What’s Normal When It Comes to Baby Sleep Patterns

Understanding baby sleep patterns by age is key to supporting your baby’s development and helping your whole family get more rest. During their first year, babies' sleep needs shift quickly, and their sleep patterns can seem unpredictable. Newborns wake frequently for feedings, while older infants gradually sleep longer stretches at night. 

Here’s a quick overview:

• Birth to 8 Weeks. Total sleep 14–17 hours; Sleep is fragmented day and night; Wake windows 30–60 minutes; No fixed nap or bedtime schedule.

• 2 to 4 Months. Total sleep 14–17 hours; Sleep becomes more organized; Wake windows 45–120 minutes; 3–4 naps per day.

• 4 to 6 Months. Total sleep 12–16 hours; More consistent night sleep (6–8 hour stretches); Wake windows 1.5–3 hours; 2–3 naps per day.

• 6 to 9 Months. Total sleep 12–16 hours; Wake windows 2.5–3.5 hours; 2–3 naps, often transitioning to 2; Sleep regressions may occur.

• 9 to 12 Months. Total sleep 12–16 hours; Wake windows 2.5–4 hours; 2 predictable naps; Nighttime sleep becomes more solid.

• 12 Months and Beyond. Total sleep 11–14 hours; Wake windows 3–6 hours; 1 afternoon nap (1–2 hours); 10–12 hours of nighttime sleep.

Factors like hunger, light exposure, and developmental milestones (e.g., crawling, separation anxiety) can affect sleep. Establishing a consistent routine and understanding these patterns can help you support better sleep habits. In this article, we'll dive deeper into baby sleep patterns by age and offer practical tips for each stage.

What is Considered a Normal Baby Sleep Pattern by Age?

If you’re a parent of a young child, you’ve likely wondered, “Is this normal?”—especially when your baby is wide awake at bedtime or waking up every hour to feed. The truth is, newborn and infant sleep can be unpredictable, and that’s completely normal.

Understanding your baby’s sleep schedule and recognizing typical sleep patterns by age can help you feel more confident in navigating those sleepless nights. From nap routines to nighttime stretches, knowing what to expect from your infant's schedule is key. In this guide, we’ll break down baby sleep patterns by age so you can see what’s developmentally appropriate for your little one.

No matter your baby’s age, following safe sleep practices is essential. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends always placing your baby on their back to sleep for the first year. Room sharing—without bed-sharing—is also advised for at least the first six months. Make sure your baby’s crib or bassinet has a firm mattress and is free of soft bedding, toys, or loose blankets, and keep the room at a comfortable, safe temperature.

And if you have concerns about your baby’s sleep or suspect something may be off with your infant’s sleeping pattern, don’t hesitate to speak with your healthcare provider.

Newborn Sleep: Birth to 6-8 Weeks

In the first 6 to 8 weeks of life, your newborn's sleep patterns are characterized by irregularity and frequent awakenings. This period is crucial for understanding the foundations of a healthy infant sleep schedule.

Understanding Newborn Sleep Patterns

Newborns typically sleep between 14 to 17 hours over 24 hours, often in stretches of 1 to 3 hours, both day and night. This fragmented sleep is due to their developing circadian rhythms, which are not yet synchronized with the external environment. 

Feeding needs also influence sleep patterns. Breastfed infants may feed every 2 to 3 hours, while formula-fed babies might feed every 3 to 4 hours. 

Napping and Wake Windows

During this stage, newborns do not have a consistent nap schedule. They may take multiple naps throughout the day, varying in length from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Wake windows—the periods your baby is awake between sleeps—are typically short, ranging from 30 to 60 minutes. 

Establishing a Bedtime Routine

While it's too early to enforce a strict bedtime, introducing calming activities can help signal that it's time to sleep. Gentle rocking, soft singing, or a warm bath can be soothing pre-sleep rituals. Consistency in these activities can lay the groundwork for future sleep routines.

