What to Expect
Babies sleep between 14–17 hours a day in the first few months...
Parent Tips
- Establish a consistent bedtime routine
- Use white noise or soft lullabies
- Put baby down drowsy but awake
Sources
- American Academy of Pediatrics – “Infant Sleep Safety” (2022)
- CDC – “Sleep Guidelines for Infants”
🛌 Sleep: 0–5 Months
🌙 Overview
In the first five months of life, sleep is unpredictable but essential. Babies spend most of their day sleeping in short bursts as their brains and bodies grow rapidly. Understanding normal sleep patterns can help reduce stress and support healthy habits.
✅ What to Expect
- Newborns (0–2 weeks): 16–18 hours/day, in stretches of 2–4 hours
- 2–8 weeks: More defined night and day cycles begin
- 2–3 months: Night sleep stretches may increase to 5–6 hours
- 4–5 months: Some babies begin sleeping 6–8 hours at night, but many still wake to feed
Sleep is not linear. Developmental leaps, growth spurts, and feeding changes can disrupt patterns.
😴 Safe Sleep Guidelines (AAP)
- Always place baby on their back to sleep
- Use a firm, flat sleep surface (crib, bassinet, or play yard)
- Keep soft items and loose bedding out of the sleep area
- Share a room (not a bed) for at least the first 6 months
- Avoid overheating — dress baby in one more layer than you’d wear
🧩 Tips for Parents
- Establish a calming bedtime routine (bath, feeding, lullaby)
- Try putting baby down drowsy but awake
- Use white noise to reduce environmental wake-ups
- Be flexible — routines will change often
- Track patterns, not perfection
⚠️ When to Call Your Pediatrician
- Baby sleeps fewer than 11 hours in 24 hours after 1 month
- Loud snoring or breathing difficulties during sleep
- Baby always sleeps with head tilted or appears overly stiff/limp
- Frequent projectile vomiting during night feeds
📚 Sources
- American Academy of Pediatrics. "Safe Sleep Recommendations for Infants."
- CDC. “How Much Sleep Do Babies Need?” – cdc.gov
- National Sleep Foundation. “Infant Sleep Patterns & Tips”