Baby Sleep by Age : 0–12 Months

When my first baby was born, I practically lived on Google. I’d type “Baby Sleep by Age” into the search bar at 3 a.m., scrolling charts that said things like “14–17 hours of sleep” while my baby had just woken up for the fifth time.

I remember staring at those neat tables and thinking, Okay, but my baby did not read this chart. One day she napped like an angel, the next day she fought every single nap as if sleep were a personal insult. I worried constantly:

• Is she sleeping too much?
• Is she not sleeping enough?
• Should I have a strict schedule by now?

If you’re in that same mental spiral, please know: I’ve been there, too. 💛

The truth is, there are helpful guidelines for how much babies usually sleep at each age. But they are ranges, not rigid rules. In this post, we’ll walk through Baby Sleep by Age from 0–12 months, what “normal” really looks like, and simple, realistic things you can do to support better sleep — without expecting your baby (or you) to be perfect.

Take a deep breath, grab your lukewarm coffee, and let’s break it down together.

Big Picture : How Baby Sleep Changes in the First Year

Before we go month by month, it helps to know the overall pattern most babies follow:

• Newborns (0–3 months) usually need about 14–17 hours of sleep in 24 hours, often in short chunks.
• Older infants (4–12 months) typically need around 12–16 hours of sleep in 24 hours, including naps.
• As babies grow, total sleep slowly decreases, but nighttime stretches get longer and naps become more organized.

A few important reminders :

• Every baby is different — some are “high sleep needs,” some are “low sleep needs.”
• Sleep will change during growth spurts, teething, illness, and developmental leaps (like rolling or crawling).
• You do not need a perfectly timed schedule to have a healthy, well-rested baby.

Think of the charts as a map, not a test you have to pass.

0–3 Months : Newborn Sleep (a Beautiful, Exhausting Blur)

Newborn sleep is… intense. They haven’t developed a full day-night rhythm yet, so sleep tends to be messy and unpredictable.

Typical sleep needs (0–3 months) :

• Total sleep : 14–17 hours in 24 hours (some fall outside this and are still normal).
• Night sleep : 8–9 hours total, but in short stretches.
• Naps : Many short naps throughout the day, often 30–90 minutes.

Wake Windows

In these early months, babies can only stay happily awake for 30–90 minutes at a time.

If they’re up too long, they can become overtired and actually sleep worse — more fussing, more wake-ups, more “I don’t know what you want” cries.

Sleepy cues to watch for :

• Red eyebrows
• Glazed or “staring off” eyes
• Yawning, hiccups, or frantic rooting
• Suddenly cranky for “no reason”

Try putting baby down when they’re drowsy but still awake sometimes. They won’t nail it every time — and that’s okay — but it gently teaches them that falling asleep is safe and normal.

Mom moment : Once I stopped trying to keep my newborn awake to “help her sleep longer at night” (spoiler: it backfired), things got a little easier. Short wake windows were my best friend.

4–6 Months : More Night Sleep, More Predictable Naps

Around 4–6 months, many babies start to show more of a pattern — not a strict schedule, but a rhythm.

Typical sleep needs (4–12 months overall) :

• Total sleep : 12–16 hours in 24 hours (including naps). Cleveland Clinic+3Pediatrics Publications+3AASM+3

For 4–6 months specifically, many babies :

• Sleep 9–12 hours at night (not always straight through — night feeds are still very normal). Sleep Foundation+1
• Take 3–4 naps per day.
• Have wake windows of about 1.5–2.5 hours.

What You Can Gently Work On Now

1. Consistent Bedtime Routine
   A simple, repeatable routine signals “sleep is coming.” For example:
   • Bath or wipe-downPajamas and sleep sackLights dimmedFeedShort story or songBed
   Research
   shows that a consistent bedtime routine can improve sleep in infants and toddlers (less time to fall asleep, fewer night wakings) and even improve moms’ moods.
2. Earlier Bedtime
   Many babies this age do best with a bedtime between 6:30–8:30 p.m., depending on naps and wake windows.
3. Helping Baby Learn to Settle
   You don’t have to do formal “sleep training” if you don’t want to, but you can start:
   • Putting baby down drowsy at bedtime
   • Pausing a few moments before rushing in at every tiny noise
   • Offering gentle reassurance (patting, shushing) before fully picking them up, if that feels right to you

Mom note : Around 5 months, our bedtime routine became my favorite part of the day — a little pocket of calm where we both knew what was happening next.

7–9 Months: Two to Three Solid Naps and Longer Nights

By 7–9 months, many babies are rolling, sitting, and maybe even crawling — which can absolutely shake things up at night for a bit. (Practicing new skills at 2 a.m.? Totally a thing.)

Typical sleep patterns (7–9 months) :

• Total sleep : Usually still 12–16 hours per day. Sleep Foundation+1
• Night sleep : 9–12 hours total, with some babies starting to sleep longer stretches or “through the night” (often defined as 6–8 hours).
• Naps :
  • Often 3 naps around 7 months
  • Many transition to 2 naps by 8–9 months

Wake Windows

• About 2–3 hours between naps works well for many babies in this age range.

What You Can Focus On

1. Protect Nap Times
   As babies become more alert, it’s easy for naps to get pushed or skipped. Try to:
   • Keep a relatively consistent morning and lunchtime nap
   • Watch wake windows and sleepy cues so baby doesn’t get overtired
2. Keep the Bedtime Routine Steady
   When big developmental leaps happen, routine becomes even more grounding. Studies show that consistent bedtime routines are linked to longer sleep duration and fewer wakings.
3. Feed and Comfort Needs
   Some babies can night-wean at this age, others still truly need one night feed. Check in with your pediatrician before making big changes — each baby’s growth and needs are unique.

