Module 3: 4 to 6-Month Sleep, Feeding, and Soothing
Appendix: Sample Schedule
Putting it all together
Published August 2024
AUTHORS
Melissa O’Neill, PhD PMH-C
Contributing Editor, Registered Nurse
Katie Sardone, PhD PMH-C
Head of Clinical, Licensed Psychologist & Perinatal Mental Health Specialist
Margaret Vadiee, PhD
Contributing Editor, Licensed Psychologist
These guides should be adapted as needed for your family but serve as a general guidepost for baby’s schedule at the 4 to 6 month age range!
Schedule for babies 4-6 months
Bottles should contain 6+ ounces.
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Feed, wake if needed.
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Then awake and playful until nap with at least 15 minutes of tummy time.
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Minimum of one hour and maximum of two hours.
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Wake if needed.
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Then awake and playful until nap with at least 15 minutes of tummy time.
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Minimum of one hour and maximum of two hours.
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Wake if needed.
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30 to 45 minutes. This can be a tough one!
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Tummy time for at least 15 minutes then start bedtime routine with bath
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In the crib for the night, pitch-black room, sleep sack or footed pajamas, with white noise on. Allow baby to fall asleep independently.
About the authors
Melissa O’Neill, BSN
As an RN specializing in NICU and Labor & Delivery for 15+ years, Melissa is also a mother of 3.
Katie Sardone, PhD, PMH-C
Dr. Katie Sardone is a Licensed Psychologist and the founder of Behavioral Health Dallas, PLLC.
Margaret Vadiee, PhD
Dr. Margaret Vadiee is a Licensed Psychologist and a former Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor at Southern Methodist University in the Psychology Department.
Nutritionists
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Adult mental health
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Couples mental health
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Infant & child mental health
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Sleep coaching
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Nutritionists • Adult mental health • Couples mental health • Infant & child mental health • Sleep coaching •
Below are a list of examples of when and how to get that support:
If your baby is not eating well, lacks an interest in feeds, spitting up excessively and/or spit up is projectile or discolored, call your pediatrician.
If your baby has a persistent diaper rash that isn’t improving, call your pediatrician.
If your baby has a white tongue that cannot be scratched away with your clean finger, call your pediatrician to check your baby for thrush.
If your baby has not had a dirty diaper in over three days or is having hard, pebble-like stools, stool is gray, black or blood tinged, call your pediatrician.
If your baby is turning blue around the mouth or lips, call 911.
Always trust your parental instinct. If you feel like something is wrong, reach out to your trusted medical professional asap.
If you find yourself feeling down, anxious, or not like yourself, reach out to a mental health professional for support. You can also call or text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 833-852-6262 (available 24/7 in the US).
If you are in a moment of crisis, call 988 for mental health support (available 24/7).
When to get
expert support
If you think you need expert support, this is a great reason to pop into office hours. Sometimes you might need more support, and that's okay!
Have a question for your coach?
Schedule time during their weekly office hours! We know not all questions come up on a schedule, which is why your coach is also available outside of the sessions included in your Learning Program.