How Much Sleep Is Normal for a Baby? A Month-by-Month Breakdown

Being a new parent is exhausting - if your baby isn’t getting enough sleep, then you won’t get enough sleep! Making your child’s naps sync with your sleep schedule can be an even harder task. 

This is because most first-time parents have no clue how much sleep their baby needs. When your little one is constantly growing and changing, you need to understand how much sleep they need to stay healthy. Many parents ask - How long do newborns sleep? 

In this blog, we are going to understand your child’s sleep requirement by age so that you know if your baby is getting enough sleep and can catch some shut-eye yourself. From baby sleep patterns to newborn sleep cycles and baby sleep essentials, we will uncover everything you need to know about your infant’s sleep.

Baby Sleep Patterns By Age 

Infants rapidly grow and develop every month. They develop new muscles, sensory skills, cognitive skills and more - and their sleep pattern changes by age as well. 

With this simple chart, you can understand everything about baby sleep time by age from newborn till 12 years.

For more information, read our exclusive blog on newborn baby sleeping time — baby sleep patterns by age explained 

Tips To Get Baby to Sleep Deeply 

Every child’s sleep journey is unique, but a little guidance can make those nights go smoothly for both the baby and you. Here are some age-wise tips that will help your baby sleep better, as per the newborn sleep cycle.

0 to 4 Months: Infant Sleep Patterns

How long do newborns sleep? Newborns are still adjusting to life outside the womb, so the newborn baby's sleeping hours can be a little unpredictable. Here are some tips that can help your little infant sleep for longer hours:

• Swaddle for comfort – Newborn swaddles help control their startle reflex and keep them cosy as they replicate the snug feeling of a womb. They can ensure your baby sleeps comfortably and safely.

• Use gentle movement – Rocking or cuddling your baby can soothe them and improve infant sleep time.

• Invest in good quality newborn sleep essentials - Every parent wants the best for their little ones. Shop for premium quality sleep essentials like infant nightsuits and swaddle cloths.

• Follow sleepy cues – Look for yawning, rubbing eyes, or fussiness to prevent overtiredness.

4 to 12 Months: Baby Sleep Pattern

By now, your baby is learning to self-soothe and develop a sleep schedule. Now, your baby's sleep hours are reduced to 12-16 hours. Here are some tips to make sure your baby sleeps soundly the entire night:

• Start a bedtime routine – Develop a proper bedtime routine to prepare your child’s mind for sleep. A warm bath, switching into a baby sleep suit, a gentle massage, and storytime can signal that it is baby sleep time.

• Sleeping pods for deep sleep- Sleeping pods reduce unnecessary limb movement and keep your child asleep throughout the night. A sleep sack that has hands-in and hands-out options can help them transition from swaddling much easier.

• Consistent wake-up times – Keep morning wake-ups around the same time daily.

• Avoid overstimulation at night – Keep pre-bedtime calm with dim lights and soft voices.

1 to 2 Years: Navigating Sleep Transitions

At this stage, toddlers typically need 11-14 hours of sleep, including naps. Maintaining a consistent routine can help them sleep better.

• Stick to a consistent schedule – Regular naps and bedtime prevent overtiredness and improve sleep quality.

• Maintain a cooler room temperature – Kids sleep better in a cooler environment. Give them a light kid’s blanket or baby sleeping bag in case they need warmth at night. 

• Introduce a comfort item – A favourite stuffed toy or blanket can provide reassurance and ease separation anxiety.

• Limit screen time before bed – Reducing exposure to blue light from screens helps maintain a natural sleep cycle.

• Encourage a wind-down period – Quiet activities like reading or bedtime stories can prepare them for sleep.

3 to 5 Years: Tackling Bedtime Battles

Preschoolers need 10-13 hours of sleep but may resist bedtime due to growing independence and imagination. Here are some tips to ensure your toddler gets enough sleep:

• Nighttime routine - Following a structured bedtime routine, including a warm bath and bedtime story, helps signal sleep time.

• Address fears gently - Kids at this age often get scared as they start to imagine things. A dim nightlight or a comfort item like a toy can help ease nighttime anxieties.

• Set clear bedtime rules - Establishing bedtime boundaries, such as a set number of stories or songs, ensures a smoother transition to sleep.

6 to 12 Years: Building Healthy Sleep Habits

School-going kids cannot take naps during the day. So, make sure they go to bed early to ensure they get enough sleep. 

• Maintain a consistent bedtime - Keeping the same sleep schedule on weekends helps regulate their body clock.

• Encourage quiet time before bed - Activities like reading or journaling can help them unwind and relax before sleep. This way, they can express their curiosities and imagination as well.

• Limit caffeine and sugar in the evening - Avoiding sugary treats and caffeinated drinks late in the day can improve sleep quality.

If you are wondering why your baby is not sleeping deeply, you may want to read our blog on infant sleep issues and fixes.

Conclusion

Now that you know the basics of newborn sleep patterns, baby sleep time, and sleeplessness in infants, you are fully prepared to ensure your child gets proper sleep every day.

To ensure your child gets a deep, good night's sleep, invest in good-quality baby sleep pods and baby swaddles. At Cocoon Care, we offer baby products made from bamboo muslin fabric, which is softer than cotton. It is also cooler and gets softer with every wash. Online baby shopping in India for premium quality baby products is made easier by Cocoon Care. Shop now!

Frequently Asked Questions On Baby Sleep Patterns by Age

1. When do babies sleep through the night naturally?

Most babies start sleeping through the night around 6- 8 hours by 4 to 6 months of age. Newborn baby sleeps 16-18 hours but wakes frequently. They will develop longer nighttime sleep as they grow.

2. How many hours of sleep is required for a baby?

A newborn baby needs to sleep more than 16 hours. Make sure your baby sleeps at least 12-16 hours till they are 1 year old. 

3. Why is my baby not sleeping deeply?

If you feel like your child is not getting enough sleep or their sleep is not deep enough, it might be a case of sleeplessness in infants.

4. How many hours do newborns sleep?

Newborn babies need to sleep 16-18 hours a day. The newborn sleep cycle stages should be divided into 5-6 naps during the day and 8-9 hours of sleep during the night.

About the Author: The Cocoon Care Editorial Team works with pediatric consultants and experienced parents to bring you baby care tips you can trust.

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