daughter started showing signs of colic (and extreme gas), my husband and I went on the hunt to do anything we can to help her. I changed my breastfeeding diet, started to supplement, switched formula 4 times, and eventually arrived at our solution…

    My daughter needed probiotics.

    Her system was so immature to handle the antibiotics and it affected her digestive system.

    We stumbled upon the Gerber Soothe formula that had a special probiotic already mixed in. within 2 weeks, my daughter was a different baby. She slept better, ate better, and was overall so much happier!

    Gerber also makes the probiotic in drop form that you can add to any milk or drop into your baby’s mouth.

    If your baby is struggling with gas or colic, talk to your pediatrician about the possibility of a probiotic. It might be your saving grace like it was for us!

    Download the FREE Mommy & Me Mini Planner + Tracker!

    Well there you have it! I hope these 7 easy bottle feeding tips to prevent gas helps your little one feel better, happier, and more comfortable.

    And I hope it give you the confidence to know that you are doing a great job!

    Always With Love, Brianna
    Read these awesome articles to help you with baby feedings!
    • How and When to Feed Your Baby to Easily Accomplish Full Feedings

    February 2, 2021 · Leave a Comment

    14 Easy Newborn Baby Tips to Make Mom Life Easy

    Baby Routines

    Inside: Find out the ultimate easy newborn baby tips and tricks to help you not just survive but thrive the first month home with your baby!

    Honesty time– life with a newborn can you leave you whiplashed missing your old life.

    Why? Because the newborn phase is HARD.

    The nights are long, the feedings are endless, the sleep deprivation is R.E.A.L.

    But there’s nothing greater than snuggling up with your newborn and feeling her small chest breathe in and out on yours.

    It makes it all worth it.

    But how can you make those first weeks with your newborn not only survivable but easy??

    I’ll share with you the 14 best easy newborn baby tips and tricks to help you survive and thrive the first month at home with your baby so you feel confident and in control- NOT panicked and overwhelmed!

    With these tips, you’ll streamline right through “the difficult newborn stage” so you can just enjoy the cuddles.

    Let’s get down to it!

    No time to read this article now? That’s ok! Save it to your favorite Pinterest board to read later!

    14 Easy Newborn Baby Tips & Tricks to Master the First Month With Your Baby

    These tips truly saved my sanity the first month at home with each of my girls. I’ve learned A LOT from trial and error (and huge diaper explosions!) so be sure to follow these tips to avoid my downfalls 🙂

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    Organizational Easy Newborn Tips

    1. Make a Diaper Caddy/Basket

    There’s nothing worse than your baby’s bare bottom being out and your digging your hand under the changing table trying to find a diaper only to pull out a pair of pants.

    #nothelpful

    Having a dedicated diaper basket truly streamlined our diaper changing routine.

    Inside of our diaper caddy is:
    • Diapers
    • Diaper cream (this one is the BEST and my daughters never experienced a rash)
    • Wipes
    • Scented diaper sacks for dirty diapers
    • Nail clippers
    • Nose frida
    • Burp cloths
    • Extra change of clothes
    • Pacifier

    (We sometimes take this caddie from room to room in the house so having these extra items helps me not have to run around like a chicken with no head in the middle of a poop explosion emergency)

    2. Organize Clothes Near Changing Table

    One of the best easy newborn tips to have your baby’s clothes organized in an easily accessible way. This means if you have to blindly reach in the drawer or cabinet in the middle of the night for something, you know exactly where it is.

    Organize your baby’s clothes by category and then by size.

    I have a pile of:

    • short sleeve onesies
    • long sleeve onesies
    • footies
    • pants

    Then I have a bakset for each of the following:

    • bibs/burp cloths
    • swaddles
    • extra sheets
    • socks/hats

    3. Nursing Basket and Pumping Station/Caddy

    If you’re nursing or pumping (or both!) it’s important to stay organized too. Not only for your own sanity but to help make feedings go as smooth as possible.

