This series has received a lot of interest on Pinterest which tells me that most moms want a routine that is good for their baby and preserves their sanity! Since I started this series, I’ve also seen pins from some who state why they don’t sleep train their children. Its obvious controversy over sleep training continues to exist.
Let me take a moment to reassure all you parents, that the method behind E.A.S.Y. is intended to be tailored to your individual child. It will allow you to parent in a more conscious manner. It does not encourage a schedule so much as a routine.
It is a routine, a repetition of natural cycles related to each letter that occurs throughout the day. A routine allows for flexibility rather than mechanically following a schedule. As I’ve said before, E.A.S.Y. is not necessarily easy, but it works.
This is part of a series. As your child grows, be sure to adjust their schedule accordingly using additional charts {more coming soon}.
E represents EAT. All babies need to eat either liquid thru nursing or bottle-feeding or solids starting at 6 months. They are less likely to be either underfed or overfed on a routine.
A represents ACTIVITY. This can usually be baby-led. A structure though can prevent overstimulation.
S represents SLEEP. Sleep is mandatory. Daytime sleep in the form of naps helps improve nighttime sleep. Good naps as a result of the proper amount of food and activity are more likely with a routine.
Y represents YOUR Time. With less unpredictably and more structure, you’ll have more time for yourself to rest, shower, clean, what have you.
The schedule I’ve provided is adapted from The Baby Whisperer Solves All Your Problems: Sleeping, Feeding, and Behavior–Beyond the Basics from Infancy Through Toddlerhood
I highly recommend reading the book in its entirety!
The routine will adjust as your child grows. And it may vary based on weight and personality.
For example, during this stage, you’ll gradually phase out a feed because the baby can physically consume more at each feed; you’ll gradually consolidate three naps into two because the baby can stay awake longer. So typically at four months baby can stay awake 1 1/2 hours and 2 hours by 6 months.
Additionally, because of natural strides in development at this age, many will wake between 4-6 a.m. but left to happily talk and play in their crib for 15-20 minutes will easily fall back asleep on their own until 7 am.
If they are truly hungry then feed them before returning to sleep for a couple more hours.
BABY E.A.S.Y: MONTH 4 TO MONTH 6
Below is a synopsis of the schedule broken into 3 segments. Click on each heading for detailed information. Scroll to the end of the article for access to an easy reference FREE printable.
Morning E.A.S.Y. Schedule
Further, if your family’s routine makes it better to start the day at 7:30 it’s acceptable to adjust accordingly. However, it’s not recommended to start the day after 7:30 am nor end the day past 7:30 pm due to naturally inherit sleep cycles in children.
7:00 AM (E)at Feed 5-8 OZ. Liquid (Breast or Bottle)
7:20 (A)ctivity Limited Activity (i.e. changing diaper, talking)
8:45 (S)leep Nap (2 hrs) Sleep ritual takes 15-20 minutes so sleep starts closer to 9 am
(Y)our Personal Time
11:00 AM E Feed 5-8 OZ. Liquid (Breast or Bottle)
11:20 A Activity
12:45 S Nap (1 1/2 – 2 hrs) Sleep ritual takes 15-20 minutes so sleep starts closer to 1 pm
Y
Afternoon E.A.S.Y. Schedule
3:20 A Activity
5:30 S CAT Nap (45 min) (may be as early as 5 pm or as late as 6 pm depending on your child – overtiredness happens easily here so keep low key!)
Y (probably your own dinner 🙂 )
Evening E.A.S.Y. Schedule
(E) Feed 5-8 OZ. Liquid (Breast or Bottle)
(A) Bath & Bedtime Ritual
(S) 7pm to bed for night
Between 10-11 PM E / S Dream Feed – NO WAKE – activate sucking reflex
5 AM E / S Night Feed if truly hungry – BACK TO BED TILL 7 AM
Below is the Food, Activity and Sleep Totals for each day. Click on the heading for detailed information
Daily Food, Activity & Sleep Totals
Day Sleep: 4 1/2 hours on average *based on age & activity level influences
Day Activity Time Slots:
4 months 1 hour 30 mins;
5 months 1 hour 45 mins;
6 months 2 hours
Remember these are guidelines, NOT rules, so if you feel that your baby is not yet ready for these A times, please do not force them, as this will result in issues.
Night Sleep: 10 hour stretch from 7 pm to 5 am if no waking at Dream Feed on average *based on body weight influences then another 2 hours before daily routine begins.
Please be observant to your baby exhibiting tired signs. If a baby goes to bed for the night being overtired (active) their nighttime sleep will likely be fitful, and they’ll wake earlier.
Download FREE Chart!
Sign up for FREE as a new subscriber and get direct access to a FREE E.A.S.Y Sleep Training / Feeding Chart to download and print!
As well as FULL access to the Subscriber Resource Library of printables!
Already a subscriber? Use your case sensitive LIBRARY CARD CODE in THIS LINK to download the chart from the library list.
