How Much Sleep Does My Baby Need by Age?
Total sleep, nap counts and realistic wake windows for newborns through twelve months — and what changes at each step.
Newborn (0-3 months)
14-17 hrs/day
- Sleep cycles are very short (40-60 min) — white noise helps bridge them
- Wake windows are only 35-90 minutes — watch for sleepy cues
- White noise + swaddling is the most effective combination
- The Moro reflex is strong — sound helps prevent wake-ups from startle
- The calming reflex is at its peak — this is when the 5 S's are most powerful
3-6 months
12-16 hrs/day
- Sleep consolidates into longer nighttime stretches (6-8 hours)
- The 4-month sleep regression often hits — sound machines become extra valuable
- Can experiment with pink or brown noise as baby develops preferences
- Start a more structured bedtime routine (bath, massage, sound, feeding, crib)
- Stop swaddling when baby shows signs of rolling (typically 3-4 months)
6-12 months
12-15 hrs/day
- More predictable schedule, transitioning from 3 to 2 naps
- Separation anxiety peaks around 8-10 months — consistent sound provides comfort
- Developmental milestones (crawling, pulling up) can disrupt sleep
- Sound becomes a powerful sleep cue — baby learns to associate it with rest
- If sleep training, white noise provides a calming constant
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Play ClassicFor informational purposes only. Always consult your pediatrician for personalized guidance.