    You can set up a basket that you take around the house with you so whenever you nurse/pump you always have everything you need at your fingertips.

    Inside my nursing basket:
    • Burp cloths
    • Nipple cream
    • Water bottle
    • Travel pillow
    • In my Pumping Basket:
    • Nipple cream
    • Pump parts
    • Breast pads
    • Wipes
    • Pumping bra

    4. Cut tags on New clothes

    No one likes a tag scratching down on the back of your neck! Same for babies, we want to make them as comfortable as possible. Little things like itchy tags and uncomfortable clothing can really irritate a baby and make them super fussy.

    When you receive a new item of baby clothing, wash it, cut the price tags, and then cut the inside tags on the seams.

    Be sure to remove all of the little plastic things where the price tags were too!

    5. Keep your Diaper bag ready

    The next newborn tip is to have a plan of action for your diaper bag. I personally always have my diaper bag packed and ready so when it’s time to leave I’m not wasting precious time trying to stuff 10 diapers in there.

    When we come home from an outing, I’ll clean out the bag and get it ready for the next time we’ll need to use it.

    That way, it’s always ready and it’s one less thing you have to worry about when trying to run out of the house.

    Of course, there are always a couple of things you need to add to it before you leave, like water or milk, but that’ll be easy to remember because everything else is already packed!

    Read this post to learn all about how to pack the perfect lightweight diaper bag so you never forget anything but you’re also not carrying around the kitchen sink!

    Diaper Bag Essentials List: Items for a Perfect Diaper Bag | mom life tips | checklist | #momlife #parentingtips

    6. Place a Pacifier in every room

    If you’re baby takes a pacifier, this newborn tip will save your sanity.

    All you have to do is put a pacifier in every room of the house where you know you will be with your baby at some point in the day.

    My baby uses the Soothie pacifier (which are super inexpensive!)

    So in the living room, we have a green pacifier, in my bedroom is a purple one, and in her room is a pink one.

    We leave each pacifier in the room they belong instead of taking it with us to the next room in the house when we walk around with her.

    Also make sure to have one in your car seat and diaper bag!

    We use the pacifier clips and clip one in the car seat and one in the pocket of her diaper bag.

    I also make sure to have a burp cloth in every room of the house as well. Sometimes I even walk around the house with the burp cloth/receiving blanket on my shoulder for quick & easy spit up clean up.

    I use these burp cloths and they are absolutely a lifesaver! They are just big enough to drape over my shoulder but small enough not to feel like you’re holding a blanket around.

    7. Track your baby’s day

    I love this newborn tip because it’s super simple but crazy effective.

    All you have to do is track your little one’s activities throughout the day. Write down their naps, feedings and awake times.

    This will help you not only track your baby’s growth but it will also help you see their overall routine, which can help you anticipate their needs!

    Baby’s automatically fall into a routine- when they eat, sleep, and are awake.

    Tracking your baby’s day will help you see this pattern and by following your baby’s natural routine, you can get to know their cues.

    That means when your baby cries, you’ll immediately know if it’s hunger, overtiredness, general fussiness, or even a diaper change.

    Tracking your baby’s day helps you get to know your baby better!

    I created a FREE Baby Schedule Collection to help you easily track your baby’s day without headache. You can instantly download the Baby Schedule Collection which includes a Baby Tracker, Daily Schedule, and Weekly Feeding Tracker.

    Download it below!

    8. Clean bottles after use

    I know this newborn baby tip can seem a little overwhelming but hear me out…

    If you clean your baby’s bottle after every use then when it’s time for your little one to eat, you’ll never have to worry about your kitchen sink overflowing with dirty bottles and stuck washing them while your baby is screaming for more milk.

    (Trust me, I speak out of very unfortunate experiences here…)

    So just do future self a favor and clean the bottle after each use (if you can!). You’ll thank yourself later.

