Sleep time
Baby Sleep Routine: How Much Sleep Does Your Baby Need?
Discover how much sleep your baby needs and how to establish an effective sleep routine. Learn about sleep patterns by age, settling techniques, and bedtime tips.
Sleep plays a crucial role in the growth and development of babies. Generally, a newborn will sleep for 16 to 18 hours at regular intervals both during the day and at night. Establishing a consistent baby sleep routine early on benefits not just your baby but you and your partner as well.
Key facts about baby sleep patterns:
- Sleep pattern changes by month 3: The baby's brain has developed enough for more predictable sleep. The baby will sleep during the night with 2-3 naps during the day, typically in the morning, afternoon, and early evening. All babies are different, so variations in napping patterns are normal.
- More awake time after 3 months: Once three months old, your baby spends more hours awake during the day and may stay awake for a stretch of 2-3 hours.
How to Establish a Baby Sleep Routine
It is a proven fact that babies and toddlers sleep independently if a regular routine is set for them. This routine should ideally begin as soon as the baby is brought home from the hospital. Babies learn from repetition, so set a pattern that ultimately becomes a routine.
- Same environment every night: Make your baby sleep in the same environment each night to help them feel comfortable and secure.
- Teach others the routine: Help visitors who hold your baby learn how to put them to sleep so they can be effective babysitters when needed.
- Follow Feed/Play/Sleep: When baby wakes, feed first, then let them play. When tiredness signs appear, use settling techniques immediately.
- Evening routine: After the evening feed or dinner, give a relaxing bath. Spend time cuddling your baby or tell a story or two.
- Do not over-stimulate: It is a myth that keeping baby awake longer makes them easier to put to sleep. An overtired baby is actually harder to settle.
| Age | Total Sleep | Nap Pattern |
| Newborn (0-3 months) | 16-18 hours/day | Sleep at regular intervals day and night |
| 3+ months | Mostly night sleep | 2-3 naps (morning, afternoon, early evening); awake 2-3 hours at a stretch |
Kimberly-Clark India makes no warranties or representations regarding the completeness or accuracy of the information. This information should be used only as a guide and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or other health professional advice.
FAQs on Sleeping Requirements of baby The Routine
A newborn typically needs 16 to 18 hours of sleep per day at regular intervals both during the day and at night. By the third month, the sleep pattern becomes more predictable with the baby sleeping mostly at night with 2-3 naps during the day.
Start a sleep routine as soon as the baby is brought home from the hospital. Babies learn from repetition, so setting a pattern early will ultimately become a routine. A consistent routine benefits your baby and gives you and your partner time for much-needed rest.
No, this is a myth. It actually becomes more difficult to put an overtired baby to sleep. Do not over-stimulate your baby before bedtime. Instead, watch for tiredness signs and use settling techniques promptly when they appear.
By the third month, the baby's brain has developed enough for more predictable sleep. The baby sleeps during the night with 2-3 naps during the day, typically in the morning, afternoon, and early evening. The baby may stay awake for 2-3 hours at a stretch.
After the evening feed or dinner, give your baby a relaxing bath. Spend time cuddling them or tell a story or two. Ensure the sleep environment is the same every night to help the baby feel comfortable and secure. Avoid over-stimulating activities before bedtime.
