Baby Sleep Schedule by Age: The Complete 0-12 Month Guide
Discover exactly how much sleep your baby needs at every age, understand wake windows, survive sleep regressions, and establish healthy sleep habits.
Quick Answer
Newborns sleep 14-17 hours total (in short bursts). By 3 months, babies need 14-16 hours. By 6 months, most need 12-15 hours including 2-3 naps. By 12 months, babies typically sleep 11-14 hours with 1-2 naps.
"Is my baby sleeping enough?" is one of the most common questions new parents ask. Sleep is crucial for your baby's growth, development, and your sanity! This guide breaks down exactly what to expect at each age.
Sleep Needs by Age: Quick Reference Chart
| Age | Total Sleep | Night Sleep | Naps | Wake Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-6 weeks | 15-18 hrs | 8-9 hrs | 4-5 (irregular) | 45-60 min |
| 6-12 weeks | 14-16 hrs | 9-10 hrs | 4-5 | 1-1.5 hrs |
| 3-4 months | 14-16 hrs | 10-11 hrs | 3-4 | 1.5-2 hrs |
| 5-6 months | 13-15 hrs | 10-11 hrs | 2-3 | 2-2.5 hrs |
| 7-9 months | 12-15 hrs | 10-12 hrs | 2 | 2.5-3 hrs |
| 10-12 months | 12-14 hrs | 10-12 hrs | 1-2 | 3-4 hrs |
Understanding Wake Windows
Wake windows are the periods of time your baby can comfortably stay awake between sleep. Getting these right is key to avoiding an overtired (or undertired) baby.
Signs Baby is Ready for Sleep
- • Yawning
- • Eye rubbing
- • Looking away/zoning out
- • Fussiness
- • Ear pulling
Signs Baby is Overtired
- • Intense crying
- • Arching back
- • Inconsolable
- • Fighting sleep
- • Hyperactive/wired
Sample Sleep Schedules
3-Month-Old Schedule
6-Month-Old Schedule
Sleep Regressions: What to Expect
Sleep regressions are temporary periods when a baby who was sleeping well suddenly starts waking more frequently. Common regression ages:
4 Month Regression
The most significant regression. Baby's sleep cycles mature to adult-like patterns. May last 2-6 weeks.
Tip: Maintain consistent routines, consider sleep training methods, ensure baby isn't overtired.
6 Month Regression
Often linked to developmental leaps (sitting, crawling). Usually milder and shorter.
Tip: Give extra practice time during the day for new skills, stick to schedule.
8-10 Month Regression
Separation anxiety peaks, plus major motor milestones (standing, cruising).
Tip: Offer extra comfort but try not to create new sleep associations.
12 Month Regression
Walking, talking, dropping to one nap. Lots happening!
Tip: Don't rush the nap transition. Two naps are still fine until 14-18 months.
Tips for Better Baby Sleep
Dark room
Use blackout curtains, especially for naps
White noise
Mimics womb sounds, blocks household noise
Cool temperature
68-72°F (20-22°C) is ideal
Consistent routine
Same sequence of events before sleep
Early bedtime
6-8 PM is biologically ideal for babies
Watch wake windows
Don't let baby get overtired
Free Baby Sleep Tracker
Track your baby's sleep patterns with our free printable tracker. See patterns emerge and identify what's working.
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