    Easy Newborn Baby Tips for Better Sleep

    9. Utilize the Swaddle

    The swaddle was my gift from heaven-seriously. My first daughter loved the swaddle. My second fought it a bit but really fell in love with it after a few days.

    I swaddled my baby for every nap where she slept in her crib and after every nighttime feeding for bedtime sleep.

    It’s best to use an actual swaddle with Velcro or a zipper and not just the swaddle blankets because your baby’s hand can easily escape those.

    I love the Swaddle Me swaddles. They are affordable, the velcro lasts for a long time, and they are comfortable for little ones

    10. Use a Sound machine

    Ever wondered what you can do to help your baby sleep better?

    2 words- sound machine.

    Having a sound machine was literally one of the best things I did to improve my baby’s sleep. And not just nighttime sleep- naps too!

    All you have to do is put on a sound machine in the room your baby is sleeping and this will help your little one fall asleep.

    Did you know it sounds like a mini vacuum cleaner inside of the womb?

    Your baby is used to a melodic sound like this and it lulls them right to sleep!

    I have used 2 different sound machines:

    • a simple one that had 8 different sounds,
    • and the Hatch that is a sound machine & night light combo (put this one on my Amazon registry after researching it and after receiving it, I love it!)

    Both have worked effectively so go according to your budget!

    Easy Newborn Baby Tips for Baby’s Comfort

    11. Pull onesie down instead of over head

    Every wonder what those little flaps on the top of your baby’s onesie if for? It’s so you can pull it down their body!

    This is especially helpful when you have a diaper blow out and can’t lift the onesie over your baby’s head.

    12. Put baby’s Towel in the dryer

    Giving your baby a bath can be very nerve-wracking, for you and for baby! Your baby doesn’t quite understand the concept of a bath yet so it’s best to make sure they feel as comfortable as possible!

    This newborn tip is easy- simply throw your baby’s towel in the dryer while your baby is in the bath so when you’re done, the towel is nice and warm for your baby’s cold skin.

    13. Flip out the Diaper ruffles

    There’s nothing worse than hearing your little one go “number 2” and then watch as the poopy climbs up their back and down their leg. Talk about throwing their clothes into an incinerator.

    If you want to avoid stinky diaper blow out, this newborn tip is awesome!

    After ever diaper change, make sure to flip out the little ruffles that are around their leg.

    This will help keep whatever’s in their diaper actually IN their diaper.

    14. Use Diaper Cream in baby’s rolls to prevent chaffing

    Baby’s are soooo cute and fat but those rolls can sometimes be a little problematic. If not cared for properly, they can begin to chaff (and get smelly too).

    I use this CeraVe Healing Ointment for Babies in all of my daughter’s rolls, cracks, and crevices and it REALLY helps her stay cool and comfortable.

    I also use this cream after every diaper change and none of my babies have ever had any diaper rash. It’s seriously the best diaper cream.

    I swear this stuff is a miracle! I even use it when I’m itchy or irritated.

    Easy Baby Activities

    One of the questions I hear the most is…

    “What do I do with my baby all day?”

    Trust me, I hear ya! Sometimes it seems like all your baby does is eat, sleep, and run through diapers faster than a coyote.

    But keeping your baby stimulated during his/her awake time is great for better naps and overall better sleep.

    If you’re wondering what activities you can actually do with your newborn, be sure to check out my Tiny One’s Boredom Buster Activity Toolkit!

    This activity toolkit is jampacked with over 30 activities for newborn babies all the way to toddlers. So as your baby grows, you’ll already have all the activities you need to keep your little one stimulated and reaching new milestones.

    Each activity in the guide is fun, low prep, and affordable- designed to help promote milestone development, promote parent/child bonding, and even help your baby to learn how to play independently.

    The Activity Toolkit also comes with a step by step guide showing you how to create an easy activity play routine for your baby plus 15 different resources and templates to help you plan a week of activities in under 5 minutes.

