Baby sleep by age: what’s normal in the first year

At a glance

Baby sleep at a glance, by age
Age	What to know	What can help
0–3 months	May sleep only 1 or 2 hours at a time	Awake and playing by day, calm and quiet at night
4–6 months	Regular sleep cycles from about 4 months	Put your baby to bed drowsy, not already asleep
7–12 months	Sleep needs differ from baby to baby	On their back for every sleep until age 1

Safe sleep, at every age

Until your baby’s first birthday:

Place your baby on their back for every sleep.
Use a firm, flat surface with nothing but a fitted sheet.
Share a room, not a bed, for at least the first 6 months.
Avoid falling asleep with your baby on a couch or armchair.

0 to 3 months

Short sleeps are expected, because regular sleep cycles come later. Keeping your baby awake longer during the day, with time to talk, read and play, can help them sleep for longer stretches at night. At night, keep things calm and quiet, and try not to wake your baby during feeds and diaper changes.

If your baby falls asleep in a car seat, stroller, swing, carrier or sling, move them to a firm sleep surface on their back as soon as you can. If you bring your baby into your bed to feed, put them back in their own sleep space before you fall asleep.

4 to 6 months

From 4 months, put your baby to bed drowsy rather than already asleep. It helps them learn to fall asleep on their own, and babies held or rocked to sleep may struggle to fall back asleep after waking in the night.

It’s normal for a 6-month-old to wake during the night and go back to sleep after a few minutes. Try not to rush in, and still go to your baby when they need you.

Stop swaddling when your baby looks like they’re trying to roll over. Rolling usually starts around 3 to 4 months, but can happen earlier.

7 to 12 months

Keep placing your baby on their back for every sleep until they’re 1. If they’re comfortable rolling both ways, you don’t need to keep turning them onto their back. Keep the sleep space clear of blankets, pillows, stuffed toys and bumper pads.

A pacifier at nap time and bedtime can lower the risk of SIDS, even if it falls out after your baby is asleep. You don’t have to put it back in.

As babies get older they need less sleep, and different babies have different sleep needs.

Sources

This guide is for information only and is based on AAP guidance. It isn’t medical advice and doesn’t replace a doctor. Guidance can differ between countries, so follow your doctor’s advice and your local health service. If you have any concern about your baby’s health, always contact your doctor. In an emergency, call your local emergency number. If you’re worried about your baby’s sleep, contact your pediatrician.