A baby daily routine makes life smoother for you and your little one.
Grab your Free Printable Baby Daily Routines for Newborn to 12 Months Old and take the guesswork out of your day. Click on the link or above image to download!
Congratulations on your beautiful new baby! Whether you’re in the sleepy newborn days or just starting to get the hang of this parenting thing, you’re probably wondering: What should my baby’s daily routine look like? You’re not alone, we’ve all been there!
In those early weeks, routines can feel impossible. Newborns feed around the clock, sleep in short stretches, and have no clue what day or night even means. But don’t worry—that’s totally normal! As your baby reaches about 2 months old, you’ll start to notice some patterns, and that’s when you can gently begin introducing a simple baby daily routine.
Having a predictable baby daily routine doesn’t mean being strict, it just means creating a rhythm that helps your little one know what’s coming next. And trust me, that predictability can work wonders for keeping your baby calm, supporting better sleep and feeding and giving you a little more peace of mind too.
In this post, I’m sharing a month-by-month guide to baby daily routines from birth to 12 months. These are sample schedules you can tweak based on your baby’s temperament and your family’s lifestyle because every baby (and every mama) is different!
Why Baby Daily Routines Matter
Having a baby daily routine isn’t about being super rigid. It’s about creating a rhythm that makes life feel a little more manageable for both you and your baby. When your days start to follow a familiar flow of wake, feed, play and sleep, your baby begins to feel more secure, calm and in tune with the world around them.
Over time, this helps them naturally start to distinguish between day and night. Goodbye 2 a.m. party time!
Most parents find that around the 2-month mark, babies become just a bit more predictable which makes it the perfect time to gently introduce a simple baby daily routine. It doesn’t need to be exact by the clock, but more like a consistent order of events that baby can learn to expect.
Some signs your baby might be ready for a more structured schedule? You’ll start noticing their wake windows, nap times and feeding sessions happen around the same times each day.
That’s your cue to start guiding the day with a little more intention and yes, you can totally build it around your family’s schedule too!
Tips for Creating a Flexible Yet Predictable Baby Daily Routine
If “baby daily routine” sounds overwhelming, you’re not alone. Aim for predictable, not perfect. Every baby is different.
Here’s how to build a routine that works for both of you.
Watch wake windows and sleepy cues
Babies can only stay awake for short stretches. Learn your baby’s cues: yawning, rubbing eyes and fussing. These signs mean it’s time to wind down.
Stick to a simple rhythm
Try the Eat → Play → Sleep cycle. It’s easy to follow and works for most babies. Feed them, offer a little playtime, then help them nap.
Balance feedings, naps and play
Feeding keeps your baby full. Playtime helps them learn and burn energy. Naps prevent overtired crankiness. Keep each part short and calm.
Stay flexible
Some days won’t go as planned. That’s normal. Follow your baby’s lead when things feel off. A routine should help, not stress you out.
Every baby is different
What works for one might not work for another. Try things out and adjust. You’ll find your flow over time.
Routine for Newborns (0–6 weeks)
In the first few weeks, there’s no set routine and that’s okay.
Newborns eat around the clock. They sleep a lot, but not for long. Their days and nights are mixed up.
Right now, your job is simple: feed on demand, watch for sleepy cues and rest when you can.
Instead of a strict schedule, think of the day as a gentle rhythm. The goal is to help baby feel safe, full and calm.
Here’s a sample routine for newborns based on common newborn wake windows (45–60 minutes):
Every baby is different, so use this as a loose guide. Some naps will be short, some feeds longer. Just follow baby’s cues.
Routine for a 2 Month Old
At 2 months, babies start showing signs of a rhythm. Days aren’t predictable yet, but you’ll notice patterns.
Wake windows are around 60–75 minutes now. Baby may take 4 to 5 naps during the day.
Feedings are still on demand, usually every 2.5 to 3 hours.
Aim for a calm, repeatable flow. Try to follow a simple Eat → Play → Sleep cycle.
Some days will go off track and that’s totally fine.
Here’s a sample routine for a 2 month old you can adjust as needed:
Routine for a 3 Month Old
At 3 months, your baby starts showing more regular patterns. Days feel a little more predictable now.
Most babies take 3 to 4 naps a day. Wake windows stretch to about 75–90 minutes.
You may notice longer sleep stretches at night. Some babies even drop a feed or two.
If your baby still wakes often, that’s okay. Many babies need 1–2 night feeds at this age.
Here’s a sample routine for a 3 month old with 3 naps and a dream feed:
Routine for a 4 Month Old
This is the month many parents hit a bump—the 4-month sleep regression. It’s normal and temporary.
Your baby’s sleep is changing. They start sleeping more like an adult, cycling through light and deep sleep.
That means more night waking. You may also see shorter naps or more fussiness at bedtime.
What helps? Stay consistent. Stick to a calming bedtime routine. Keep nap and wake times steady.
Start encouraging self-soothing. Try putting baby down a little drowsy but still awake.
Wake windows are now around 90 minutes to 2 hours. Most babies still need 3 to 4 naps a day.
Here’s a sample routine for a 4 month old:
Stick with it. Things settle again around 5–6 months.
Routine for a 5 Month Old
By 5 months, you’ll likely notice smoother days. Sleep, feed and wake cycles feel more predictable now.
Your baby may start following a 3-nap schedule with more consistent wake times and bedtimes.
