Sleep Schedule for Newborn (0-3 months)
Recommended Daily Schedule
Wake up, Diaper Change & First Feed of the Day
Short Alert Period (e.g., tummy time, cuddles, quiet play)
Nap 1 (aim for 1-2 hours)
Duration: 30 minutes - 2 hours (individual naps can vary greatly)
Wake up & Feed
Short Alert Period
Nap 2 (aim for 1-2 hours)
Duration: 30 minutes - 2 hours (individual naps can vary greatly)
Wake up & Feed
Short Alert Period
Nap 3 (aim for 1-2 hours)
Duration: 30 minutes - 2 hours (individual naps can vary greatly)
Wake up & Feed
Short Alert Period
Nap 4 (often a shorter 'cat nap')
Duration: 30 minutes - 2 hours (individual naps can vary greatly)
Wake up, Feed, Start Evening Routine (e.g., bath, massage, quiet time)
Bedtime (start of night sleep, but anticipate 1-3 night feeds)
Bedtime
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM (aim for a consistent evening wind-down routine, frequent night feeds are normal)
Wake Time
6:00 AM - 8:00 AM (flexible, typically driven by hunger)
Sleep Pattern Visualization
Frequently Asked Questions
My baby wakes up hungry after only 30-45 minutes of napping. Should I feed them immediately, or try to stretch them to the next scheduled feed time?
If your baby is consistently waking hungry after short naps, it's often best to feed them. For newborns especially, short naps can be a sign they didn't get a full feed before sleeping or their stomach is too small to last longer. Prioritize responding to hunger cues over a strict schedule initially. To help prevent this, try to ensure a very full and complete feed right before the nap. As they get older, you can gradually work on stretching feed times.
How can I adjust my baby's feeding times to encourage longer, more predictable naps?
Aim to offer a full feed right upon waking from a nap, rather than right before going down for one. Many parents find success with an 'Eat, Play, Sleep' routine, where feeding occurs immediately after waking, followed by some awake time, and then sleep. This helps break any 'feed-to-sleep' association and ensures your baby goes down for a nap with a full belly, increasing the chances of a longer, more restful sleep.
My baby often falls asleep while feeding right before a nap. Will this prevent them from taking a good, independent nap?
Yes, falling asleep while feeding (especially before a nap) can become a 'feed-to-sleep' association. This means your baby might learn to rely on feeding to fall asleep, making it harder for them to settle independently in their crib. Try to keep your baby awake during feeds; gently rouse them by tickling their feet, burping them, or changing their position. The goal is for them to be drowsy but awake when you put them down for their nap.
Should I wake my sleeping baby from a nap to feed them if it's been a long stretch since their last feed and they might miss a scheduled one?
For newborns (typically under 2-3 weeks, or if there are weight gain concerns), pediatricians often recommend waking them for feeds if they sleep for more than 3-4 hours to ensure adequate intake. However, for healthy, older babies who are gaining weight well, it's generally fine to let them sleep and feed them when they wake. Always consult your pediatrician for personalized advice, as recommendations can vary based on your baby's age and health.
My baby seems to 'snack' or need small 'top-up' feeds frequently, which makes it hard to establish a solid nap schedule. What should I do?
Frequent 'snack' feeds can indeed make it difficult to establish a consistent nap schedule and longer sleep stretches. To encourage fuller feeds, ensure your baby is fully awake during feeding, offer both breasts (if breastfeeding) or finish the bottle. A full belly is more likely to lead to a longer, more satisfying nap. If persistent snacking continues to disrupt your routine, it might indicate an underlying issue like a poor latch or low milk supply (if breastfeeding), so consult a lactation consultant or pediatrician.