Newborn – 8 weeks
- Sleep is sporadic and unpredictable
- There is nothing we can do to manipulate their sleep, but keep the baby as rested as possible.
- At 6-8 weeks, when you see a social smile, begin laying the foundation for healthy sleep habits.
- Estimated total sleep: 15-18 hours
2-4 months
- Babies are becoming more social and will begin to have difficulty falling asleep unassisted.
- Take around 4-6 naps a day
- Wake periods are about 45 min -2 hours – watch for sleepy cues
- Estimated total sleep: 15-18 hours
4-7 months
- Developed biological sleep rhythms – watch the clock
- Naps 2-3 times daily
- Perfect time to begin sleep training
- Estimated sleep: 11-12 plus 3 naps
8-15 months
- Naps 2 times daily
- Estimated sleep: 11-12 hours plus 2 naps
15-18 months
- Transitions from 2 to 1 nap daily
- Estimated Sleep: 11-12 plus 1-2 naps
3-4 years
- Transition to no nap, but may need an occasional nap
- Transition from crib to bed around 3 years
- May have bad dreams/fears as imagination develops
- Estimated Sleep: 11-12 plus 0-1 nap
School Age
- Estimated sleep: 10-12 hours