4 month old on a schedule?

Question

I read that it's important to have a baby on a schedule.  And in theory I totally agree.  But saying it is much easier than doing it!  Try as I might I can't get my 4 month old on a consistent schedule because:  1). she eats anywhere from 4 to 5 hours (and she just will not eat if she's not hungry so I can't stick to every 4 hours for example) 
2). she naps about every 1.25 - 2 hours
3). she wakes up once a night to eat but the time ranges from 2:00 to 5:00 a.m. so this impacts what time she has "breakfast" the next day which then impacts the subsequent feeds for the rest of the day.

So my question(s) is:  is it reasonable to think that a 4 month old should be on a schedule and if so, how do I do it?  OR should I just relax and go with the flow?  And if so, when can I expect to get on a schedule?

Thanks!

l_camy · Accepted Answer

My little guy will be four months old in a week; personally, I feel you should not force a schedule on a child.  I look at it like this how would you as an adult feel if someone would not let you eat/sleep when you were hungry/tired until a designated time?  I would just let her make her own schedule; with all her upcoming growth spurts you would never know which way was up anyhow...lol.  Just the other day, out of nowhere I got worried my little one would never learn to nap in a crib (he naps in a swing), so I tried and you know what?  I spent two frustrating hours trying and trying.  Then I stopped and realized; what's the rush?  He will nap in his crib when he's ready...alll I'm doing is upsetting him AND I'm frustrated too.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that soon enough they will be to big for us to cradle them in our arms, and though we maybe inconvenienced now, one day we will yearn for them to be little like this just once more.

Whatever you decide, it must make you feel good in your heart...just follow your instinct and you will make a great parent!

Anonymous · Answer

My son is also 4 months old. He does not have a schedule. The only thing really consistant with him, is that he goes down at 9pm and won't wake until 7:30am. He has always been like that. He eats when he wants, he naps when he wants. And we don't think its that important for him to be on a set schedule. When he is older, yes. But he is only 4 months. I would just relax and go with the flow. It will make it easier on all of you. I wouldn't even know how to start a schedule for him.

Anonymous · Answer

I would just relax and go with the flow.  4 mos is still young. Your baby still needs to be able to trust her enviromment meaning she will get her needs met when she has them.  So feed her when she is hungry and let her sleep when she is tired.  This is best for her in the long run.  When she gets older, she will put herself on a schedule and will sleep less during the day.  Just have fun with her.  When she starts eating solid foods her schedule will be more consistent and this is around 6 mos.  So you are almost there!

preemie mom · Answer

I personally would highly recommend that you go with the flow! Babies that old (young) have their own biological clocks and going against it will be hard on you because you'll end up w/a cranky baby. It's not until about 8-9 mos when they begin settling into a "nicer" schedule, because their stomachs get bigger and they sleep longer during the day and night. Yours seems to be cat-napper. You can surely try to keep her awake, but she'll be cranky, I predict. (although it's usually trial and error, and she might surprise you and me!!) 
once the sleeping gets better, they start moving around, and you will post other questions!! it never ends.. lol

Baba Booey! · Answer

my theory with my son (2.5 months old) is go with the flow.  he eats every 3 - 4 hrs (except  during night), naps whenever he is tired.  he does sleep well at night, about 12 hrs and wakes once to feed at about 6:30am.  i do give him a bath every night in order to let him know it's night and almost bedtime. he goes to bed when he is tired and it's usually around the same time every night, so he has kind of given himself a schedule.  except napping, he just takes a few random short naps during the day.  i let him guide me for the most part and it seems to work, he is still very young though so who knows what'll happen.

Antonia · Answer

We've never had one. My daughter is 10 months now and still has only a very vague schedule. It's less stress to let them eat and sleep when they want to.

STOP BEING JEALOUS · Answer

our 11 week old has a bed time schedule and during the day we just let him do whatever. he goes to bed about 8-9 pm then wakes at 7-8 am and then he just eats sleeps and plays for the day. it was easy to get him into a routine. some are harder than others possibly. i know i have read that babies thrive for routines since it makes their days better and lives securer. just keep trying.

Anonymous · Answer

relax and go with the flow. when they are a bit older and can be entertained more completely with other things it will be easier to start a stricter schedule. i would say by one year it can be down to clockwork, but some babies it just won't work for

Chelsea · Answer

Relax and follow your baby's cues. You can try setting a schedule later (when weaning) - if she follows, great. If she resists, don't force it. It sounds like you already have an easy baby so count your blessings.

AJ · Answer

to young for a schedule... go with the flow of having a baby

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4 month old on a schedule?

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