How to Make a Schedule for a 4 Month Old
The first few months of a baby's life are often full of midnight feedings, countless dirty diapers and learning to distinguish his or her various cries. It is also a period of getting to know your new family member and adjusting to the major change. Establishing a schedule at 4 months old helps the family establish a set routine. The predictable routine makes daily life easier for everyone. It can also help improve your infant's sleeping schedule.
Instructions
Analyze your baby's normal sleeping, eating and active times. Jot down the various times of day when they occur. Following your baby's natural rhythm helps establish a schedule that fits his or her needs. Set the infant's bedtime based on his or her normal sleep patterns. Watch for signs of sleepiness such as rubbing eyes and becoming less active. You want to put your baby down for the night before he or she becomes too tired. A consistent bedtime is key to the overall schedule because a good bedtime results in a rested, happier baby. Establish the bedtime routine for your 4-month-old. This eases him or her into bed and often helps improve sleep patterns. The bedtime routine at 4 months old usually includes bath time, nursing or a bottle, and possibly singing or a simple book. Repeat this routine every night. Create your morning routine with your 4-month-old baby. This varies based on whether the infant stays home with a parent or goes to daycare. It typically includes feeding, getting dressed and possibly some playtime. Schedule the baby's naps during the day. An ideal sleep total for a 4-month-old is around 14 or 15 hours per day between nighttime and naps. Like bedtime, note when your 4-month-old exhibits signs of sleepiness throughout the day. Also consider other normal daily activities that might interfere with nap time such as picking up an older child from school. Establish eating times for your 4-month-old. Your baby will likely eat when he or she wakes, around lunchtime, dinnertime and at night. He or she might also eat at other times during the day. Use your initial observations to determine when your baby will normally eat. Fill in playtime for your 4-month-old. This occurs during alert times and may include playing with baby toys, singing, reading books together and other stimulating activities. Adjust your baby's schedule if it isn't working well for the family. Growth spurts often affect a 4-month-old's sleeping and eating patterns. As the baby ages, he or she might also need adjustments to this schedule.