Wake windows are around 2 to 2.5 hours. Some babies can stretch a little longer before bedtime.
Feeding every 3 to 4 hours is common at this stage. Some may start dropping night feeds.
This is a great age to stick with the Eat → Play → Sleep flow.
Here’s a sample routine for a 5 month old:
Stick with this flow and your baby will learn what to expect. That makes things easier for everyone.
Routine for a 6 Month Old
At 6 months, your baby is ready for more! Solid foods can now be added alongside milk feeds.
Start slow, once a day is plenty. Breast milk or formula is still baby’s main food source.
Try solids after a milk feed, when baby isn’t too hungry or too full.
Wake windows are around 2 to 2.5 hours. Most babies still take 3 naps a day.
Here’s a sample routine for a 6 month old with solids included:
Start slow with solids. Focus on iron-rich foods and single ingredients. Let baby explore and enjoy.
Routine for a 7 Month Old
By 7 months, days feel smoother. Naps and meals are falling into a steadier rhythm.
Wake windows are now 2.5 to 3 hours. Many babies drop to 2 solid naps, with one short catnap.
Milk feeds are still key, but solids are becoming more fun and filling.
Offer two meals a day. Keep trying different tastes and textures.
Let your baby play solo in short bursts. Independent play helps with focus and confidence.
Here’s a sample schedule routine for a 7 month old:
Routine for a 8 Month Old
At 8 months, your baby might be crawling or scooting around. They need more space and movement each day.
Active play matters now. Use safe floor time to burn energy and build new skills.
Wake windows stretch to 3 to 3.5 hours. Some babies start skipping the third nap.
If your baby resists that last nap, move bedtime earlier. Don’t fight it.
Solids can now be offered 3 times a day. Let baby explore soft finger foods too.
Here’s a sample routine for a 8 month old:
Watch baby’s cues. If they need three naps, keep it. If not, don’t stress.
Routine for a 9 Month Old
By 9 months, most babies are settled into a solid 2-nap routine.
Wake windows are around 3 to 3.5 hours. That gives time for play and exploring.
Solids are now a big part of daily meals. Offer three small meals and plenty of water.
Milk feeds still matter. They usually come after naps and before bed.
You can start building stronger sleep habits now. Try putting baby down drowsy but awake.
Keep nap and bedtime routines short and simple. Repetition helps baby feel safe.
Here’s a sample routine for a 9 month old:
Stick with what works but stay flexible. Babies grow and change fast at this age.
Routine for 10 Month Old Baby
At 10 months, teething can shake up sleep. Stick to routines even if nights are rough.
Offer extra comfort but try not to start new habits you’ll need to undo later.
Your baby is eating more solids now. Three meals a day plus snacks work well.
Keep trying new textures and soft finger foods. Let baby explore and feed themselves.
Most babies are on two naps. Avoid late catnaps to keep bedtime on track.
Here’s a sample routine for 10 month old baby:
Stick to this flow when you can. Predictable days help babies feel safe even during tough teething weeks.
Routine for 11 Month Old
At this age, babies love routine. They know what’s next and feel safe when the day flows the same.
You’ll notice big changes in learning. Walking, pointing and copying become part of daily play.
Stick to two naps. Watch for signs they may try to drop one, but it’s usually too soon.
Offer three solid meals with a snack. Let them try feeding themselves with soft spoons and fingers.
Keep bedtime calm and simple. Same order each night helps them wind down faster.
Here’s a sample routine for 11 month old:
The closer the day sticks to this rhythm, the smoother it usually goes. Babies thrive on knowing what’s next.
Routine for 12 Month Old
Your baby is now a toddler. Days may feel more active and a little less predictable.
Many babies still take two naps. Some start fighting one, but most need both a bit longer.
Meals now matter more than milk. Offer three meals and two snacks. Let them eat at the table with you.
Start weaning slowly if you haven’t yet. Focus on whole foods and simple textures.
Let your little one explore more. They learn fast now through play and copying you.
Here’s a sample routine for 12 month old:
Stick with what works for your baby. Routines help them feel calm as they grow into toddler life.
When to Adjust Your Baby’s Daily Routine
As your baby grows, their needs change. It’s natural for routines to shift over time. Here’s when to consider changes:
Growth Spurts
When your baby’s growing fast, they may need extra feeds or longer naps. Adjust as needed.
Developmental Milestones
Learning new skills like sitting, crawling or talking can disrupt routines. Be flexible during these phases.
Illness or Travel
Sickness or a change in routine, like travel, can throw everything off. Go easy on yourself and your baby.
Signs It’s Time for a Change
Baby seems extra fussy or tired at certain times.
They resist naps or bedtime.
Feeding times become inconsistent.
Keep an eye on these cues and adjust when needed. A little flexibility can make all the difference!
Final Thoughts
Every baby is different. What works for one might not work for another and that’s okay!
Trust your instincts. You know your baby best. Listen to their cues and adjust as needed.
Remember, a routine is a helpful tool, not a strict rule. Flexibility is key to keeping things calm.
If you’d like, download this free printable Baby Daily Routines for newborns through 12 months to help you stay organized and on top of things.
Did you find this blog post on Baby Daily Routine: A Simple Guide for New Parents helpful? Be sure to share it on Pinterest!
Don’t miss my Free Printable Family Organizer, perfect for keeping your whole household running smoothly!