Safe Sleep Practices

Adhering to safe sleep guidelines is vital:

• Back to sleep. Always place your baby on their back to sleep.

• Firm sleep surface. Use a firm mattress with a fitted sheet in a safety-approved crib or bassinet.

• Room sharing. Keep your baby's sleep area in the same room where you sleep for at least the first 6 months.

• Avoid soft bedding. Keep soft objects, toys, and loose bedding out of your baby's sleep area. 

Summary: Newborn sleep patterns (0–6 Weeks)

• Total sleep: 14–17 hours per 24 hours

• Wake time: 30–60 minutes between sleep periods

• Napping: Multiple naps per day, varying in length from 20 minutes to 2 hours

• Bedtime: No fixed bedtime; focus on recognizing sleep cues and establishing calming pre-sleep routines

• Nighttime sleep: Fragmented sleep with frequent awakenings for feeding.

2 to 4 Months: Establishing a Sleep Routine

Between 8 and 16 weeks of age, your baby begins to experience significant changes in sleep patterns. This period marks the transition from the unpredictable newborn sleep schedule to a more structured routine.

Understanding Sleep Development

By the time your baby reaches 2 months, their sleep may start forming patterns that resemble a more regular 2-month-old sleep schedule. At this stage, infants typically sleep about 14 to 17 hours over 24 hours. Nighttime sleep becomes more consolidated, with some babies sleeping stretches of 4 to 6 hours. However, it's common for babies to still wake for feedings during the night.

It's important to note that keeping your baby awake longer during the day does not necessarily lead to longer nighttime sleep. In fact, overtired babies may have more difficulty falling and staying asleep.

Nap Schedule 

A typical nap schedule for a 2-month-old still varies, but most babies need 2 to 4 naps per day. Naps may range from 30 minutes to 2 hours, and they are often spread somewhat unevenly throughout the day.

Your baby's 2-month-old wake window—or how long they can stay awake between sleep periods—is about 45 to 90 minutes. As your baby approaches 4 months, this may stretch closer to 2 hours.

Establishing Healthy Sleep Habits

This is an ideal time to begin introducing a consistent bedtime routine and flexible sleep schedule to help your 2 to 4-month-old baby associate certain activities with sleep. A calming routine might include:

• A warm bath

• Gentle rocking or cuddling

• Soft lullabies or white noise

• Reading a short book

Consistency in these activities can signal to your baby that it's time to wind down and prepare for sleep.

Recognizing Sleep Cues

Being attentive to your baby's sleep cues can prevent overtiredness. Common signs include:

• Eye rubbing

• Fussiness

• Decreased activity

• Yawning

• Turning the head away. 

Responding promptly to these cues by initiating the bedtime routine can help your baby settle more easily.

Summary: Sleep patterns for 2 to 4 months

• Total sleep: Approximately 14–17 hours per 24-hour period

• Wake time: Wake windows range from 45 minutes to 2 hours

• Napping: 2 to 4 naps per day, varying in length

• Bedtime: Establishing a consistent bedtime between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM is beneficial

• Nighttime sleep: Longer stretches of 4 to 6 hours, with possible awakenings for feedings.

Understanding and adapting to your baby's evolving sleep patterns during this stage can foster healthier sleep habits for both your baby and your family.

4 to 6 Months: Establishing a Predictable Sleep Schedule

As your baby enters the 4- to 6-month stage, you’ll likely notice a big shift in their sleep rhythms. Compared to the newborn phase, sleep patterns for a 4-month-old or 5-month-old become more structured, with longer stretches of overnight sleep and more defined nap times during the day. This is an ideal time to begin shaping a consistent sleep schedule for a 4-month-old that supports both your baby’s development and your family's routine.

At this age, your baby’s circadian rhythm—the internal clock that helps regulate sleep—starts to mature, allowing for longer nighttime rest and more consolidated nap periods. This is also when sleep regressions can emerge, so having a flexible but consistent 4-month sleep schedule can be helpful.

