Planning Your Day with 0-3 Month Old Babies

Although the idea of "planning" with a 0-3 month old may seem laughable, there are a few activities you can expect. With that expectation comes the ability to begin identifying a pattern, and that pattern can help you to begin to get the semblance of a routine in place over time. A typical daily schedule for babies aged 0-3 months may include the following activities:

Feeding: Most babies in this age range will need to be fed every 2-3 hours, both day and night. This can include breastfeeding, formula feeding, or a combination of both (more on bottle safety here).

Sleeping: Babies at this age typically sleep for 16-17 hours a day, broken up into several naps throughout the day and one longer sleep period at night.

Diapering: Babies this age usually need to be changed every 2-3 hours, or whenever they have a dirty diaper.

Tummy Time: Tummy time is important (more on this here) for babies at this age to help strengthen their neck and shoulder muscles. Aim for short periods of tummy time several times a day, gradually increasing the duration over time.

Playtime: Playtime is important for a baby's development, and can include things like cuddling, singing, and playing with toys (more details on playtime for 0-3 month olds here).

Outdoor Time: Fresh air and outdoor time can be beneficial for babies, but it's important to protect them from the sun and extreme temperatures.

Doctor's Appointments: Although these will blissfully taper over time, the first few months of baby's life will include several visits to the doctor to ensure baby is doing well (more on what to expect here).

It's important to remember that every baby is different, and the schedule that works best for one may not work for another. Be flexible and listen to your baby's cues to determine what schedule works best for them.

Example Schedule

Here is an example of a daily schedule for a stay-at-home parent and a 0-3 month old:

Morning:

• 7:00 am: Wake up and diaper change

• 7:15 am: Feeding (either breast or bottle)

• 8:00 am: Playtime and tummy time

• 8:30 am: Nap

Mid-Morning:

• 10:00 am: Wake up and diaper change

• 10:15 am: Feeding

• 11:00 am: Playtime or a walk outside

• 11:30 am: Nap

Afternoon:

• 1:00 pm: Wake up and diaper change

• 1:15 pm: Feeding

• 2:00 pm: Playtime or a visit with family or friends

• 2:30 pm: Nap

Mid-Afternoon:

• 4:00 pm: Wake up and diaper change

• 4:15 pm: Feeding

• 5:00 pm: Playtime or a walk outside

• 5:30 pm: Nap

Evening:

• 7:00 pm: Wake up and diaper change

• 7:15 pm: Feeding and bedtime routine (such as a bath or massage)

• 8:00 pm: Bedtime

Overnight:

• 10:00 pm: Late-night feeding

• 1:00 am: Night feeding

• 4:00 am: Early morning feeding

Of course, this is just an example, and every baby is different. It's important to be flexible and adjust the schedule as needed to accommodate your baby's needs. Also, keep in mind that newborns need to eat frequently, so you may need to feed your baby more often if they are hungry. Additionally, some babies may sleep more during the day and less at night, or vice versa, so you may need to adjust the schedule accordingly.

Sources:

• American Academy of Pediatrics. (2018). Your Baby's First Years.

• World Health Organization. (2019). Infant and young child development.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Child Development and Early Learning: A Foundation for Professional Practice.