Baby Sleep 101: Your Top Questions Answered
(Without the Midnight Panic Googling)
New Parent Series: Part 2
Welcome back, sleep-deprived but totally in love parents! If you're here, you've probably Googled "baby sleep" more times than you've had a hot meal lately—and guess what? You're in excellent company. Whether your newborn naps like a dream or your 6-month-old thinks 2 a.m. is party time, navigating infant sleep can feel like solving an adorable (but confusing) puzzle.
This post is Part Two in our New Parent Series, where we break down your most common questions—with real talk, trusted resources, and zero judgment. Last time, we tackled feeding; today, it's all about sleep: what's normal and not, and how you can help your baby and yourself get a little more rest.
"How Much Sleep is Normal for a Newborn/Infant?"
Spoiler alert: babies sleep a lot. But not always when you want them to.
Newborns (0–3 months): Sleep 14–17 hours in 24 hours, broken into short stretches—think naps around the clock.
Infants (4–12 months): Need about 12–16 hours of total sleep, often with a longer night stretch and 2–3 naps during the day.
Remember, these are averages! Some babies are natural sleepers, others are night owls in footie pajamas.
📊 Want more detailed age-by-age sleep guidelines?
Check out the National Sleep Foundation's sleep duration recommendations.
"When Will My Baby Sleep Through the Night?"
This is the question, right? The truth: sleeping through the night (usually defined as 6–8 uninterrupted hours) varies wildly by baby.
Many start sleeping longer stretches around 4–6 months, but it's also normal for night wakings to continue beyond that. Growth spurts, teething, illness, and even milestones like rolling over can throw things off.
For evidence-based insights: Visit HealthyChildren.org, the official site of the AAP.
"What Does a Typical Baby Sleep Schedule Look Like?"
"Typical" is generous when it comes to babies. In the early days, there wasn't much of a schedule—it was all about feeding and sleeping on demand.
But by 3–6 months, you may start seeing a rhythm:
2–3 naps during the day
Longer stretch at night
Bedtime is beginning to settle around the same time each night
Tip: Create a gentle routine. Babies love predictability!
Need sample schedules by age?
BabyCenter and What to Expect offer helpful examples to get you started, but constantly adapt to your baby's cues.
"How Can I Get My Baby to Sleep?"
Let's rephrase how you can help your baby learn healthy sleep habits. There's no magic trick, but here are some tried-and-true tips:
Create a bedtime routine: Bath, book, lullaby, lights dimmed—it signals sleep is coming.
Sleep environment matters: Dark room, white noise, and comfy (but safe!) sleepwear.
Put baby down drowsy, but awake: This helps them learn to fall asleep independently.
Be consistent: Even if it feels like it's not working yet, consistency pays off over time.
Be responsive: Comfort your baby when they need it. Sleep training doesn't mean ignoring their needs.
Want more?
Try The Happiest Baby on the Block by Dr. Harvey Karp, or browse gentle sleep training methods like the "Chair Method" or "Pick Up/Put Down."
"What is Safe Sleep?"
This is the most essential part of baby sleep. Following safe sleep guidelines can significantly reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Here are the essentials:
Back to sleep, for every nap and bedtime
Firm mattress, in a crib, bassinet, or play yard
No soft bedding or toys—keep the crib bare
Room share, don't bed share for at least the first 6 months
Avoid overheating: Dress in layers, not blankets
Bookmark this: Visit Safe to Sleep by the NICHD for comprehensive, science-backed information.
Baby sleep isn't linear—it's a process. Some nights will feel like you've cracked the code, and others like you're back to square one. That's okay. Be kind to yourself, ask for help when needed, and remember: this phase doesn't last forever (even if it feels like it at 4 a.m.).
You're doing a fantastic job—even if your coffee is stronger than your sleep schedule right now.
🍼 Stay tuned for Part Three in our New Parent Series, where we'll explore another biggie:" What developmental milestones should I be looking for in my baby?”
