Baby Schedules by Age: Routines for Newborn to 12 Months

Understanding baby schedules by age can help bring more predictability to your day while supporting your baby’s sleep, feeding, and development. As a mom of 3, I know how helpful it was to have a guide for wake windows, sleep expectations, and feeding schedules by age throughout the first year.

While every baby is different, having a flexible routine based on age can make it easier to know when your baby should sleep, eat, and play. Below you fill find sample baby schedules from newborn through the first year to help you navigate this time with your little one. 

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Printable Baby Schedules By Age

Before we dive into the details of sample baby schedules by age for the first year, sometimes it’s helpful to have a printable version of these schedules. If this is something you like, then check out these printable Baby Schedules, which also include a fillable blank baby schedule pdf as well.

Newborn Schedule (0–2 Months)

Newborns do not follow a strict schedule yet. Instead, they operate on a cycle of feeding, short wake windows, and frequent naps. A typical newborn routine has wake windows of 45–60 minutes, 5-6 naps per day, and feeds every 1.5-3 hours. You can expect your newborn baby to sleep a total of 14-17 hours per day.

Newborns sleep a lot, but not in large chunks at a time. At this stage, focus on following your baby’s cues rather than the clock. Feeding on demand and allowing plenty of sleep helps support growth and development. You can get more details on sample newborn schedules by age here:

• Sample Newborn Schedule
• Sample 2 Month Old Schedule

Baby Schedules at 3–4 Months

Around 3 to 4 months, babies start becoming more predictable and can begin following a loose routine. Typical 3–4 month schedules have wake windows or 1.5–2 hours, 4 naps per day, feedings every 3–4 hours, and total sleep of 14–16 hours per day.

By this age age many babies have begun consolidating nighttime sleep. However, night feedings are still common. Here are some sample schedules for 3 months and 4 months old.

• Sample 3 Month Old Schedule
• Sample 4 Month Old Schedule

Baby Schedule at 5-6 Months Old

By 5 or 6 months babies often settle into a more consistent pattern. Wake windows at this age are 2–2.5 hours, your baby will transition to 3 naps per day during this time too. Feeds are every 3–4 hours and total sleep is 13–15 hours per day.

This is often when babies move toward a more predictable morning wake time and bedtime. Solids are typically introduced at 5-6 months old. You can get a sample 5 month old schedule or a sample 6 month old schedule here for more details on what your baby’s day will look like at these ages.

Baby Schedule for 7+ Months

Most babies transition to two naps per day during this stage. Consistency with wake times and bedtime becomes very helpful during this stage. A typical 7–9 month schedule includes the following:

• Wake window: 2.5–3.5 hours
• Naps: 2 naps per day
• Feeding: Every 3–4 hours plus solids
• Total sleep: 13–14 hours per day

By the end of the first year, most babies stick with a stable two nap schedule. A typical 10–12 month schedule includes the following:

• Wake window: 3–4 hours
• Naps: 2 naps per day
• Feeding: 3–5 milk feeds plus solids
• Total sleep: 12–14 hours per day

Tips for Creating a Baby Schedule

Reading through this post can make sticking with your baby’s schedule seem so easy. However, it’s definitely easier said than done. Here are some tips to help you create a schedule that works for both you and your baby.

• Follow Wake Windows – Wake windows help prevent overtiredness and make it easier for babies to fall asleep.
• Keep Bedtime Consistent – Most babies do best with a bedtime between 7 PM and 8 PM.
• Adjust as Your Baby Grows – Schedules naturally change as babies drop naps and stay awake longer.
• Focus on Routine – A flexible routine works better than a strict schedule. Some days will look different, and that’s completely normal. 

Knowing typical baby schedules by age can make daily life easier for both parents and babies.

As your baby grows, their wake windows lengthen, naps consolidate, and feeding patterns become more predictable. Remember that every baby develops at their own pace, so use these schedules as a guide and adjust them to fit your baby’s needs.

For additional help understanding your baby’s schedule throughout the first year I recommend getting these printable Baby Schedules by Age. A consistent routine, plenty of sleep, and understanding hunger cues for feeding will help support healthy development during the first year. Good luck – you’ve got this!