One of the most common concerns new parents face is baby sleep or rather, the lack of it. Between night feedings, unpredictable naps, and early morning wake-ups, it’s easy to feel like your baby’s sleep is a confusing puzzle. But here’s the truth: baby sleep in the first year is not just different from adult sleep, it’s developmentally designed to be that way.
Understanding what’s normal when it comes to baby sleep can ease anxiety, set realistic expectations, and help you respond with confidence instead of frustration. Let’s break down what baby sleep typically looks like in the first 12 months, month by month.
0–3 Months: The Fourth Trimester
In the early weeks of life, babies sleep 14–17 hours a day, but not in long stretches. Their internal body clocks (circadian rhythms) haven’t developed yet, so they sleep in short cycles, often 2 to 4 hours at a time, day or night.
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Why it happens: Newborns need to feed frequently, especially if breastfeeding.
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Common behavior: Startling awake, fussing when laid down, sleeping more during the day than at night.
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Parent tip: Follow your baby’s cues, keep lights low at night, and don’t expect a schedule yet.
4–6 Months: Sleeping Smarter, But Still Waking
By four months, babies begin to develop more mature sleep cycles, and you may start seeing longer stretches at night (4–6 hours). They also begin to distinguish night from day.
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Sleep needs: Around 12–16 hours total in 24 hours, with 3–4 naps.
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Milestone: This stage is often marked by the 4-month sleep regression, where new brain development temporarily disrupts sleep.
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Parent tip: Start consistent bedtime routines like bath, book, and lullaby, and offer reassurance when the baby wakes.
6–9 Months: Patterns Emerge
By now, most babies can sleep 6–8 hours straight at night, and many drop night feedings (though some still need one). Naps may consolidate to 2–3 a day.
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Sleep needs: Still around 14 hours total, including naps.
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Common disruptions: Separation anxiety, teething, and hitting big motor milestones (like sitting or crawling) can cause wakeups.
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Parent tip: Respond with comfort but try not to introduce new sleep crutches like rocking or feeding every wake-up if they’re not hungry.
9–12 Months: Longer Nights, Fewer Naps
By the end of the first year, your baby is getting better at linking sleep cycles and self-soothing. Many can sleep 10–12 hours at night, with 1–2 naps in the day.
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Sleep needs: Around 12–14 hours per 24 hours.
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Developmental shifts: This is when some babies experience another sleep regression tied to separation anxiety and learning new skills like standing or walking.
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Parent tip: Stick to routines, offer a consistent response to night waking, and reassure them through cuddles and presence without needing to restart habits like night feeds or co-sleeping (unless you choose to).
The Science Behind Baby Sleep
Babies spend more time in REM (active) sleep, which is linked to brain development. Frequent waking is protective and normal, it allows babies to signal needs like hunger, discomfort, or emotional closeness. While it may feel exhausting, it's nature’s way of keeping them safe and developing on track.
Your Baby Isn’t a Bad Sleeper, They’re Just Being a Baby
It’s easy to feel pressure when other babies seem to “sleep through the night,” but remember: all babies are different, and sleep is not linear. Some regress before they progress. Some skip regressions entirely. What matters most is that your baby is growing, safe, and loved.
So the next time you’re up at 3 a.m., rocking a fussy little one, know this: you're not alone. And your baby’s sleep will evolve just as surely as they do.