If you’re trying to figure out if your baby’s sleep schedule is developmentally appropriate, take this FREE sleep quiz and get answers (and a custom sleep plan for your baby) in minutes.

Total Sleep

Most 4- to 6-month-old babies need about 12 to 16 hours of total sleep in a 24-hour period, including naps. How this sleep is divided between nighttime and daytime varies depending on individual needs, feeding patterns, and environment.

Wake Time

The wake window for a 4-month-old typically ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 hours, gradually lengthening to 2 to 3 hours by 6 months. Watch for signs like rubbing eyes, turning away, or zoning out—these subtle cues tell you it’s time for sleep. Missing the window can lead to overtiredness and disrupted sleep later on.

Napping

A healthy 4-month-old nap schedule usually includes 3 to 4 naps per day, lasting between 30 minutes and 2 hours each. These naps total approximately 3 to 4 hours of daytime sleep. By 5 to 6 months, babies often consolidate to 2 to 3 longer naps, especially as overnight sleep improves.

Bedtime

Now is the time to establish a bedtime for your 4-month-old, typically between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Creating a consistent and calming pre-bed routine is essential. Try incorporating a bath, lullaby, or quiet cuddle to help signal the transition to nighttime rest. This helps your baby learn to associate these cues with sleep, which supports longer stretches at night.

Nighttime Sleep

By 4 to 6 months, many babies can sleep 6 to 8 hours at a time, with some waking once or twice to feed. Others may begin to sleep through the night entirely. If your 4, 5, or 6-month-old is still waking frequently, consider evaluating their sleep schedule during the day—overtiredness or short naps can contribute to nighttime wake-ups.

Summary: Baby Sleep Schedule (4 to 6 Months)

• Total sleep: 12–16 hours in a 24-hour period

• Wake time: 1.5–3 hours between naps

• Napping: 3–4 naps per day at 4 months, shifting to 2–3 by 6 months

• Bedtime: Between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM with a calming routine

• Nighttime sleep: 6–8 hour stretches, with 0–1 night wakings for feeding.

6 to 9 Months: Refining Sleep Patterns

Between 6 and 9 months, your baby's sleep patterns become more structured. This period is ideal for establishing a consistent 8-month-old sleep schedule or sleep routine, supporting both your baby's development and your family's routine.

Total Sleep

At this stage, babies typically require 12 to 16 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period. This includes both nighttime sleep and daytime naps. 

Wake Time

The average wake window for an 8-month-old ranges from 2.5 to 3.5 hours. Monitoring your baby's cues during these windows can help prevent overtiredness and facilitate smoother transitions to sleep. 

Napping

By 8 months, most babies transition from 3 to 2 naps per day, totaling approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours of daytime sleep. The average 8-month-old nap schedule often includes a morning and an afternoon nap, with the possibility of a shorter third nap depending on your baby's needs. 

Bedtime

Establishing a consistent bedtime for your baby is beneficial. Aim for a bedtime between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM. A calming bedtime routine—such as a bath, gentle rocking, or reading—can help signal that it's time to sleep. 

Nighttime Sleep

At this age, many babies are capable of “sleeping through the night,” which may be around 10 to 12 hours at night. However, it's normal for some infants to still wake for nighttime feedings. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine if nighttime feedings are still necessary for your baby. 

Navigating Sleep Regressions

Around 8 to 9 months, babies may experience a sleep regression due to developmental milestones such as crawling, standing, or increased social awareness. This can lead to disrupted sleep patterns, including increased night awakenings or shorter naps. Maintaining consistent sleep routines and offering comfort can help your baby navigate this phase. 

