Understanding how your baby sleep evolves — month by month
If you’re a new mom googling “How much should my baby sleep?” at 3 AM… you’re not alone.
Sleep is one of the biggest challenges of early parenthood. And yet, it’s also one of the least predictable aspects of having a baby. Understanding how your baby’s sleep develops over time can help you feel less overwhelmed — and more confident in meeting their needs.
Let’s break it down, one stage at a time.
🐣 0–3 Months: The Newborn Stage
In the beginning, newborns don’t have a set day/night rhythm. Their sleep is guided by hunger and comfort — not the clock.
What to expect:
- Total sleep: 14–17 hours a day
- Sleep in short bursts: 2–4 hours at a time
- No real schedule — just lots of naps
- Night and day confusion is common
- Frequent night wakings for feeds
💡 Tip: Focus on safe sleep (on their back, in a crib or bassinet) and meeting their basic needs — not a strict routine.
👶 3–6 Months: Sleep Starts to Organize
Around this stage, your baby’s circadian rhythm starts to develop. This means they begin to sleep longer stretches at night (hallelujah!).
What to expect:
- Total sleep: 14–15 hours per day
- 3–4 naps during the day
- Longer stretches at night (4–6 hours)
- Start to notice sleepy cues (rubbing eyes, yawning)
💡 Tip: A gentle bedtime routine (bath, feeding, lullaby) helps signal sleep and encourages longer rest periods.
👦 6–9 Months: The Regression + New Milestones
This is a big development phase — babies roll, crawl, sit up… and yes, sleep can be disrupted again.
What to expect:
- Total sleep: 13–14 hours per day
- 2–3 naps daily
- Night wakings may increase temporarily
- Separation anxiety may begin
💡 Tip: Stay consistent. Comfort your baby, but try not to create new sleep habits that are hard to break later (like rocking back to sleep every time).
👶 9–12 Months: One Year, More Consistent Sleep
By now, many babies settle into a more predictable routine. Some may even sleep through the night (though not all do — and that’s OK!).
What to expect:
- Total sleep: 12–14 hours
- 2 naps per day
- Longer wake windows (2.5–3.5 hours)
- May need extra comfort during teething or illness
💡 Tip: Watch for signs they’re ready to transition to 1 nap after 12 months — but don’t rush it.
🧡 Real Talk: No Baby Sleeps Perfectly
Some babies sleep 12 hours straight early on. Others wake up every 2 hours for months. Some love naps, others fight them like tiny warriors.
Every baby is different — and that’s normal.
Try not to compare. Instead, follow your baby’s cues, offer comfort, and trust that their sleep will mature with time.
🛏 Gentle Sleep Tips That Help
- Create a simple, calming bedtime routine
- Dim lights and reduce noise before sleep
- Use white noise or a soft lullaby
- Put baby down drowsy, not fully asleep
- Avoid overstimulation before naps
👩🍼 What Helped Me as a Mom
With my daughters, I learned to let go of perfection and lean into rhythm, not a rigid schedule.
Sometimes we napped together.
Sometimes I cried from exhaustion.
But over time, I learned to trust their rhythm — and my own instincts.
Sleep isn’t a race — it’s a relationship. With time, love, and support, restful nights do come.
