Routines

What Should My Baby's Sleep Routine Be?

Newborn babies sleep up to 20 hours a day, waking up every few hours to feed. Newborns should be allowed to sleep whenever they want, but from 3 months onwards you can start to establish a sleeping and napping routine (for napping routine, see our section on Napping).

How Many Naps Should My Baby Have?

At 3-4 months, most babies have 3 naps a day. At 6 months old, most babies have 2 naps, and by 12 months babies have 1-2 naps a day. However, some babies have just one nap a day, but sleep for a long time. This is normal too and is nothing to worry about. Some babies have short catnaps while others to consolidate their naps into one long nap.

How Long Should a Nap Last?

Don't try to force your baby to sleep when they don't need to. There's no one-size fits all rule when it comes to babies and their sleep routines. Keep a sleep diary and work out when your baby gets tired every day, and note down how long they sleep for. Create a routine around your baby's needs. On average, newborns need 17 hours sleep, 3 month old babies need 15 hours sleep, 6 month old babies need 14 hours sleep, and 12 month olds need 12-15 hours sleep. If your baby sleeps more or less than the average, don't worry. Just like adults, different babies need differing amounts of sleep. Some need more sleep than others.

Try not to let your baby nap too late, or they will want to stay up long after you want to go to bed yourself! As a general guide, try not to let your baby nap for at least 3 hours before you want them to go to bed. Start their bedtime routine 30 minutes before their bedtime so that they are relaxed and sleepy by the time you put them in their cot, but not overtired.

To ensure your baby is getting enough sleep, put your baby down to sleep at the first signs of tiredness (see our article on Why sleep is important). Signs to look out for are rubbing of eyes, yawning, irritability, clinginess, and loss of interest in toys.


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This internet site provides information of a general nature and is designed for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your own health or the health of your child, you should always consult a doctor or other healthcare professional.