Your guide to routines
Getting your child into a routine probably dominates most new-mom discussions and there’s no doubt that it’s useful to structure your baby’s day so that he knows what’s coming next and things can start to feel less chaotic.
Babies love routines but parents love them too – it’s great to know that you’ll be having a bit of ‘you’ time after 7pm!
If you do the same thing each night (bath time, a story or lullaby, a feed and bed) your baby will start to learn what comes next and bedtime won’t be a shock. Try these routines, suitable from birth to two and a half months, and two and a half months onwards. The trick is to allow some flexibility – the routine shouldn’t take over your life or stop you from leaving the house!
3-hour routine – from birth to two and a half months
7am Wash and change; feed.
8am Playtime on mat.
8.30am Nap in crib.
10am Feed.
11am Playtime or out for a walk.
1pm Feed.
2.30pm Nap in crib.
3.45pm Wake up ready for feed.
4pm Feed (some babies may nap after this feed).
5.45-6pm Bath time.
6.30-6.45pm Feed then bed. Feed your baby in his room – keep it semi-dark and quiet and settle him down for the night after his feed. When you leave the room, turn the night light off.
10.30-11pm Feed. Change your baby’s diaper to wake him so he feeds well before going back to sleep. Keep the room semi-dark and quiet.
3am Feed. Don’t change his diaper unless you have to, as this will wake your baby up completely and you want him to go back to sleep until around 7am.
4-hour routine – from two and a half months onwards
7am Wash and change; feed.
8.45-9am Nap in crib.
10.00-10.45am Wake-up from nap.
11am Feed.
12.45pm Nap in crib.
2.45pm Wake up and change diaper.
3pm Feed and playtime.
5.45-6pm Bath time.
6.30-6.45pm Feed. Always give a little more at this feed (although if breastfeeding this may be difficult). Feed in your baby’s room and keep it semi-dark and quiet so he settles for the night. Leave the room and turn off any night lights. If you can encourage your baby to fall asleep on his own, without being rocked or cuddled or fed to sleep, it’ll teach him to settle himself back to sleep at night. For young babies this will take some time. 11pm Feed. Change your baby’s diaper to wake him so he feeds well before going back to sleep. Keep the room semi-dark and quiet.
4.00-4.30pm Feed (after about three and a half months you can start thinking about encouraging your baby to sleep through the night. Read our article sleeping through the night for more help with this.
Why keep the room dark at night?
This is so your baby stays sleepy and doesn't wake up completely. You want to encourage him to sleep after you’ve fed and winded him, so keep eye contact minimal, keep the room dark and avoid playing any games with him.
What if my baby wakes more than once at night?
Small babies have even smaller stomachs and this means that they may need feeding more regularly – some need feeding every two hours when they’re very small. This should settle down once your baby grows and is able to take in a bigger feed.
Will lullabies help?
Playing lullabies or classical music can help to relax your baby and settle him to sleep at night. If he’s sleeping in your room it can help to relax you too!
Isn't it too early to read bedtime stories?
Even if he doesn't understand the story, your baby will love to hear the sound of your voice. Getting into the habit of reading also means your baby gets used to hearing words being said often, which will eventually help with speech and understanding. In short, it’s never too early to read to your child!
If these routines have worked for you, or you have any suggestions for other moms, why not post them onto our chat forum? See our articles on establishing a bedtime routine, sleeping through the night and understanding sleep and your baby for more help.
The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.
Related Articles
Last Modified: 19/10/2007
Related Chat
You'll need to be logged in to post new Comments and Answers or to Chat.
Login or
Register