Summary: Sleep patterns for 6 to 9 Months

• Total sleep: 12–16 hours per 24-hour period

• Wake time: 2.5–3.5 hours between sleep periods

• Napping: 2–3 naps daily, totaling 2.5–3.5 hours

• Bedtime: Consistent bedtime between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM

• Nighttime sleep: 10–12 hour stretches, with possible brief awakenings.

9 to 12 Months: Establishing a Consistent Sleep Routine

As your baby nears their first birthday, sleep tends to settle into a more predictable rhythm. Whether you're following a 10- or 11-month-old sleep schedule or preparing for a 1-year-old schedule, now is a great time to reinforce healthy routines.

Most babies at this age are capable of sleeping through the night, and the average nap schedule for a 1-year-old becomes more structured, helping both you and your child feel more rested and in sync.

Total Sleep

Babies aged 9 to 12 months need about 12 to 16 hours of total sleep per 24-hour period, which includes naps. Establishing and sticking to a regular sleep schedule supports their brain development, immune function, and emotional regulation.

Wake Time

At this stage, most babies comfortably stay awake for 2.5 to 4 hours between sleep periods. These wake windows are crucial for keeping your baby from becoming overtired. Skipped naps or overstimulation may throw off your child’s 1-year-old sleep schedule, but you can often get back on track by moving bedtime earlier.

Napping

By 9 to 12 months, most babies settle into a 2-nap-a-day routine. A typical 1 year old nap schedule includes a morning nap and an afternoon nap, each lasting about 1 to 2 hours, totaling 2 to 3 hours of daytime sleep.

Bedtime

A consistent bedtime between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM is ideal. Your sleep routine for a 9 to 12-month-old should include relaxing, predictable steps: a warm bath, quiet songs, reading, or gentle rocking. These cues help your child unwind and prepare for sleep.

Avoid overstimulating activities in the hour leading up to bedtime to maintain a peaceful transition and promote longer stretches of sleep.

Nighttime Sleep

Most babies this age sleep 10 to 12 hours straight at night. With solid foods making up a larger part of their daily intake, night feedings are usually no longer needed, though always consult your healthcare provider for individualized guidance.

Consistency in sleep routines is especially important now, as your baby may go through temporary disruptions due to teething, illness, or major developmental milestones (like standing or first steps). 

Summary: Sleep patterns for 9 to 12 months

• Total sleep: 12–16 hours in a 24-hour period

• Wake time: 2.5–4 hours between sleep periods

• Napping: 2 naps per day (morning & afternoon), totaling 2–3 hours

• Bedtime: Consistent bedtime between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM

• Nighttime sleep: 10–12 hours, usually without night feedings.

After 12 Months: Navigating Toddler Sleep Patterns

As your child transitions from infancy into toddlerhood, their sleep patterns continue to evolve. Understanding these changes can help you establish a consistent sleep routine that supports their growth and development.

Total Sleep

Toddlers aged 1 to 2 years typically require 11 to 14 hours of sleep within a 24-hour period, including naps. 

Wake Time

At this stage, toddlers can usually stay awake for 3 to 6 hours between sleep periods. Monitoring your child's behavior for signs of sleepiness, such as rubbing eyes, yawning, or increased fussiness, can help determine optimal nap and bedtime schedules.

Napping

By around 18 months, most toddlers transition from two naps to a single afternoon nap lasting approximately 1 to 2 hours. This change is a normal part of development and can vary between children. 

Bedtime

Establishing a consistent bedtime routine is crucial for toddlers. A calming sequence of activities—such as a bath, reading a book, or singing a lullaby—can signal that it's time to wind down. Aim for a bedtime between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM to ensure adequate nighttime sleep. 

Nighttime Sleep

Most toddlers at this age can sleep through the night for 10 to 12 hours without needing a feeding. However, occasional night awakenings may occur due to factors like teething, illness, or developmental milestones. Maintaining a consistent bedtime routine and providing comfort as needed can help your child return to sleep.

