Pick a time when your baby is usually awake, and count at roughly the same time each day — that's what makes one count comparable with the next.
When babies tend to be active
RCOG says afternoon and evening are usually times of peak activity. Babies have their own rhythm, though — many are quiet in the morning and lively in the evening, others the opposite.
Your baby also has sleep periods, day and night, that mostly last 20 to 40 minutes and are rarely longer than 90 minutes. Your baby usually won't move during them (RCOG).
The same time each day
Count the Kicks suggests counting when your baby is usually active, preferably at the same time every day. Counting at roughly the same time is what makes a pattern readable — times taken at random hours are harder to compare.
For many people that's the evening, or after a meal when they finally sit down.
When you can be still
You're less likely to notice movements when you're active or busy (RCOG). Lying on your side, or sitting with your feet up and a hand on your bump, works well for most people. Put the phone within reach and let yourself focus on the feeling rather than the screen.
Skip the cold drink
Count the Kicks notes that research has moved away from the idea that sugary drinks or ice water are a good way to get a baby moving, and that movements are best monitored without them.
If a count starts quietly
Because babies sleep in stretches, a count that starts while your baby is resting can take a while to get going.
If a quiet spell worries you, contact your midwife, doctor or maternity unit — never wait it out. What to do.
A routine you actually keep
If the time you picked stops fitting your days, change it. A routine you actually keep beats a perfect one you don't. The Bump Kicks app can send a gentle daily reminder at the time you choose.