Sleep Patterns in Your 1-Month-Old Baby
In the first weeks, your baby will sleep between 12 and 20 hours a day, day or night, and wake every 2-3 hours for meals.
Sleep Patterns in Your 2-Month-Old Baby
Every baby's sleep pattern is different: some are erratic, while others are routine. All babies fall into an established sleep pattern eventually. Try to create schedules that work for both of you. Solid nutrition is an excellent way to contribute to sound sleep habits. By satisfying their dietary needs with adequate amounts of essential nutrients, you provide a better quality of sleep for your child, which in turn contributes to their healthy growth and development.
Sleep Patterns in Your 3-Month-Old Baby
At 3 months, your baby may need approximately 12-16 hours of sleep a day.1 Some babies at this age can sleep for 6-8 hours at night, and most will take 2-3 daytime naps. Keep in mind, however, that each baby is unique and that this is only a guide.
Sleep Patterns in Your 4-Month-Old Baby
By 4 months, your baby may enter sleep regression. This is when babies may have difficulty falling and staying asleep. Fortunately, sleep regression typically subsides within a few days or weeks. At 4 months of age, they should still nap several times a day and may require a late-night feed.
Sleep Patterns in Your 5-Month-Old Baby
At 4-5 months, your baby may have started to develop a regular sleep/wake pattern. If you haven’t already done so, now would be a good time to establish a nighttime routine. You can give your baby a bath, sing a lullaby or read them a bedtime story. Babies thrive on consistency, so whatever routine works for your family, try to do the same thing every night.
Sleep Patterns in Your 6-Month-Old Baby
At 6 months, they are becoming more aware and curious about their environment, which may make sleep a challenge. Establish and maintain a steady bedtime routine, such as a warm bath followed by a feeding to signal that it’s time to settle down for the night.
Sleep Patterns in Your 7- or 8-Month-Old Baby
If your baby was a great sleeper but is suddenly waking up at night or has difficulty falling asleep, don’t worry. Sleep disturbances go hand-in-hand with major milestones in cognitive and motor development. At 8 months, your baby may be learning to crawl and sit up and may not want to stop practicing these new skills at nighttime.
Sleep Patterns in Your 9-Month-Old Baby
At 9 months, your baby may need 13–14 hours of sleep a day. Most babies are now sleeping through the night (5-6 hours in a row). Many are taking a morning and afternoon nap. Keep in mind, however, that each baby is unique and that this is only a guide.
Sleep Patterns in Your 10-Month-Old Baby
This is a good time to continue working on establishing healthy sleep habits for your baby. Babies thrive on consistency, so stick to a consistent bedtime routine. Make sure your baby has a regular schedule of napping, eating and playing. Give your baby plenty of chances to sleep on their own. Try putting them to bed when they are relaxed and drowsy, so they can practice.
Sleep Patterns in Your 11-Month-Old Baby
Two naps during the day (morning and afternoon) are typical. In coming months, they may move toward just one long nap each day.
Sleep Patterns in Your Toddler
It is only natural that your toddler’s increased activity leads to increased fatigue at the end of the day. Continue with your bedtime routine and boost their nutrition to match their increasing dietary needs.
Your toddler may be sleeping around 11-14 hours a day.1,2 Many 1- to 2-year-olds still nap in the afternoon and sleep 10 or 11 hours at night. Your toddler may resist going to sleep and get out of bed after you tuck them in. You can try to ease the problem by anticipating and managing your child’s before-bed requests.
Why Is Nutrition Important in Your Baby or Toddler?
Your baby's dietary needs must be met so that they may enjoy an optimal quality of sleep. Even during slumber, their body is growing and developing, so make sure that your baby is getting enough of the right nutrients to fuel their growth.