Sleep Schedule for Infant, approximately 4 months old

Newborns (0-3 months) typically need a lot of sleep, around 14-17 hours in a 24-hour period. This usually translates to 3-5 naps throughout the day, in addition to their nighttime sleep. Each nap can vary in length, from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Rather than a strict schedule, focus on wake windows (the time your baby is awake between sleeps), which are usually only 45-90 minutes for newborns before they need to rest again.

Short naps, often called 'catnaps,' are very common, especially in the early months. Their sleep cycles are shorter than adults', so they often wake up after one cycle. While it can be normal, if your baby is consistently cranky after waking, they might need longer. To help extend naps: ensure a dark, quiet sleep environment, use white noise, practice drowsy but awake, and try 'crib hour' (leaving them in the crib for an hour even if they wake early, giving them a chance to resettle). Sometimes, adjusting wake windows slightly can also help – an overtired or undertired baby might struggle with longer naps.

Consistency is key! Start by observing your baby's sleep cues (yawning, rubbing eyes, fussiness) and try to put them down for a nap at the first sign of tiredness, avoiding overtiredness. Create a short, calming pre-nap routine (e.g., diaper change, story, lullaby, swaddle) that's distinct from their bedtime routine. Aim for similar nap times each day, especially for the first nap. A consistent sleep environment (dark room, white noise) also signals to your baby that it's time to sleep. Remember, flexibility is important too, especially with newborns; a 'schedule' might look more like a predictable rhythm.

Learning your baby's unique sleep cues is crucial for successful naps. Common signs of tiredness include: yawning, rubbing eyes, staring into space, decreased activity or interest in play, fussiness, crying, pulling at ears, and arching their back. If you wait until your baby is overtly crying or extremely fussy, they might be overtired, which can make it harder for them to fall asleep and stay asleep. Try to put them down for a nap at the first subtle signs of sleepiness.

Nap schedules evolve as your baby grows and their sleep needs change. Common transitions include: dropping from 3 naps to 2 naps (usually around 6-9 months), and then from 2 naps to 1 nap (typically between 12-18 months). You'll notice your baby resisting a nap, taking longer to fall asleep, or having trouble sleeping at night if they're ready to drop a nap. When a transition is happening, gradually shift the remaining naps to be longer and slightly later, extending wake windows as needed. Patience and flexibility are key during these periods, as it can take a few weeks for your baby to adjust to a new nap rhythm.