Looking for Help with "Schedule" or Routine for 4 Month Old

Hi A.. I read Babywise, and another book called Healthy Sleep, Happy Baby(I think that's the name). Both were great books. I was very strick with our routine with my first, and it was great because I always knew when she would be sleeping, awake, happy, crabby, etc. My second I couldn't be as strick to the schedule, but we still followed it somewhat. It is nice to have somewhat of an idea when your kiddo is going to need certain things. It also helps when others watch your child. I just watched my neighbors 4 month old, and he did everything pretty much right on the schedule she had sent. So easy! Good luck!

I used the book Babywise with both my girls. It helps you to put them on a VERY predictable schedule. They become like clock work. I can't tell you how much that helps!! One of the greatest things when your baby is on a schedule is you get to know your baby really well. You know when they're hungry, tired and everything else. when they are fussy during a random time, its easier for you to help them because you know what they are not (hungry or tired) You will find your baby to be more happy and easy going.

I highly recommend this book!!!

To start a routine pick the times of day that you want him to sleep. At 4 months my kids slept at 10AM At 2 PM and at 6 PM and then would fall asleep for the night at 10 PM wake up 1-2 times during the night to eat and sleep till around 7:30 AM. 3 daytime naps is normal according to my pediatrician at that age. I made sure I fed them right before those times and sat quietly with them around that time to get them to sleep.

With my daughter I fed her rice cereal at dinner time because it seemed like I could not get enough formula in her, I don't think it helped her sleep though but she was happier because she was full. Please dont mix it in his bottle that is dangerous and a choking hazard.

Make sure that you are giving him everything he might need to sleep soundly at night to possibly cut the 2-3 times per night of feedings back to 1-2 times which is totally normal at that age no matter how big they are they still get hungry. (My son at 10.5 months still wakes up some nights multiple times and other nights sleeps all night long depending on if he is growing or not feeling well.) Make sure that he is warm eneough, keep his room around 70 degrees, use a sound machine or a quiet fan pointed at the wall to give white noise and fans help with air circulation(helps prevent sids), and most importantly make sure that he is warm! My son sleeps in a onsie, footie fleece pj's, a fleece sleep sack and one light blanket tucked in tight around his torso and legs. Think about how many blankets you use on your bed and make sure he has that many layers, when he is comfortably warm but not overheated he will sleep longer.
Good luck and be patient, all night is a long time to be away from you.

Hi A.,

Congrats on the little (well...not so little) one! I remember that it wasn't until my daughter was around 4 months that we finally found our routine. Follow your son's lead and let the routine be natural. Just be consistent as to when, where and how you put him down for a nap. Watch to see when he is most alert and schedule your trips then. If you have a longer car ride (we do) to any stores, try to schedule his naps during the car ride. If it helps, (it did for me) write down what you are already doing and when. Look for any patterns each day and that will help you "form" your daily routine. You said that he is almost 4 months old, you may want to wait (and maybe you are) for his well baby checkup to start cereal. My daughter was an itty bitty when born (3 weeks early), but she caught up and grew super fast. My pediatrition wanted me to wait until she was 6 months old before giving her any more calories so that she could even out with her height.

Good luck and enjoy this time together! It is amazing how quickly they grow. We just celebrated my daughter's first birthday! This past year FLEW! :)

I would have a schedule you go off of but don't wig out if you aren't home or in a place where it can't happen. You can have schedules but it shouldn't keep you from going places or doing things, it won't hurt the baby to not have everything done right when it is scheduled. I think it's hard to find a really good schedule until they get a little older.

The Babywise system saved my life! It gets you on a routine of eat - activity - sleep, repeating about every 3 hours. Loved it. Recommend highly!

I am all about babies having their own schedules. There is plenty of time for that as they get older. That said, I would not nor have I ever been unable to do something because of my children. I have 3 of them. Do what it is you need or want to do. Schedules are important when kids are older, but so is being flexable.