Creating a 3 month old schedule can feel both calming and confusing. At this age, babies are becoming more predictable, but they still need flexibility. In order to reduce confusion and overwhelm you will want to have a loose and flexible routine, rather than following a strict clock-based plan. I recommend building a schedule around wake windows, feeding cues, and age-appropriate sleep expectations, which we will discuss in detail below.
As a mom of 3, including twins, I found this age to be a welcome relief from a newborn schedule. However, at the same time it still brought a fair amount of unpredictability. This guide walks you through what’s normal at 3 months, a realistic sample schedule, how long your baby should be awake, and typical 3 month-old bedtimes.
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What to Expect From a 3 Month Old Schedule
Most 3-month-olds need 14-17 hours of total sleep in a 24 hour period. Many babies begin sleeping in longer stretches at night at this age, but night feedings are still common and developmentally normal.
You can expect wake windows of 1-2 hours, 4-5 naps per day, and feedings every 2.5-3.5 hours. With so many naps during the day, bedtime could be “normal” (6:30-8pm) or for babies still taking 5 naps per day, it could be late (9-10pm).
Sample 3 Month Old Daily Schedule
Now that you have an idea of what to expect from a 3 month old schedule, let’s check out a sample schedule. You can use the sample schedule below to create a schedule that works for your family’s routine.
This sample schedule shows how feeding, naps, and wake time may flow throughout the day. Times are approximate and will shift based on your baby’s needs. Some babies may take five naps, while others begin dropping to four naps.
3 Month Old Sample Schedule
- 7:00 am – Wake up and feed
- 8:00 am – Nap #1
- 9:30 am – Wake and feed
- 11:30 am – Nap #2 (cat nap)
- 12:00 pm – Wake and feed
- 1:30 pm – Nap #3
- 2:30 pm – Wake and feed
- 4:15 pm – Nap #4
- 5:00 pm – Wake and feed
- 6:30 pm – Bedtime routine and feed
- 7:00 pm – Bedtime or nap #5
- 7:45pm – Wake up (only some babies)
- 9:30pm – 2nd bedtime – optional feed
Related: Ultimate Baby Sleep Schedules Guide – over 50 pages so you can eliminate short naps and early wakings!
3 Month Old Wake Windows
Wake windows are the amount of time your baby can comfortably stay awake between sleeps. At 3 months, aim for wake windows of 1-2 hours. Most babies have shorter wake windows earlier in the day and slightly longer ones before bedtime.
Wake windows are very important for ensuring your baby is put down to sleep when they are drowsy, which will prevent them from getting overtired. If your baby becomes overtired, settling for sleep may be harder, so aiming to put them down before fussiness escalates is helpful.
3 Month Old Nap Schedule
At this age, naps are often inconsistent. Many 3-month-olds take naps lasting 30–90 minutes, but they will not necessarily be the same length at the same time each day. Short naps are normal at 3 months and usually improve closer to 6 months old as sleep cycles mature.
To support better naps use a consistent nap routine, monitor wake windows closely, aim for a calm sleep environment, and use a Baby Merlin sleepsuit (for swaddle transition) or sleep sack. Longer naps are more likely to happen earlier in the day, while late afternoon naps are often shorter.
Bedtime for a 3 Month Old
Bedtime will partially depend on how many naps your baby is taking. If your 3 month old is at 4 naps per day, bedtime should be between 6:30 and 8:00 pm. But if your baby is like 2 out of 3 of my kids, they might take 5 naps per day, which will push bedtime later to around 9-11pm.
I also recommend having a simple bedtime routine with your baby. This helps to set the mood for sleep, which lets your baby understand that it’s time for bed. Having a consistent routine matters more than the length of the routine.
Can a 3 Month Old Sleep Through the Night?
Many babies begin sleeping in longer stretches at night at 3 months, but sleeping through the night (10-12 hours) is not the norm. Most babies still wake to eat at least once overnight to feed, and some will wake more than once. Longer stretches often happen gradually as daytime feeds increase and sleep matures.
The good news is it’s more night sleep than a newborn schedule, which is a welcome relief and much more manageable. And you can look forward to 6 months of age, when your baby will likely start sleeping much longer at night and you can start sleep training if you choose to.
3 Month Old Feeding Schedule
Most 3 month-olds eat 5-7 times per day, with at least one nighttime feeding. Whether breastfeeding or formula feeding, feeding on demand while spacing feeds 2-3 hours during the day helps support adequate intake. Daytime feedings are important and can help reduce frequent night wakings.
A 3 month old schedule is about rhythm, not rigidity.Â
By following your baby’s cues and keeping age-appropriate expectations, you can create a routine that supports better sleep, smoother days, and a calmer bedtime. With time, your baby’s schedule will naturally become more predictable. To get an idea of what’s to come next, check out this post for a sample 4 month old schedule. Good luck!
