Baby Sleep Schedule by Age: Complete Guide (0-24 Months)
"Is my baby sleeping enough?" This is one of the most common questions new parents ask. Here's a comprehensive guide based on AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) and WHO (World Health Organization) recommendations.
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| Age | Total Sleep | Night Sleep | Day Sleep | Naps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-1 month | 14-17 hrs | 8-9 hrs | 7-8 hrs | 4-6 |
| 1-2 months | 14-17 hrs | 8-10 hrs | 5-7 hrs | 4-5 |
| 2-3 months | 14-16 hrs | 9-10 hrs | 4-5 hrs | 4-5 |
| 3-4 months | 14-16 hrs | 10-11 hrs | 3-4 hrs | 3-4 |
| 4-6 months | 12-16 hrs | 10-11 hrs | 3-4 hrs | 3 |
| 6-9 months | 12-15 hrs | 10-11 hrs | 2.5-3.5 hrs | 2-3 |
| 9-12 months | 12-14 hrs | 10-12 hrs | 2-3 hrs | 2 |
| 12-18 months | 11-14 hrs | 10-12 hrs | 2-3 hrs | 1-2 |
| 18-24 months | 11-14 hrs | 10-12 hrs | 1.5-2.5 hrs | 1 |
Understanding Wake Windows
A wake window is the optimal time your baby can stay awake between sleep periods. If you exceed this window, your baby becomes overtired, making it harder to fall asleep.
Wake Windows by Age
- 0-1 month: 30-60 minutes
- 1-2 months: 45-75 minutes
- 2-3 months: 1-1.5 hours
- 3-4 months: 1.5-2 hours
- 4-6 months: 2-2.5 hours
- 6-9 months: 2.5-3 hours
- 9-12 months: 3-4 hours
- 12-18 months: 4-5 hours
- 18-24 months: 5-6 hours
Recognizing Sleep Cues
Watch for these sleep signals as the wake window approaches:
- Yawning
- Rubbing eyes
- Pulling ears or hair
- Looking away, zoning out
- Starting to fuss
- Suddenly becoming quiet
Start the sleep routine as soon as you see these cues. Missing them leads to an overtired baby who's harder to settle.
Sleep Characteristics by Age
0-3 Months: No Day-Night Distinction
Newborns haven't developed their circadian rhythm yet. Waking every 2-4 hours to feed is completely normal.
- Keep daytime bright, nighttime dark
- Minimize stimulation during night feeds (dim lights, quiet voices)
- Day-night distinction begins around 6-8 weeks
3-6 Months: Pattern Formation
Babies start sleeping longer stretches at night and developing regular nap patterns. The 4-month sleep regression may occur during this period.
- Establish a consistent bedtime
- Create a sleep routine (bath, massage, lullaby)
- Sleep training can begin during this period
6-12 Months: Nap Consolidation
Naps decrease from 3 to 2 per day. Separation anxiety may begin, affecting sleep.
- Morning and afternoon nap schedule establishes
- Night sleep consolidation becomes possible
- Consistent sleep environment is crucial
12-24 Months: Transition to One Nap
Between 15-18 months, most toddlers transition from 2 naps to 1. Sleep may be temporarily disrupted during this transition.
- Single afternoon nap around 1 PM is ideal
- Keep bedtime consistent
- Increased activity improves night sleep quality
When to Seek Professional Help
Most sleep variations are normal. However, consult your pediatrician if:
- Total sleep is 3+ hours more or less than recommended
- You notice breathing issues during sleep (snoring, pauses)
- Baby is excessively drowsy during the day or won't sleep at night
- Sleep problems seem to affect growth or development
Key Takeaways
Every baby is different, so these numbers are guidelines, not rules. If your baby is healthy, growing well, and alert during awake times, you're doing great.
The most important factors are consistent sleep environment and regular routines. The tough phases will pass!
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