    Learn more about the Tiny One’s Boredom Buster Activity Toolkit HERE!

    BUY NOW!

    Well there you have it!

    I hope you enjoyed all of these easy newborn tips to help make those newborn days easier and simplify mom life.

    Do you have any easy newborn tips that make your life easier? Share them below in the comments!

    Always With Love, Brianna

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    January 6, 2021 · Leave a Comment

    The Best 0-4 Weeks Old Newborn Routine

    Baby Routines

    Inside: Feeling overwhelmed by the newborn phase? Learn the best 0-4 weeks old newborn routine to help you learn your baby’s cues and make each day as easy as possible!

    It was 1 o’clock in the morning…I was rocking and feeding my newborn for 6 hours straight. My eyes were swollen from crying, my chest was sore, and my head was pounding like a construction site.

    It was 24 hours of what felt like a year.

    Immediately the questions flooded my mind…

    Am I spoiling her?

    Am I creating bad habits for later?

    Why is she always so fussy?

    Are her days mixed up with her nights?

    To say I was overwhelmed was a complete understatement.

    I had no idea what I was doing because I felt lost. I was living my life from one 2 hour stretch of sleep to another- and it was killing me.

    But then I found a golden nugget: a newborn routine that actually made sense!

    Not a newborn routine that sounded impossible to do with a 1 week old….

    …but a newborn routine that gave me a hint of structure to my day with my baby with cues that made me feel confident so I knew she was eating enough and her sleep patterns were totally normal.

    And I want to share this 0-4 weeks old newborn routine with you!

    This awesome 0-4 weeks old newborn routine will help you feel less…well, helpless- so you can feel more in control and less overwhelmed, especially in those beginning days where the whole world feels like it’s crashing down around you (hello hormones!).

    Important: This newborn routine can be used for breastfed babies, formula fed babies, & combination feeding.

    Be sure to download the FREE printable download of this newborn routine so you can easily save it and always have it with you!

    In this printable, I also share with you different variations of real-life sample routines with breastfeeding, formula feeding, bottle feeding AND combination feeding! Don’t forget to download it now!

    So let’s get down to it…

    (No time to read this now? That’s okay! Pin it to your favorite board for later!)

    0-4 Weeks Old Simple Newborn Routine to survive the first 4 weeks with your baby

    The Best 0-4 Weeks Old Newborn Routine

    I started this newborn routine when my daughter was a week old and it truly saved my sanity!

    But first, what is a newborn routine and how do you start one?

    What is a Newborn Routine?

    A newborn routine is simply a series of actions you’ll take with your baby each day to help you begin a solid feeding & sleep foundation for the coming weeks.

    A newborn routine is NOT a rigorous, harsh schedule.

    In this 0-4 weeks old newborn routine, you are simply following your baby’s cues to come up with a pattern for your day so you can meet his/her needs accordingly.

    For this newborn routine you will not be dictated by the clock for feedings and naps but simply following along with the clock to track when your baby is doing what.

    For example, if your baby eats every 3 hours and your baby last ate at 12 but is still fast asleep at 3:30, you know it’s probably time for a feeding.

    But if your baby ate at 12 and is now showing hunger cues at 2:30, you feed on demand- don’t make your baby wait those 30 minutes just because the clock hasn’t hit 3:00 yet.

    It’s all about flexibility and following your baby’s cues while guiding him along the way.

    With this newborn routine, you will be setting a solid foundation for when your baby is able to sleep through the night- with these simple routine tips, you’re setting up the stage for a great 8-12 week stretch of easy feedings and naps/nighttime sleep.

    Hello long stretches of nighttime sleep, goodbye sleep deprivation!

    But remember, the goal right now is NOT to get your baby to sleep through the night. Your goal is to set the foundation for feedings, awake time, and sleep.

    By doing this newborn routine you’ll know when your baby needs to eat, be awake, and sleep.

