Sample Schedule for a 5-6 Month Old Baby

January 6, 2022

“What should my baby’s schedule look like?” is one of those questions for which there are a lot of right answers and being “on a schedule” is usually just a matter of following baby’s natural cycle. It shouldn’t feel forced or like a stand-off between parent and baby and for some parents the schedule is their first step in helping baby sleep through the night.  Below is Sample Schedule for a 4, 5 or 6 Month Old Baby.

Every baby is unique, and while the sample schedule can be a helpful guide, keep in mind that sleep regressions, growth spurts, illness and developmental milestones will naturally affect timing. Also, aways prioritize 10 Steps to Safe Sleep for Baby: place your baby on their back on a firm, flat surface, free of loose bedding, pillows, toys and bumpers. Following these guidelines supports both your baby’s healthy development and your peace of mind.

Sample Schedule for a 5-6 Month Old Baby

7:00am            wake up, change

7:15 or 7:30    milk/formula given when baby is showing signs of hunger

8:30                solids: grain, or grain + fruit when solids are introduced as directed by your pediatrician. Milk/formula can also be given here.

9:30                wind down to get ready for nap

10:00              down for a nap

 – 4 hour cycle repeats upon waking up –

11:30                milk/formula

12:30                solids: grain or grain + veg (when lunch is introduced as directed by pediatrician) Milk/formula can also be given here.

12:00 – 1:00     activity

1:00 – 1:30pm   wind down for nap

1:30 – 3:30        nap

– 4 hour cycle repeats again upon waking from nap, but with a third short nap-

3:30                   milk/formula

3:30 – 4:30        quiet play, try to stay around home and stick to calm activities

4:30 – 5ish         nap

5:30                   dinner of solids (this is appropriate whenever you want to begin the addition of an evening meal—we are only including it to show what it looks like to have a 3 meal per day schedule)

6:15 – 7:00         milk/formula, getting into PJ’s, books and quite time and then into bed

10pm                  Dreamfeed if you wish.  Baby does not have to be fully awake for this. It is just a small 2-3 ounce feed to be sure baby has gotten all of the ounces in for the night. You don’t have to wake baby, simply hold the bottle or breast to baby’s lips and they will instinctually take in what’s needed. When you’re done there’s no need to burp since baby is so relaxed but a quick diaper change should be done. You can read this if you’re wondering What is a Dreamfeed?

There will be 3 “blocks” of 4 hours.  The last block will only include a short nap since it is close to bedtime. 

Each block begins with milk and the last block ends with milk, so feeding times are at: 7am, 11:00am, 3pm and 6:30pm. There may be milk “snacks” in between and at mealtimes, especially for our breastfed babies who do not take in 6 ounces per feed but the 4 main feeding times are the anchor to this schedule.

Baby Schedule FAQs

How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk?
Look for steady weight gain, regular wet diapers and contentment after feeds. You can always visit your pediatrician for a weight check too.

What if my baby skips a nap?
Occasional skipped naps are normal as babies grow. Try not to force a nap, just keep activities calm and follow your baby’s cues until the next sleep period.

Can I adjust the schedule for breastmilk vs. formula?
Yes. Formula-fed babies may feed less often but in larger amounts, while breastfed babies often eat more frequently. It’s perfectly fine to adapt the sample schedule to your baby’s needs.

Sleeping through the Night

If your baby is older and you want another sleep schedule, or you’re ready to help your infant sleep through the night, read the Ultimate Guide to Baby Sleep Training. You can also join us on Reddit to share what works for you or talk through any sleep-troubleshooting.