Sleep Guide

Age-based guidance and regression info

Sleep regressions

The 4-Month Sleep Regression
2-6 weeks

This is actually a permanent change in sleep architecture. Your baby's sleep cycles are maturing from newborn-style to adult-style. It's a good thing - it just doesn't feel like it at 3am.

What to expect

  • Waking every 1-2 hours at night
  • Short naps (30-45 minutes)
  • Difficulty falling asleep
  • More fussiness overall

What to do

  • This is the most common time parents consider sleep training
  • Ensure baby's sleep environment is dark, cool, and has white noise
  • Offer extra feeds if needed - growth spurt may overlap
  • Share night duties with your partner if possible
  • It WILL pass. You will sleep again.
The 8-10 Month Sleep Regression
2-4 weeks

Separation anxiety, crawling, pulling up, and massive brain development all converge around this age.

What to expect

  • Night waking after previously sleeping through
  • Resistance to bedtime
  • Standing up in the crib and crying
  • Nap refusal

What to do

  • Practice new skills (standing, crawling) during the day
  • Extra reassurance at bedtime - but try to avoid creating new habits you don't want long-term
  • Stick to your routine as much as possible
  • Separation anxiety is a sign of healthy attachment
The 12-Month Sleep Regression
1-3 weeks

Walking, first words, and the independence surge. Some babies also try to drop to one nap early (resist this - most aren't ready until 14-18 months).

What to expect

  • Nap refusal (especially the second nap)
  • Bedtime resistance
  • Increased night waking

What to do

  • Don't drop the second nap yet - it's usually too early
  • Keep offering the nap even if they resist
  • Stay consistent with your bedtime routine
  • This one is usually shorter than the 4-month regression
The 18-Month Sleep Regression
2-4 weeks

Toddler independence, separation anxiety (again), teething (molars), and possible nap transition.

What to expect

  • Strong bedtime resistance ('No!')
  • Night waking with difficulty going back to sleep
  • Nap refusal
  • Possible tantrums at sleep time

What to do

  • Set firm, loving boundaries - toddlers need limits to feel safe
  • Give choices where possible: 'Do you want the blue pajamas or the red ones?'
  • Extra comfort for teething (molars are painful)
  • This is the hardest regression for many parents - hang in there
The 2-Year Sleep Regression
2-4 weeks

Language explosion, potty training readiness, growing imagination (hello, monsters under the bed), and possible new sibling arrival.

What to expect

  • Stalling at bedtime (endless requests)
  • Nightmares
  • Climbing out of the crib
  • Nap resistance

What to do

  • Keep the crib if possible - most toddlers do better in a crib until closer to 3
  • Address fears matter-of-factly ('I checked, no monsters. You're safe.')
  • Use a consistent bedtime routine with a clear ending
  • A nightlight is totally fine and can help with fear of the dark

All ages

Newborn (0-2 months)

14-17 hours

Total sleep

8-9 hours (with frequent waking)

Night

4-8 naps, no real pattern yet

Naps

Tips for this age

  • Sleep when the baby sleeps (if you can - we know it's hard)
  • No sleep training at this age - respond to your baby's cues
  • Day/night confusion is normal and resolves by 6-8 weeks
  • Keep daytime bright and active, nighttime dark and calm
  • Safe sleep: alone, on back, in crib/bassinet, no blankets or toys

2-4 months

14-16 hours

Total sleep

9-10 hours (with 1-3 wake-ups)

Night

3-5 naps

Naps

Tips for this age

  • A bedtime routine helps - keep it simple (bath, book, feed, sleep)
  • Start putting baby down drowsy but awake to practice self-soothing
  • The 4-month regression may disrupt any pattern - it's temporary
  • Swaddling is still fine if baby isn't rolling yet

4-6 months

12-15 hours

Total sleep

10-11 hours (0-2 feeds)

Night

3-4 naps

Naps

Tips for this age

  • Sleep training is an option if you choose (no method is 'right' - find what works)
  • Stop swaddling once baby starts rolling
  • Blackout curtains and white noise can help significantly
  • Aim for an early bedtime (6:30-7:30 PM) - sounds early, but it helps

6-9 months

12-14 hours

Total sleep

10-11 hours (0-1 feeds)

Night

2-3 naps

Naps

Tips for this age

  • Many babies can sleep through the night by this age (not all - that's also normal)
  • The third nap often gets dropped around 7-8 months
  • Separation anxiety may cause night waking - it's developmental, not a sleep problem
  • Consistency with bedtime routine is key

9-12 months

12-14 hours

Total sleep

10-12 hours

Night

2 naps

Naps

Tips for this age

  • Most babies are on a solid 2-nap schedule
  • Standing in the crib is fun for them, frustrating for you - they'll figure out how to sit back down
  • Night feeds may no longer be nutritionally necessary (discuss with your pediatrician)
  • Teething can disrupt sleep temporarily

12-18 months

12-14 hours

Total sleep

10-12 hours

Night

1-2 naps (most transition to 1 nap around 14-18 months)

Naps

Tips for this age

  • The 2-to-1 nap transition can be rocky - it takes 2-4 weeks
  • If your toddler resists one nap, try a shorter morning nap
  • A consistent sleep schedule becomes more important than ever
  • Loveys/comfort objects are now safe and can help with sleep

18-24 months

11-14 hours

Total sleep

10-12 hours

Night

1 nap (1.5-3 hours)

Naps

Tips for this age

  • The 18-month regression is a thing - it involves newfound independence and separation anxiety
  • Stalling at bedtime ('more water!' 'one more book!') is normal - set clear boundaries
  • Keep the crib as long as possible - most toddlers aren't ready for a big bed until 3
  • Nightmares may start but are rare before age 2

2-3 years

11-13 hours

Total sleep

10-12 hours

Night

0-1 nap (some drop the nap entirely by 2.5-3)

Naps

Tips for this age

  • If your toddler takes too long to fall asleep at bedtime, the nap may need to shorten or end
  • Use a toddler clock (light turns green when it's okay to get up)
  • Nightmares and night terrors may start - they're different things
  • Big transitions (new sibling, potty training, moving) can disrupt sleep temporarily

Safe sleep reminder

Always place your baby on their back to sleep, on a firm, flat surface, with no blankets, pillows, or toys in the crib. Room-sharing (not bed-sharing) is recommended for at least the first 6 months.

Source: AAP Safe Sleep Guidelines