Breastfed Baby Routine At 3 Months Old (Mum of 3)

Breastfed Baby Routine At 3 Months Old: What Works for Us and How to Build Your Own Schedule

Discover a flexible and practical baby routine at 3 months to help establish healthy sleep habits, feeding schedules, and developmental milestones for your little one.

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As a parent, especially with multiple children, creating a routine can be an absolute lifesaver. With three kids, including a 3-month-old baby, having a clear plan for the day helps me stay sane amid school drop-offs, pick-ups, and other responsibilities. However, while routines are important, it's essential to remember that flexibility is key, especially during the early months when babies are still adjusting to their surroundings and developing their own natural rhythm. What works for one baby may not work for another, and your baby's schedule might need frequent tweaks as they grow and hit new developmental milestones.

In this post, I'll share the 24-hour routine we've established for our breastfed baby at 3 months old, but remember, this is just a guide. Every baby is different, and what works for one might not be a perfect fit for another. Flexibility is crucial in responding to your baby's needs, whether it's wake windows, feeding patterns, or sleep regressions.

I'll also discuss why routines are so important, especially in helping babies establish healthy sleep habits and consistent feeding schedules, but I'll emphasize that routines should never be rigid. Babies grow and change quickly, and it's essential to adjust accordingly while following expert advice to ensure your baby's development is supported.

Why Routines Are Important - But Flexibility is Key

Routines provide structure, not just for parents but for babies too. In the early months, newborn babies have erratic sleep cycles and feeding patterns. However, by the time they reach 3 months of age, their circadian rhythm is starting to settle, and they're usually ready to begin adapting to a more consistent routine.

Establishing a routine for your baby is a good idea because it helps them understand what to expect throughout the day. Consistent nap times, feeding schedules, and bedtime routines provide a sense of security for your baby, and research shows that babies who follow regular schedules tend to sleep better at night. This also helps them stay rested and in a better mood during wake times.

However, it's important to remain flexible. As much as we love routines, babies don't always stick to them. Some days, your baby may take longer naps, and other days, they may want to cluster feed due to growth spurts or developmental changes. Sleep regressions-common around the third month-can also throw off even the best routine, causing more night wakings or shorter naps. These moments can be challenging, but flexibility allows you to adapt to your baby's cues and maintain a balance.

In essence, while having a routine is a great way to ensure your baby's sleep and feeding needs are met, it's important to avoid becoming too rigid. Always tune into your baby's cues and adjust the routine when needed. Babies grow quickly, and what works today might need to change next week.

Our Breastfed Baby Routine At 3 Months Old

7am
I usually wake baby up for the day at around 7am and give him a small feed. Since he often feeds between 4 and 5am, he usually isn't too hungry at this time. I change his nappy and get him dressed for the day. At 3 months old, wake windows typically last about 1.5 hours, so I keep him engaged with some gentle playtime or tummy time before his first nap.

8:30am - 9:30am
We head out for the school run, and he usually naps in the car or pram. This nap typically lasts about an hour, and it's the perfect opportunity to squeeze in some daytime sleep while I'm getting things done. Daytime naps are vital for 3-month-old babies to process their development and avoid becoming overtired later in the day.

9:30am
After the school run, I give him another small feed to help him settle after the activity. I'm currently trying to eliminate this feed, but right now, he still seems to need it. At this stage, breastfed babies might have shorter wake windows and might need smaller, more frequent feeds. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises responsive feeding, which means feeding your baby whenever they show hunger cues.

10:30am
Before we head out for the midday school run, I offer another small feed and change his nappy. This feed is typically brief but helps keep him content during the car ride. Feeding schedules at 3 months can vary greatly between babies, so don't worry if your little one still prefers smaller feeds more frequently.

12pm
Around midday, I give him a small feed before putting him down for another nap. Nap times at this age can be unpredictable, but ideally, your baby should get around 3-4 naps during the day. This mid-day nap can last anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, allowing both of us to recharge. Longer naps are often an indicator that your baby is getting the deep sleep they need to grow.

2:30pm
I wake him from his nap, and this is typically when he takes a bigger feed. Afterward, we change his nappy and have some interactive playtime. Tummy time during these wake windows helps strengthen his muscles and supports key developmental milestones at 3 months old.

4pm
He usually takes a short nap around 4pm, lasting about 30 minutes to an hour. The number of naps will start to decrease as he gets older, but at this stage, short naps are completely normal. Sometimes this nap helps tide him over until bedtime.

5pm
He wakes up for a feed and another nappy change. These late afternoon feeds are usually shorter as he starts to prepare for a longer stretch of nighttime sleep.

6:30pm
We start his bedtime routine, which includes a warm bath and changing him into a sleep sack. Creating a calming environment at bedtime is crucial for healthy sleep habits. The consistent bedtime routine helps signal to your baby that it's time to sleep. Many experts recommend white noise machines or dimming the lights to help babies transition into a more relaxed state.

7pm
I nurse him one last time before bed. He's usually ready for bed around 7pm, although some nights, he might stay up a little later if he's overtired or overstimulated. At 3 months old, it's common for babies to start falling into more predictable sleep patterns.

10pm
Before I head to bed, I express breast milk for the next day's evening bottle. This is a good time for me to prepare for the night ahead and ensure we have enough milk for the following day.

10:30pm
My husband gives him a dream feed using the expressed breast milk. Dream feeds are a great way to give babies one last feed without fully waking them. He usually takes 6oz of breast milk, and after a quick nappy change, he goes back to bed.

⅘am
He typically wakes around 4 or 5am for a night feeding. After this, he goes back to sleep until 7am when we start our day all over again. As he approaches the third month mark, I'm hoping to push this feed later so that he can start sleeping through the night.

How to Adapt Your Baby's Routine as They Grow

The routine we've established for our 3-month-old baby works for us right now, but I'm constantly adjusting it based on his needs. Babies go through many changes during their first year, from growth spurts and developmental leaps to sleep regressions. During these times, it's crucial to be patient and adjust the routine accordingly.

The 3-month sleep regression can cause short naps, more frequent night wakings, and a disrupted sleep schedule. These changes are often temporary, but it's important to remain flexible and avoid strict schedules during these times. As your baby's sleep cycles mature, they may begin to sleep longer stretches at night and have fewer naps during the day. This transition can be challenging, but it's a normal part of their development.

Experts, including those from the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommend focusing on your baby's cues rather than adhering to rigid schedules. If your baby is showing signs of tiredness, such as yawning, rubbing their eyes, or fussiness, it's a good time to start winding down for a nap. Following your baby's cues and adjusting their wake time and nap lengths accordingly will help create a routine that works best for their developmental needs.

Conclusion

Creating a routine for your 3-month-old baby is a great way to promote healthy sleep habits and ensure they're getting enough rest and nourishment. However, it's important to remain flexible and responsive to your baby's needs. As they grow, you'll likely need to adjust the routine to accommodate growth spurts, sleep regressions, and developmental changes.

This is an exciting time in your baby's development, and while it can be challenging at times, establishing a consistent but flexible routine will help both you and your baby thrive. Whether you're trying to manage daytime naps, night feedings, or bedtime routines, remember that every baby is different, and it's all about finding what works best for your family.

If you're a new parent, don't hesitate to seek professional medical advice when needed and trust your instincts. With patience and a little trial and error, you'll find the perfect balance for your 3-month-old baby's schedule.

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