Medically reviewed by Samantha L. Fox, RN, BSN, MSN
Nursing Informaticist · United States Navy Nurse Corps · Last reviewed
Baby Sleep Schedule Guide
Age-appropriate sleep schedules for your baby's first year. Select your baby's age to see recommended sleep hours, nap schedules, wake windows, and expert tips.
Select Your Baby's Age
👶Newborn (0-2 months)
Total Sleep
14-17 hours
Night Sleep
8-9 hours (with waking)
Day Sleep
7-9 hours
Naps
4-6 naps (irregular)
Wake Window
45-60 minutes
📅 Sample Schedule — Newborn
* This is a sample schedule. Every baby is different — adjust times to fit your baby's natural rhythms.
💡 Tips for This Stage
- ✓Follow baby's cues — schedules are very loose at this age
- ✓Swaddling can help with the startle reflex
- ✓Day/night confusion is normal — it resolves by 6-8 weeks
- ✓Sleep when baby sleeps (really, do it!)
- ✓Keep nighttime feeds dim and quiet
⚡ Common Challenges
- !Day/night confusion
- !Frequent night waking for feeds
- !Short nap cycles (45 min)
- !Cluster feeding in evenings
🛡️ Safe Sleep Guidelines (AAP)
Understanding Your Baby's Sleep
Baby sleep is one of the biggest challenges — and mysteries — for new parents. Understanding how your baby's sleep evolves over the first year can help you set realistic expectations and create healthy sleep habits from the start.
Newborns sleep a lot (14-17 hours!), but in short bursts of 2-4 hours because their tiny stomachs need frequent feeding. They don't yet have circadian rhythms, which is why they seem to have their days and nights mixed up. By 6-8 weeks, most babies start to develop more predictable patterns.
Wake windows — the amount of time your baby can comfortably stay awake between sleeps — are one of the most useful concepts in baby sleep. Putting your baby down before they become overtired is key to easier settling and longer naps. Watch for sleep cues like yawning, eye rubbing, and fussiness.
Sleep regressionsare temporary disruptions that typically coincide with developmental leaps. The most notorious is the 4-month regression, when your baby's sleep cycles permanently mature to adult-like patterns. While frustrating, regressions are actually signs of healthy development. Stay consistent with your routine and they'll pass.
Remember: there is no one-size-fits-all approach to baby sleep. Some babies are naturally great sleepers, while others need more support. Trust your instincts, follow safe sleep guidelines, and know that this challenging phase does get better.