Hooray! You and your little explorer have hit the incredible 4-month milestone! At Moms on Call, we know that this stage is a mix of giggles and challenges. If you've been following our 8-16 week routine, get ready for the next exciting chapter – the 4-6 month routine. Let's dive into the signs that signal it's time to shake things up a bit!
Transitioning to the 4-6 Month Routine
Spotting the signs for routine change is like deciphering baby Morse code! Look out for signs such as staying awake for about 2 hours from the start of the feeding until naptime with minimal short dozes and not showing hunger cues at the 3-hour mark. Once you notice these signs, it's time to transition to the 4-6 month routine. Remember, you have a 15-minute grace period on either side of the listed times for adjustments.
What to Expect at 4 Months
Hold on to your baby hats because, at 4 months, it's like they discovered the turbo button! Muscles are flexing, purposeful moves are happening, and they're on a mission to master their newfound freedom. Sure, there might be a bit of frustration in the process, but we're all about letting them find their comfy spot!
Get ready for your baby's first stand-up comedy show – they're recognizing faces and "talking" to you! Textured toys and picture books are the rave, and peek-a-boo has become the go-to game for endless laughter.
Introducing Solid Foods – It’s a Baby Foodie Adventure!
Between 4-6 months, the solid food adventure kicks off, but it's not a rigid date on the calendar. Signs like sitting with a hint of independence, rock-solid head control, and a sneaky interest in your dinner plate mean it's time to spice things up. Check out our free solid food introduction calendar in the knowledge center for a stress-free, baby-approved guide.
Remember, solid foods complement, not replace, breastfeeding or formula feeding. You have flexibility in frequency, ranging from once a day to three times a day.
What to Expect - Naptime
Naps are a bit like baby improv – expect the unexpected! Aim for two naps a day with a pre-nap routine starting 15 minutes before showtime. For example, at 8:30am, get ready for a diaper change, snuggles and storytime. By 8:45am or 9am, it's naptime– cue the lullabies! There's a 10-20 minute pre-sleep party, followed by a 30-45 minute nap, a brief loud session (baby karaoke, anyone?) for about 20 minutes, and then some dozing on and off for another 30 minutes. Wrap it up with low-key snuggle time (if they are awake and noisy) at 10:30am before the next feeding extravaganza.
Buckle up for the whimsical ride of the 4-month adventure with your mini sidekick! Transitioning routines, diving into solids, and mastering the art of naps might be a wild journey, but with Moms on Call, we are with you every step of the way. Every baby is a unique little explorer, so embrace the giggles, celebrate the small wins, and enjoy this magical time together!
Moms on Call is dedicated to providing positive, practical, and effective ways to help parents feel more confident and rested. You’re already a great parent—we’re here to help you better understand your little one and enjoy the parenting process with practical advice that really works! Visit our Knowledge Center for more parenting resources to sleep, feed, laugh, and love birth through toddlerhood.
Want more personalized support? With each and every Moms on Call Consulting experience, we have one goal in mind—to equip you with the confidence you need to become the best parent possible for your child. We are proud to partner with Certified Consultants who are uniquely trained to work with families utilizing the Moms on Call philosophy. All consultants are licensed nurses with pediatric experience who have used Moms on Call within their own homes. Book your personal consultation with one of our Premier Certified Moms on Call Consultants!
