Fact: newborns are little sleep machines! They’ll usually nap from 2-4 hour stretches throughout the day and are mostly nocturnal for the first few weeks. You shouldn’t really expect any type of sleep pattern for your baby the first few weeks, so it’s best to let them sleep as much as they want. That being said, it helps to always maintain the same temperature in their room (68-72 F) and help them stay asleep with the help of a white noise machine or app. When your baby is close to about 6 weeks old, you’ll start to see a small pattern of naps form. Here’s a helpful guide for your baby’s first year of naps.
Birth - 3 months
Total Sleep: 14-18 hours a day
Babies sleep A LOT during the first few months of their life. They wake up to feed, poop, smile, and go back to sleep. Ahhh, what a life! Between week 6 and month 3, it’s helpful to try to get your baby on a relaxed version of 90 up/90 down schedule. That means they’re awake for 90 minutes, and during that time they’ll feed, play and do some tummy time. Then it’s time for a nap, which ideally should be 90 minutes. Again, it’s really hard to get your baby on a schedule before month 4, so don’t worry if it’s not spot on — you’ll get there, mama.
3-4 months
Total Sleep: 13-14 hours a day
So much changes with your little one by the time they hit the 3-4 month mark! You’ll notice they’re starting to sleep for longer stretches during the night and their little neck is getting so strong from all the tummy time you’re doing. Your baby should be at an average of 3 naps a day, totaling an average of 4-8 hours of sleep. When it comes to nighttime routines, try to get them into their bed around 9 p.m. and you’ll notice they’ll sleep longer. They’ll still wake up for 1-2 feedings, though.
4-6 months
Total Sleep: 12-14 hours a day
The 4 month mark is special because this is the point where most pediatricians will tell you it’s ok to start sleep training! They’ll still be on 2-3 naps a day, totaling about 3-5 hours of sleep. Their nighttime sleep routine shifts to a bit of an earlier time — around 8 p.m. Most babies will sleep in 6-10 hour stretches by this point, which is considered “sleeping through the night.”
6-8 months
Total Sleep: 12-14 hours a day
Not much changes between month 6 and month 8; your baby will still be taking 2-3 naps a day. However, bedtime is now closer to 7 p.m. and they’ll be sleeping for longer stretches of time during the night.
8-12 months
Total Sleep: 12-14 hours a day
Your baby is still most likely taking 2-3 naps a day, but some babies will start to try to skip that third nap or will stay away during the entire nap — which is when you know it’s time to drop that last nap for good. Bedtime should still be around 7 p.m. You should notice your baby is sleeping close to 10 hours a night.
12 months
Total Sleep: 12-14 hours total
By their first year, your baby has most likely dropped that third nap and is perfectly happily taking 2 naps a day, which will average about 90 minutes each. They should still be in bed by 7 p.m., and will most likely sleep until 6 a.m. Happy baby, happy mama!
