Sleep Guide
An evidence-based guide to infant and toddler sleep covering safe sleep practices, wake windows, nap schedules, sleep training approaches, and common sleep concerns from newborn through age 3.
Age-based guidance and regression info
Key takeaways
- Newborns sleep 14-17 hours a day but in short stretches -- there is no day/night pattern yet.
- Sleep regressions are temporary and typically occur around 4, 8, 12, 18, and 24 months.
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep, on a firm flat surface, with nothing else in the crib.
- Room-sharing (not bed-sharing) is recommended for at least the first 6 months.
- Wake windows increase with age -- following age-appropriate wake times helps prevent overtiredness.
Sleep regressions
The 4-Month Sleep Regression2-6 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 Regression2-4 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 Regression1-3 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 Regression2-4 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 Regression2-4 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
Frequently asked questions
How much sleep does a newborn need?
What is a sleep regression and how long does it last?
When can my baby sleep through the night?
Is it safe for my baby to sleep in my bed?
Bottom line
Sleep patterns vary widely between babies and change frequently in the first two years. Safe sleep practices — back sleeping, firm surface, nothing in the crib — are the most important things you can do. If you're concerned about your baby's sleep, talk to your pediatrician.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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