Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Sleep
Sleep is essential for baby development, so Baby will spend a lot of their first year catching Zzzs! Because it’s so important, it’s natural for new parents and caregivers to have lots of questions, especially as Baby goes through periods of rapid growth.
To help you navigate Baby’s sleep journey, we’ve compiled a list of commonly asked questions about sleep for newborns and babies, with resources to find more information.
Watch our guide to Baby’s sleep in the first year!
General Baby Sleep Questions
How much sleep do newborns need?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 0-3-month-old babies get 12-17 hours of sleep every day. Learn why sleep is important for Baby's development, and how sleep changes as Baby grows.
How many naps does my baby need per day?
Baby’s nap schedule and length will depend on their sleep needs, but this is an example of what a typical nap schedule may look like:
0-8 Months: 2-3 naps per day
9-12 Months: 2 naps per day
1-3 Years: 1 long (1-2 hour) nap per day
3+ Years: 1 short (1 hour or less)
Learn more about sleep and nap time recommendations as Baby gets older.
How can I tell if Baby is tired?
Look for baby sleep cues! There are different cues for when Baby is sleepy vs. overtired:
Some signs Baby is sleepy: losing interest, droopy eyes, closing fists, sucking on fingers.
Some signs Baby is overtired: crying, pushing against you, rubbing eyes frequently
When can I expect my baby to sleep through the night?
Every baby is different, but it’s typical for babies to develop a regular sleep schedule at around 7-9 months. However, there can be periods of irregularity, especially when experiencing growth spurts or sleep regression. Discover tips to help Baby sleep through the night.
When can Baby transition from a crib to a toddler bed?
A few signs your toddler is ready for a big kid bed include:
They are tall enough that the crib railing is lower than their chest
Your toddler is finding a way to climb out of their crib
They are asking for a big kid bed!
Here’s what to know before giving your toddler a big kid bed, plus tips to help the transition.
Do babies dream?
Yes! In fact, Baby will dream a lot more in their first few months of life than they will at any other time. This is because newborns spend more than half of their daily slumber in REM sleep, a phase of sleep when dreams are most vivid. And it’s also really important for baby development! Learn why.
Should I wake my newborn to feed them?
This can depend on few different factors, like Baby’s age, weight, how long they sleep, and their overall health. It’s best to talk to Baby’s healthcare provider for recommendations based on your baby’s specific needs. Learn more about waking Baby for feedings.
Sleep Safety for Babies
Does Baby need to sleep on their back?
Yes—lying on their back is the safest way for Baby to sleep. Remember the ABC’s of safe sleep: Baby should always sleep Alone, on their Back, and in a Crib. Also, be sure to switch the direction Baby sleeps in every night to help prevent conditions like positional plagiocephaly (flat spots on head) and torticollis (tight neck muscles on one side). See tips on how to do the sleep switch!
What should my baby wear for sleep?
Baby can sleep in just a body suit or footed pjs, but swaddles and sleep sacks are great options for getting Baby used to a sleep schedule. These types of baby sleepwear are meant to help Baby feel calm and secure, helping them fall asleep easier. Swaddles can be used from birth until Baby first attempts to roll, while sleep sacks can be worn for much longer. The AAP recommends against using weighted swaddles, clothing, or objects for sleep. Learn more about using swaddles and sleep sacks.
What should Baby’s sleep environment be like?
Baby’s room should be quiet, smoke and pollutant-free, and kept cool to prevent overheating. It’s also best to keep Baby’s room dark during sleep, especially in the first 6 months as Baby develops a sense of day and night. Baby should always sleep in an empty crib that follows the latest safety standards.
What items are safe to have in the crib with my baby?
Baby’s crib should always be empty except for a fitted sheet on their mattress. Remove everything from toys to loose bedding (including pillows) and bumpers to reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). Here’s everything you should know about baby crib safety.
Sleep Challenges in the Early Months
Why does my newborn wake up so much?
Baby isn’t born with a sense of day and night or when they’ve had enough sleep, so it’s completely typical and expected for them to wake up a lot as a newborn. Baby may wake up every 2-3 hours to feed, or due to other basic needs like diaper changing.
It takes some patience and time, but Baby will eventually be able to fall back asleep on their own once they learn to self-soothe (see tips to help!).
Learn more about why newborns wake up a lot. Plus, try these strategies to help Baby stay asleep longer.
Why does Baby wake up crying?
There are many reasons why Baby may wake up crying, but some common reasons include hunger, a dirty diaper, gas pain, growth spurts, illness, and teething. It can be tricky to pinpoint exactly why Baby is crying, especially if all their basic needs have been met. Try these strategies to address different reasons for Baby’s crying. You can find general tips for comforting a crying baby here.
If you have concerns about Baby’s frequent crying, reach out to their healthcare provider for support and guidance.
What can I do if Baby is experiencing sleep regression?
If Baby has been sleeping through the night, but suddenly begins waking up without explanation, they may be experiencing sleep regression. This is a common baby experience and is seen most around 4, 8, 12, and 18 months, but it can happen at any time.
Typically, each regression will last 2-6 weeks, so helping Baby get their sleep back on track can sometimes just be a waiting game. However, there are a few things you can do to help, like making sure Baby gets enough to eat, helping them self-soothe, and following a sleep schedule as best you can.
Discover more tips for dealing with sleep regression.
What if Baby doesn’t like swaddling?
Swaddling is great for promoting sleep in the early months, but sometimes Baby may struggle to get comfortable in a traditional swaddle. The good news is there are a few solutions you can try:
Swaddle while keeping Baby’s arms out.
Use ready-made swaddles to get a perfect swaddle every time.
Try calming techniques, like placing a hand on Baby’s chest.