    You’re basically just getting to know your baby better. And there’s no one better to care for your baby than you, mama!

    Remember, this routine isn’t about following the clock so if one day your baby is eating at 10:30am and the next day she’s eating at 11:15am—that’s okay!

    You follow her cues based on her needs within this routine.

    Newborn Routine: Feeding

    Let’s begin with the feeding- which in my opinion is one of the hardest parts of having a newborn. Figuring out WHAT to feed your baby is going to be the first step.

    Are you breastfeeding? Are you formula feeding? Are you bottle feeding? Are you pumping?

    The list of feeding questions can go on and on.

    But it’s important to not become overwhelmed with figuring all of this out.

    Maybe you breastfed in the hospital but got home and realized it wasn’t a right fit for you and baby. Or maybe your baby is super fussy and you have to change your diet.

    Or maybe you decided to formula feed but now have no idea what formula is best.

    I personally have been through ALL of these scenarios…

    • I have quit breastfeeding because I couldn’t find out what was making my daughter colicky.
    • I have switched formulas 4 times because there was blood in my daughters stool.
    • I have switched bottles because of gas issues.
    • I have changed my diet during breastfeeding.
    • I’ve exclusively pumped because I needed my husband’s help during nighttime feedings and this gave us the ability for him to feed her too.

    Let’s just say feeding issues had me STRESSED.

    When your baby is eating well and eating the right thing for HER, life gets easier.

    There’s nothing worse than a baby who is miserable, in pain, and gassy and they can’t explain to you what’s wrong. My heart literally breaks.

    So first things first, feed your baby what is BEST FOR HIM.

    If you’re struggling with breastfeeding or latching or diets, talk to a lactation consultant. Most pediatricians can point you in the direction of someone who can help you.

    If you chose to formula feed, talk to your baby’s pediatrician for recommendations. Different formula has different ingredients, such as different iron contents.

    If for any reason you feel the way you are feeding your baby is bothering her, talk to your doctor about it.

    I’ve called my pediatrician at least 10 times on different occasions because my daughter was either constipated, had mucousy stools, couldn’t latch, was gassy, etc.

    She pointed me in the direction of a different formula or gave me a clue as to what I should stop eating.

    Starting to feel confident in what your baby is eating, how much they eat, and their hunger cues is a huge part in my newborn routine.

    So don’t stress and take these 4 weeks to get to know your baby more and how he/she eats!


    Read this post for more details all about full feedings!
    Full Feeding Schedule | Feeding to Get Your Baby Full | Baby Tips | Feeding Schedule | Mom Life Tips | #momadvice #parenting

    Newborn Routine: Awake Time

    In a normal baby schedule, after a feeding there’s usually a time where your baby is up. This is called awake time.

    But with a newborn, their awake time or wake window is super short.

    Their awake time or wake window is the time from when they wake from the last nap to the time where they go back to sleep.

    And the main thing I noticed about newborn awake time is most of the wake window is taken up by feeding.

    My daughter would wake up at 10:30 and eat for like 45 minutes to an hour- which is her whole wake window! By the time she was done eating and had a full feeding, it was time to go back to sleep.

    (Remember, an overtired baby is a fussy, upset baby so no one wants that!)

    Even up until 4-5 weeks my daughter was taking a WHILE to eat. After about 5 weeks her feedings started to get a bit shorter because she was more comfortable with the bottle/breast. We also took the time to burp her every ounce/every 5 minutes breastfeeding to reduce gas and it worked really well for her.

    Everything about a newborn takes grace and patience!

    So if you find that your baby is literally eating and sleeping all day long, that’s okay! His wake window is his feeding time.

    Some babies eat really fast and will have a bunch of awake time before going back to sleep. This is completely normal too!

    With this 0-4 weeks old newborn routine, you are simply following your baby’s hunger and sleep cues to help them feel the most comfortable while maintaining some predictability in their day.

