One of the biggest topics parents ask me about is their baby’s sleep. It changes every month in the beginning and can cause a lot of stress. I reassure parents that understanding their baby’s sleep patterns is a normal part of navigating early childhood. Sleep is crucial for a baby’s growth and development, but it can be quite a puzzle for many parents. Baby sleep patterns evolve significantly in the first few years of life, and knowing what to expect can help parents adapt to their little one’s changing needs.
Newborns (0-2 Months)
In the first few weeks of life, sleep takes on a very different rhythm. Newborns tend to sleep for a total of 14-17 hours a day, broken into short intervals, usually lasting about 2-4 hours at a time. This pattern is primarily due to their rapid growth and need for frequent feedings—typically every 2-3 hours. At this age, their sleep is largely driven by hunger rather than a circadian rhythm, leading to frequent nighttime awakenings, which can leave parents feeling exhausted.
Infants (2-12 Months)
As babies reach the 2-month mark, sleep patterns begin to shift. Infants start to develop a more regular sleep-wake cycle, and by 6 months, many babies can sleep for longer stretches at night—often around 6-8 hours! During this stage, parents can introduce more structured bedtime routines, helping signal to the baby that it’s time to sleep.
However, it’s important to note that sleep can still be quite fragmented due to various factors, including teething, growth spurts, and developmental milestones. Around 4-6 months, many parents experience what is referred to as “sleep regression,” where infants who previously slept well suddenly start waking more frequently at night. This can be attributed to both developmental changes and the baby’s increasing awareness of their environment. They want to stay up and play rather than go to bed.
Toddlers (1-3 Years)
As children transition to toddlerhood, their sleep requirements shift once again. While they may still need 12-14 hours of total sleep, naps become an important component of their daily routine. Many toddlers take one longer nap during the day and typically sleep about 10-12 hours at night. Parents may notice that their child becomes more resistant to sleep during this phase, as toddlers often assert their independence.
It is also more common for toddlers to experience nightmares or night terrors. Establishing a predictable, calming bedtime routine during this phase can help ease any nighttime anxiety they may feel.
Sleep Regression: What Parents Should Know
Sleep regression can occur at various intervals during the first two years of life and is generally regarded as a normal part of baby development. It often coincides with significant milestones, such as learning to crawl, walk, or talk, as well as during growth spurts. During a sleep regression, a baby who previously slept well may start waking up more frequently at night, resisting naps, or struggling to fall asleep.
Parents may feel overwhelmed during these phases, but it is crucial to remain consistent with bedtime routines and reassure your child when they wake. This doesn’t mean leaving them to cry alone; rather, providing comfort while reinforcing healthy sleep habits will set a foundation for better sleep in the long run. Remember, these regressions typically last only a few weeks and will resolve on their own as your child adjusts to their new developmental stage.
Each age brings unique challenges and growth milestones that can alter baby sleep patterns, but understanding these changes can help ease the journey. Establishing a gentle routine to promote better sleep and being attuned to your child’s needs during regressions can significantly enhance the experience for both parents and babies alike.
If you have concerns about your baby’s sleep patterns, just reach out to us for tips and strategies tailored to your specific needs.
Recommended Reading
To delve deeper into the topic of baby sleep, the following books come highly recommended:
- The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
- Precious Little Sleep: The Complete Baby Sleep Guide for Modern Parents by Alexis Dubief
- The Sleep Sense Program by Dana Obleman
By educating ourselves about sleep patterns as they change, we can lay the groundwork for healthy sleep habits that will benefit our children for years to come.
Read Also: 12 Tips for Teaching Children Gratitude
Sky Pittson, MD, March, 2025
Take the first step towards improving your child’s health with pediatric integrative medicine. Call The Village Doctor at (650) 851-4747 or Contact us to learn more about the practice.