10–12 Months : Approaching the One-Nap World (But Not Quite Yet)

The almost-toddler stage comes with lots of personality and sometimes… new sleep drama. Separation anxiety, standing in the crib, and FOMO are all common.

Typical sleep patterns (10–12 months) :

• Total sleep : Usually 12–16 hours in 24 hours.
• Night sleep : 10–12 hours (with some variation).
• Naps :
  • Most babies still take 2 naps (morning + afternoon).
  • Some start flirting with dropping to 1 nap, but many aren’t truly ready until well into toddlerhood.

Wake Windows

• Often 3–4 hours between naps and before bedtime.

Helpful Tips at This Stage

1. Stick With Two Naps (If You Can)
   If baby is fighting naps, it may be a schedule tweak issue rather than truly needing fewer naps. Try :
   • Slightly lengthening wake windows
   • Capping one nap a bit to protect the other
2. Handle Separation Anxiety with Connection At this age, some babies suddenly protest bedtime more — not because they hate sleep, but because they don’t want to be away from you.
   • Add a few minutes of extra cuddles and connection in the bedtime routine.
   • Practice peek-a-boo and short separations during the day to gently build trust that you always come back.
3. Keep Safe Sleep a Priority Even though they’re older and more mobile, the basics stay the same :
   • Back to sleep
   • Firm, flat mattress
   • No pillows, blankets, bumpers, or toys in the crib

Mom note : This was the age my baby would stand up and grin at me from the crib like, “Sleep? I don’t know her.” Routine + a few extra hugs helped us ride it out.

Safe Sleep Across All Ages (Non-Negotiables)

No matter your baby’s age, safe sleep is the foundation. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and CDC both emphasize these key points :

• Back to sleep for every sleep (naps and nights), at least through the first year.
• Firm, flat surface: crib, bassinet, or play yard with a tight-fitting sheet.
• No soft items in the sleep space :
  • No pillows, loose blankets, bumpers, positioners, or stuffed animals.
• Room-sharing without bed-sharing is recommended for at least the first 6 months, ideally up to 1 year.

If you’re ever unsure about a product (inclined sleepers, positioners, “nest” beds, etc.), check reliable resources or ask your pediatrician — some marketed items are not considered safe for unsupervised sleep.

Simple, Age-Friendly Sleep Tips for the First Year

Let’s wrap the practical stuff into clear, actionable ideas you can start using right away:

1. Follow Wake Windows, Not Just the Clock

• 0–3 months: about 30–90 minutes awake
• 4–6 months: about 1.5–2.5 hours awake
• 7–9 months: about 2–3 hours awake
• 10–12 months: about 3–4 hours awake

These are ranges — watch your baby’s cues and adjust.

2. Create a Calming Bedtime Routine Early

Even a super simple routine (5–15 minutes) helps :

• Same steps, in the same order, most nights
• Calming activities (dim lights, quiet voices, gentle motions)

Research shows that bedtime routines can improve sleep for babies and toddlers and even help moms feel better, too.

3. Keep Day and Night Clearly Different

• Day : brighter lights, normal household noise, talk and play.
• Night : dim lights, soft voices, quick diaper changes, minimal interaction.

This contrast helps your baby’s internal clock develop, usually around 3–6 months.

4. Try “Drowsy But Awake” in Small Doses

You don’t have to do this every time, but practicing when you can:

• Put baby down when calm and sleepy but not fully out.
• Offer gentle comfort (patting, shushing) before picking up immediately.

Over time, this can help them learn to connect sleep cycles more easily.

5. Be Flexible During Growth Spurts and Illness

There will be weeks when everything feels “off.” That’s normal. When teething, illness, or big milestones hit :

• Offer extra comfort and contact.
• Loosen expectations about perfect naps or nights.
• Once baby feels better, gently return to your usual routines.

When to Call Your Pediatrician About Sleep

While lots of variation is normal, always reach out if something doesn’t feel right. Call your pediatrician if :

• Your baby seems extremely sleepy and hard to wake for feeds.
• You’re worried about breathing issues (pauses, noisy or labored breathing).
• Sleep patterns are far outside the typical range and baby seems unwell.
• You’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed and sleep struggles are making it worse.

You are never “bothering” your pediatrician by asking about sleep. It’s one of the most common concerns for parents in the first year.

You’re Doing Better Than You Think

Mama, if you’re reading this with heavy eyes and a baby monitor next to you, please let this sink in :

You are not failing because your baby doesn’t match a perfect chart.
You are not behind because you don’t have a color-coded sleep schedule on the fridge.
You are not alone in wondering if you’ll ever sleep through the night again.

You are learning Baby Sleep by Age in the most hands-on way possible — by loving and caring for a real baby, not a textbook. Every nap you rock them through, every 2 a.m. feed, every gentle shush and sleepy cuddle is building their sense of safety in the world.

Small changes — honoring wake windows, creating a cozy bedtime routine, following safe sleep — can make a big difference over time. But you don’t have to fix everything tonight. You and your baby are a team, and you’re allowed to grow into this together. 💛

Let’s Share Sleep Stories (Call-to-Action)

I’d love to hear from you :

• How old is your baby right now, and what does sleep look like in your home?
• Which age has been the hardest for sleep so far?
• Do you have a tiny tip — even if it only works sometimes — that helps your baby rest better?

Share your experience in the comments — your story might be exactly what another tired mama needs to read at 3 a.m. tonight.

And if you’d like more gentle, practical support on baby sleep, feeding, and real-life mom life (not the Instagram version), join my email list so we can walk this first year together, one nap and one deep breath at a time.