    Super simple 0-4 weeks old newborn routine to help you survive the first month with your new baby!

    Newborn Routine: Naps

    Let’s talk about naps in this 0-4 weeks old newborn routine. To be honest, baby sleep always gave me anxiety.

    Will my baby only fall asleep in my arms?

    What if my baby gets too attached to the pacifier?

    Will my baby ever learn to self-soothe?

    When will my baby sleep through the night?

    All of these questions were super valid for a sleep deprived mom who just wanted another hour of sleep!

    But newborn sleep is super sporadic- and that’s totally normal. Maybe one nap your baby sleeps 2 hours but then after the next feeding they literally only sleep for 25 minutes before waking up in a full-out scream.

    Your goal is just to give your baby a nap when you see his/her sleep cue.

    Sleepy Cues:

    • Rubbing eyes,
    • Yawning,
    • Blank staring,
    • Slow blinking, etc.

    Maybe one nap is in a swing, the next nap is in a baby carrier, and the next nap is in a bassinet.

    That’s perfectly normal!

    As your baby gets older in weeks, you can try to lay down your baby for one nap in their bedtime spot (such as a crib or bassinet).

    This will begin to help baby learn the difference between sleep locations. Usually, the first nap of the day is easiest to accomplish so you can try to put baby down in her bassinet for this nap if you want to try it out.

    Newborn naps can truly take place anywhere- as long as they are sleeping at points in the day.


    Read this post for more awesome information about baby naps!
    Nap Schedule | How to Start a Nap Schedule with Your Baby | Parenting Tips | Motherhood | #momadvice #momlife #babysleep

    What if my baby isn’t napping?

    There were some days where my 3 week old daughter would be up for like 4-5 hours every evening. Hello witching hour!

    During this time, no matter how many times I tried to put her to sleep, she would wake up screaming 10 minutes later. She would seem constantly hungry and completely boycott her naps.

    I nursed her as much as I could when I was breastfeeding those weeks (when she was cluster feeding) and when she was on the bottle I fed her every 2.5 hours or would feed her a half ounce about every half hour.

    It was brutal.

    And even now that my daughter is older than 5 weeks, she still goes through a period every week where she refuses to sleep.

    Babies are always growing and are in different developmental stages all the time. Through these growth spurts, your baby will react differently. So just go with the flow of your baby’s cues and try not to stress too much.

    If he genuinely seems hungry, feed him. If she’s tired, offer a nap. If he wants to be cuddled, hold him. If she’ll only sleep in your arms, wear her.

    You can’t spoil your baby.

    You are the best form of comfort and relief for your baby!

    This post contains affiliate links. Mastering Mom life is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please view Mastering Mom Life’s Terms, Disclosure & Disclaimer Policy and Privacy Policy. I wholeheartedly believe in all of the products I recommend and use them all! 

    Tips for a Good Newborn nap in this 0-4 Weeks Old Newborn Routine:
    • For one nap a day, place baby in a quiet, dark area (bassinet/crib in a room)
    • Swaddle (I love this swaddle!)
    • Sound machine (We’ve used this Homedics sound machine for my first and the Hatch for my second)
    • Be sure baby had a full feeding & appropriate awake time

    Newborn Routine: Bedtime Sleep

    Last but not least on our easy newborn routine is bedtime sleep- which is different than a nap.

    When your baby is first born they will take the same length of sleep all day, usually 2-3 hour stretches (but sometimes less).

    As your baby gets older every week your goal is to complete full feedings (like we talked about above) so their tummy is full and they sleep comfortably- and eventually longer!

    As I said, this newborn routine isn’t about getting your baby to sleep 8-hour stretches in their first month of life. It’s about laying the foundation of *good sleep patterns* so when they are developmentally ready, they can sleep longer.

    During the nighttime, usually, the last feeding that I’m awake before heading to bed, I’ll do a mini bedtime routine.

