When you have a new baby at home, you may have a lot of questions about their sleep schedule. When should they nap? How long should they sleep for? When will they sleep through the night?
This guide to baby’s sleep covers many of these topics, including how to keep baby safe while they sleep, how much sleep they should be getting at each age, sleep regression, what to do if baby is having trouble sleeping, and whether your baby dreams at night!
Safe sleep is an easy as A-B-C: Alone, Back and Crib. To make sure baby is safe when they sleep, they should always sleep alone (the caregiver can be in the same room, but baby should not share a bed), on their back, and in a crib or bassinet.
What can you expect from baby’s sleep schedule? At 0-3 months old, baby should sleep 12 to 17 hours a day. They will typically nap 2-3 times throughout the day (in the morning, early afternoon, and late afternoon) in addition to their nighttime sleep.
Sleep regression is very common and a typical part of baby’s development. It can happen at various stages. According to experts, sleep regression most often occurs at 4, 8, 12, and 18 months of age, but every baby is different. If your baby is experiencing sleep regression, a few things to try include:
- Help baby learn how to self soothe
- Make sure they’re getting enough to eat
- Follow a sleep schedule as best you can
- Be patient
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Watch the video to see how baby’s sleep schedule changes throughout their first year, and when you can expect them to sleep through the night.