Everything you need to know about baby sleep from 0-12 months. Wake windows, schedules, regressions, and proven strategies that work.
Short answer. Baby sleep totals: newborns need 14–17 hours/day; 4–11 months need 12–15 hours including 2–3 naps; 1–2 year-olds need 11–14 hours with 1–2 naps. Wake windows (the time a baby stays awake between naps) lengthen with age — from ~45 min for newborns to 4–6 hours for toddlers. The 4-month regression is the most common sleep disruption; others hit around 8–10 months, 12 months, and 18 months. Always place babies to sleep on their backs until at least 12 months (AAP guidance).
Wake windows are the periods of time your baby can stay awake before needing sleep. Getting these right is crucial for good naps and nighttime sleep.
| Age | Wake Window | Number of Naps |
|---|---|---|
| 0-6 weeks | 45-60 min | 5-6+ |
| 6-8 weeks | 60-90 min | 4-5 |
| 2-3 months | 75-90 min | 4-5 |
| 3-4 months | 90 min - 2 hr | 4 |
| 4-6 months | 2-2.5 hr | 3 |
| 6-8 months | 2.5-3 hr | 2-3 |
| 8-10 months | 3-3.5 hr | 2 |
| 10-12 months | 3-4 hr | 2 |
Pro tip: The first wake window of the day is usually the shortest. Wake windows tend to lengthen as the day goes on.
Every baby is different, but here are detailed guides for each age. Click any age to see a complete sample schedule with tips specific to that stage.
Sleep regressions are temporary periods when a baby who was sleeping well suddenly starts waking more or fighting sleep. They're tied to developmental milestones.
The most significant regression. Around 4 months, babies develop adult-like sleep cycles. This is permanent—but the disruption is temporary (2-6 weeks).
Read our 4-month regression guide →Driven by physical milestones (crawling, pulling up) and separation anxiety. Usually lasts 2-6 weeks and then resolves.
Read our 8-month regression guide →Often mistaken for readiness to drop to one nap (they're not ready yet!). Usually caused by walking, talking, and major cognitive leaps.
A predictable 15-30 minute routine signals to your baby that sleep is coming. Keep it simple: dim lights, feed, diaper, pajamas, song, bed.
An overtired baby is harder to settle and sleeps worse. Watch wake windows and put baby down before they get wired.
After 4 months, practicing putting baby down drowsy but awake can help them learn to connect sleep cycles independently.
Nestling's AI learns your baby's unique patterns and predicts optimal nap times—no more guessing.
Download Nestling FreeHealth Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician with questions about your baby's sleep or health.