Summary: Sleep patterns for 12 to 24 Months

• Total sleep: 11–14 hours per 24-hour period

• Wake time: 3–6 hours between sleep periods

• Napping: 1 afternoon nap lasting 1–2 hours

• Bedtime: Between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM with a consistent routine

• Nighttime sleep: 10–12 hours, with possible brief awakenings.

Baby Sleep Schedule Chart by Age

How long do babies sleep? It's a common question for new parents. As we mentioned above, how many hours a day an infant sleeps or how long newborns “should” sleep varies depending on their age and stage of development.

To help you understand your little one's sleep needs, this sleep chart by age provides a quick breakdown of total sleep, nap patterns, wake windows, and nighttime sleep, so you can set realistic expectations and support your baby’s healthy development.

When Can Babies Sleep Through the Night?

One of the most common questions new parents ask is, "When can babies sleep through the night?" and “When do babies sleep from 7 pm to 7 am?” The answer varies, but most babies are developmentally ready to sleep for longer stretches between 3 to 6 months of age.

According to experts, babies may begin sleeping “through the night” (about 6 to 8 hours without waking) around 6 months, although some take longer. Full nights, like 7 PM to 7 AM, may not happen consistently until 6 months or later, depending on your baby’s growth, feeding schedule, and sleep environment.

If you're wondering at what age babies sleep through the night, it's important to note that newborns wake frequently due to hunger and immature sleep cycles. So, when do newborns start sleeping more? Typically, around 6 to 8 weeks, you might notice the first signs of longer nighttime stretches, but it's not yet considered “sleeping through.”

Most babies start sleeping longer at night once they’re able to go longer between feedings and develop more stable circadian rhythms. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can also help signal to your baby that it’s time for rest.

How Can You Make Sure Your Baby Is Getting Enough Sleep?

Ensuring your baby gets enough sleep starts with understanding their age-specific sleep needs and creating healthy, consistent routines. According to sleep experts, infants need between 12 to 17 hours of sleep per day, depending on their age and stage of development. That includes both nighttime sleep and daytime naps.

To help your baby get the rest they need:

• Follow age-appropriate wake windows to avoid overtiredness.

• Stick to a consistent bedtime routine—a bath, lullaby, and quiet time can signal that it’s time to wind down.

• Practice safe sleep habits and always place your baby on their back, use a firm sleep surface, and avoid soft bedding.

• Create a sleep-friendly environment with a dark, quiet, and comfortably cool room.

If you're unsure whether your baby is getting enough sleep—or if you need help building a healthy routine—the Smart Sleep Coach by Pampers™ offers personalized sleep tracking and expert-backed guidance based on your baby’s age and sleep stage.

How Baby Sleep Patterns Can Affect Grown-Ups

Disrupted baby sleep doesn’t just affect little ones—new parents' lack of sleep can take a real toll on physical and mental health, especially in the early months. Sleep deprivation in new parents is linked to increased stress, weakened immunity, and difficulty concentrating or regulating emotions.

Chronic sleep loss may contribute to mood changes, including a higher risk of postpartum depression and anxiety. When your baby is waking every couple of hours, your own deep, restorative sleep is constantly interrupted, which may leave you feeling drained and irritable during the day.

To help you cope, experts recommend resting when your baby sleeps, sharing nighttime duties when possible, and creating routines that support better sleep for everyone in the home. Getting support and accepting that it’s okay to ask for help can make a big difference in managing this challenging phase.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, the Smart Sleep Coach by Pampers™ app offers personalized guidance and routines to help your baby—and you—get better sleep, sooner. Get your free personalized sleep plan today.

The Bottom Line

Every baby’s sleep journey is unique. What is considered normal for your baby’s sleep patterns may be different from another's. 

Your baby’s sleep needs and patterns will change, and knowing what to expect can make the whole journey of baby sleep more manageable. Smart Sleep Coach helps you understand what to expect in real-time and prepares you to support your baby's sleep as they grow. 

_{How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.}