Take a look at the following age-by-age chart to help you understand what you can expect regarding babies' sleep-wake cycle, but remember that your baby may differ from the average.
0-1 Months: Sleep When You Can
Average hours of sleep: 16-18 hours
What to expect: During the first month, all babies need a lot of sleep but sleep patterns vary greatly. At this point, you can’t do much to adjust your baby’s natural tendencies. Just do what you can to help baby get 2-4 hours of sleep between feedings to ensure that both breastfeeding and sleep go more smoothly.
1-3 Months: Starting to Build a Routine
Average hours of sleep: 15-17 hours
What to expect: At around 6 weeks, a more sensible schedule becomes apparent and a bedtime routine may be introduced. Consistency is the name of the game, so make sure you stick to a set routine. You may not see the results immediately but the habit will create the basis for a healthy sleep routine later on.
3-6 Months: Sleeping Through the Night
Average hours of sleep: 14-16 hours
• 1-1.5 hour morning nap
• 2 hour midday nap
• 0.5 hour afternoon nap
• 10-12 hours at night
What to expect: At this stage, nighttime is supposed to become a time for sleep. Having said that, some babies still wake frequently. Sleep coachers would advise that you seek assistance if your baby still isn’t sleeping between 8-12 hours straight by the time he is 6-months-old.
6-9 Months: The Importance of Baby’s Surroundings
Average hours of sleep: 14-16 hours
• 1-1.5 hour morning nap
• 2 hour midday nap
• 0.5 hour afternoon nap
• 10-12 hours at night
What to expect: The number of hours a baby requires at this stage doesn’t alter much, but the pattern of sleep will seem more consistent. Babies at this age may be less flexible about where they sleep and demand the familiar surroundings of their bedroom.
9-12 Months: Growing-Up and Sleeping Less
Average hours of sleep: 12-14 hours
• 0.5-1 hour morning nap
• 1.5-2 hour midday nap
• 10-12 hours at night
What to expect: As the one year brink approaches, baby’s schedule becomes an inseparable part of your life. Many babies will give up their third daytime nap at this stage, going straight for their nighttime slumber. Initially, you will need to make bedtime a little earlier to make sure baby isn’t overtired.
12-18 Months: Down to One Daytime Nap
Average hours of sleep: 12-14 hours
• 1.5-2.5 hour midday nap
• 10-12 hours at night
What to expect: Your baby is slowly turning into a little toddler with a distinct personality and all-too-clear wants and needs. At this point, many babies will settle for only one daytime nap. With time, you’ll be able to delay the nap from the late morning to midday.
Baby's Sleep - Conclusions
These statistics may help you figure out what goes on in most parents’ lives but, like all human beings, babies too vary greatly and exceptions to the rule are commonplace. The best way to determine if your baby is getting enough sleep is to assess baby’s waking hours: if your baby is relatively calm, alert and easy-going then he is probably getting enough sleep; if he is nervous, difficult, and frequently rubs his eyes, he is probably not getting enough sleep. Reach your conclusions and act accordingly, altering baby’s schedule or seeking assistance if necessary. Whatever the case may be, remember that as your baby grows it becomes increasingly important to stick to a clear schedule that will ensure a healthy sleep routine throughout early childhood.
Any advice and information provided in this website is given as suggestions only and should not be taken as a professional medical diagnosis or opinion. We recommend you also consult your healthcare provider, and urge you to contact them immediately if your question is urgent.
