The First 3 Months Of Your Baby's Life
0-4 Weeks
Feeding
Baby will feed 6-10 times in 24 hours. Feeds may last from 20 minutes to one hour. They could be from 2-4 hours apart. By 4 weeks, baby will be having 6-8 feeds in 24 hours.
Play & communication
Bath and nappy changing. Brief times awake in your arms. Talk and sing to your baby gently. By 4 weeks, play will be 10-20 minutes after feeds 2-3 times a day. Tummy time while you are changing baby’s nappy on the change table or on your lap.
Sleeping
Baby needs at least 15-17 hours sleep in 24 hours. Each sleep will usually last about 1½-2 hours. By 4 weeks, baby will be sleeping about 15 hours in 24 hours and is suddenly more unsettled and seems to be crying more.
4-8 weeks
Feeding
By 8 weeks baby may have 5-8 feeds in 24 hours. Feeds are usually more frequent during the day. e.g. every 3-4 hours compared to every 5-6 hours during the night.
Play & communication
30 minutes after feeds usually 2-3 times a day. This can be tummy time or using a baby activity mat on the floor. Baby will now be communicating by turning towards you at the sound of your voice, makes eye contact with you and smiling. You will have learnt the differences between their cries of pain, hunger or tiredness.
Sleeping
It is harder to settle them to sleep over the next few weeks. This is the normal pattern at this age. Babies will usually sleep for periods of 1½-2 hours during the day (after each feed) and for periods of 3-5 hours during the night. Sleeps should total about 15 hours.
8-12 Weeks
Feeding
5-6 feeds in 24 hours. Baby is more efficient at feeding so feeding takes less time.
Play & communication
30-60 minutes, 2-3 times a day. Baby should be having lots of tummy time by now and be happy on the floor playing with toys in front of them – or on their back with an activity gym above so they can reach out for toys.
Sleeping
Babies will usually sleep for periods of 1½ -2 hours during the day (after each feed) and for periods of 3-5 hours during the night. Sleeps should total about 15 hours.
