Sleep and Feeding Schedule for Your Three Month Old

Scheduling a 3-month-old baby’s sleep and feeding schedule can make life easier and comfortable for the mother as well as the baby. Striking a balance in your baby’s routine is very important. A baby will soon learn his natural rhythm when you put him on a schedule. Read this article to get some guidance on managing sleep and feeding schedule for your three-month-old bundle of joy.

3-Month-Old Baby Sleep Schedule

Your baby’s sleep has now started to regulate itself. Most babies sleep a total of 15 hours a day, including nighttime sleep and naps. They will stay awake for more time during the day. You’ll also be able to gather some sleep and feel more rested the next day. Be warned of sleep regressions though! It has been observed that babies who’ve slept through the night for weeks may suddenly start to wake up! This is a temporary phase and happens because your child is now going through a growth spurt, learning new skills and is more socially aware.

This is also a good opportunity for sleep training. Try and ensure your baby sleeps longer at a stretch and has a regular sleep-wake-feed pattern. But don’t impose a rigid sleep schedule. Instead, observe his reactions to sleep training, and if he doesn’t seem prepared, slow down and try again after some days.

3-Month-Old Baby Feeding Schedule

Just like sleeping, your baby’s feeding will start getting regularised now. He will take longer between feedings as his stomach capacity is higher and may start to drop night feedings. Remember that he is still too young for solid food. Keep him on breastmilk or formula milk only till he reaches the age of six months.

Some parents might be confused when adjusting to their babies’ changing sleep and feeding schedules despite having the knowledge. If you are one of them, creating a proper schedule and sticking to it will provide some respite. Continue reading for some things you must bear in mind when you are scheduling your baby’s sleep and feed.

Things to Keep in Mind When Scheduling Your Baby’s Feeding and Sleep

When creating a schedule for your baby, keep this in mind:

• Feeding requirements – Around 6 to 7 ounces of breast milk or formula milk per feeding, to a maximum of 32 ounces, i.e. 6 feeds in 24 hours.

• Sleeping requirements – About 15 hours of sleep during a 24 hour period including nighttime sleep and naps. Babies tend to take naps three times (morning, afternoon and evening) in a day.

• Physical development – Your baby will need time for playing and interacting, developing his muscles and working on new skills. You will have to schedule activities like reading, massage, stroller walk, etc.

Here’s a sample that can help you prepare your schedule.

Sample 3-Month-Old Baby Sleep and Feeding Schedule

1. Breastfed 3-Month-Old Baby

This is a sample for babies who are breastfed exclusively.

• 7:00 — Wake
• 8:00 — Feed
• 8:30 — Nap
• 9:00 — Wake and Feed
• 11:00 — Feed and Nap
• 1:00 — Wake and Feed
• 2:00 — Nap
• 2:30 — Wake and Feed
• 4:30 — Feed and Nap
• 6:30 — Feed
• 7:00 — Catnap
• 9:00 — Feed and Bedtime
• 10:30 — Fill-Up Feed (This should always take place at your bedtime, so you get a longer stretch of sleep)
• + 1-3 night feedings

2. Formula-Fed 3-Month-Old Baby

This is a sample for the babies who are not breastfed exclusively. It can be followed for babies completely on formula feed, or for those who have some breastfeeds and some formula feeds.

• 7:00 — Wake and breastfeed
• 8:30 — Nap
• 10:00 — Wake and feed from breast or bottle
• 11:30 — Nap
• 1:00 — Wake and feed from breast or bottle
• 2:30 — Nap
• 3:30 — Wake
• 4:00 — Feed from breast or bottle
• 4:30 — Catnap
• 5:00 — Wake
• 6:00 — Feed from breast or bottle
• 6:30 — Nap
• 9:00 — Feed and bedtime
• 11:00 — Fill-Up feed
• + 1 or possibly 2-night feedings

While this sample schedule will definitely get you started, remember that problems will arise. Sometimes, the amount of time between naps is not long enough, or your baby is still hungry after feeding. But with time, you will be able to streamline this schedule and make things easier for both your baby and yourself!