Published : 2023-07-13

Understand the baby's sleep rhythms!

- Categories : Baby Sleep

IN THIS ARTICLE :

Baby sleep patterns from 0 to 3 months
Baby sleep patterns from 3 to 6 months
Baby sleep patterns from 6 to 12 months

One of the biggest concerns for parents is — and always will be — their baby's sleep. And that’s completely understandable!

Newborns sleep an average of up to 16 hours a day, and some may sleep even more.

Every baby has a unique sleep personality, shaped by their own internal clock. Over time, you’ll begin to understand your baby’s sleep rhythm and recognize their individual needs.

To guide you through this journey, we’ll walk you through the different baby sleep patterns by age, from birth to their first birthday!

Baby sleep patterns from 0 to 3 months

From birth, it’s important to understand that a newborn sleeps based on their own internal needs. In fact, your baby doesn’t yet know the difference between day and night!

At this stage, they may sleep for an average of 16 to 17 hours a day, and sometimes up to 20 hours to meet their biological clock. This sleep rhythm is called ultradian, meaning your baby wakes and sleeps throughout the day, not according to the usual day-night cycle.

Most often, they’ll wake up to feed, though some babies wake more frequently than others. Your baby’s unique sleep personality can start showing as early as the first few weeks! After the first month, your little one may stay awake for up to 2 to 3 hours at a time.

During this stage, baby sleep patterns are generally divided into two distinct sleep cycles:

A phase known as active sleep: As the name suggests, your baby is asleep but still moving. You might notice them smiling, blinking, or twitching their arms and legs — and that’s completely normal. During this time, your baby’s brain is highly active, as sleep plays a key role in developing neural connections. In adults, this stage will later correspond to REM sleep — the dreaming phase!

A phase known as quiet sleep: Once again, the name says it all. Your baby is asleep and completely still. This stage is essential for physical recovery. It’s also when your baby’s body grows, thanks to the release of growth hormones. Later in life, this phase will correspond to deep non-REM sleep in adults.

Baby sleep patterns from 3 to 6 months

Around the 3-month mark, your baby will start sleeping through the night. By now, their body has built up enough reserves to allow them to sleep for 5 to 6 hours at a stretch.

But don’t worry if your baby still wakes up hungry during the night. They know what they need and will progress at their own pace! Gradually, the total number of sleep hours per day begins to decrease — most babies at this stage sleep between 14 and 16 hours a day.

This is also when your baby’s internal body clock starts adjusting to the day-night cycle. Sleep becomes more predictable, and your baby begins to self-regulate, both biologically and emotionally.

Around 5 to 6 months, you can even consider introducing a bedtime routine. That said, continue to let your baby nap whenever they seem tired — follow their cues and needs above all!

Baby sleep patterns from 6 to 12 months

After 6 months, babies need slightly less sleep and may be able to sleep 10 to 12 hours through the night.

They usually take three naps a day: one in the morning, one early afternoon, and another in the late afternoon. That said, it’s still possible for them to wake briefly during the night between sleep cycles.

This is also the age when your baby starts learning to fall back asleep on their own. But if the crying persists, don’t hesitate to go in and comfort them — your presence can help them settle back into a peaceful sleep.

Around 8 months, it’s completely normal to experience a sleep regression. Your baby may start waking more often — this is known as separation anxiety. It’s a natural and important developmental stage that helps them grow emotionally.

When your baby wakes up and realizes you’re not there, they may need a gentle touch, a cuddle, or simply the sound of your voice to feel secure and fall back asleep.

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