    Simple 0-4 Weeks Old Newborn Routine | Featured

    Here’s my newborn bedtime routine:

    • I’ll change my baby’s clothes,
    • give her a wipe down so she’s fresh,
    • keep the lights dim,
    • and sing her a song while feeding her
    • When it’s time for sleep, I swaddle her and put her in the bassinet/crib. (Laying the baby down in a stationary (safe) place for nighttime sleep will also indicate that it’s bedtime, not just a daytime nap.)

    These little things are to signal that it’s nighttime sleep. So eventually as I do this for weeks and she gets older, she’ll be signaled that it’s nighttime sleep- which should be a longer stretch before feeding again.

    I started doing this for bedtime sleep when she was 1 week old and by 5 weeks she was sleeping one 5-6 hour stretch during the night- VICTORY!

    Don’t Stress- Your Newborn will Change

    As your baby continues to grow and develop there will be some days where it looks like he regressed. Maybe your baby is super fussy and refuses to sleep unless in your arms. Or maybe your baby is doing longer stretches of sleep and then one day wakes every 45 minutes.

    Newborns are constantly growing and developing so having a routine like this one can help you keep track of when they are going through growth spurts and how you can help them through it- all while being confident as a mama!

    But as your newborn reaches a month old, you’ll have this routine that will grow with them, not that they will grow out of.

    This is a flexible routine based on your babies cues and habits that form an overall structure for your day

    And it all begins by tracking your baby’s activities: their feedings, naps, and awake time.

    By tracking these things and starting this easy newborn routine you’ll begin to notice your baby’s individual cues for when they are ready for what they need next.

    Free 0-4 Weeks Old Newborn Routine Printable

    Free Printable 0-4 Weeks Old Newborn Routine + Real Life Samples

    Don’t forget to download my FREE newborn routine and real-life sample routines!

    This routine is exactly what I personally used for my daughter and the real-life sample routine is her exact trackings each week. So you can see what I did and when!

    Download the Newborn Routine Here!

    Recap Time for the 0-4 Weeks Old Newborn Routine!

    With this 0-4 weeks old newborn routine, you are simply following your baby’s hunger and sleep cues to help them feel the most comfortable while maintaining some predictability in their day.

    Remember, here’s the overall structure of the 0-4 weeks old newborn routine:

    • feeding (every 3-4 hours)
    • awake time (60-90 minutes)
    • nap (20 minutes to 2 hours in length)
    • bedtime sleep (swaddle in a cool dark room in bassinet/crib)

    This newborn routine personally gave me a hint of structure to my day with my newborn that made me feel confident so I knew she was eating enough and her sleep patterns were totally normal.

    By tracking these things and starting this easy newborn routine you’ll begin to notice your baby’s individual cues for when they are ready for what they need next.

    Be sure to download my FREE Mommy & Me Planner where you can track your baby’s feedings, activities, and naps in ONE place. This is a planner + tracker combo perfectly designed to help mamas with their little one’s routine!

    Download it below by clicking the download button!

    What’s next?? Month 1-4!

    Ready to learn how to survive and thrive in the first 4 months with your baby? Read the 1-4 Month Old Easy & Flexible Baby Routine to help you navigate months 1-4 with your little one 🙂

    Always With Love, Brianna

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    Want to truly thrive in the newborn phase and mom life??

    Check out the super SPECIAL offer on the You Got This, Mama Organizing System, to help you reduce stress, save time, track your baby’s activities AND organize your whole mom life without pulling your hair out- in ONE place!

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    Check out more posts about making life with baby easier!

    19 Baby Essentials: The Ultimate List to help you prevent wasting money| Image of baby
    5 Reasons your baby needs a nap routine
    Baby Daily Schedule | What My Baby's Daily Schedule Looks Like | Motherhood | Baby Schedule | #momlife #parenting

    December 8, 2020 · 1 Comment

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