Sleep Schedule for Newborn to 3 months old

For newborns (0-3 months), there isn't a strict 'schedule.' They typically nap frequently throughout the day, often 3-5 times or more, totaling 3-5 hours of daytime sleep. Each nap can range from 20 minutes to 2 hours. Instead of a rigid schedule, focus on age-appropriate wake windows (periods of awake time between sleeps), which are usually 45-90 minutes for newborns. Watch for sleepy cues like yawning, rubbing eyes, or staring blankly, and put your baby down for a nap as soon as you see them to avoid overtiredness.

While newborns thrive on flexibility, you can start introducing a gentle routine around 2-3 months of age. At this stage, babies typically settle into 3-4 naps a day. A 'schedule' initially means consistency in nap *times* and *wake windows*. For example, aim for a nap roughly 1.5-2 hours after waking up, then again after a similar wake window. Establishing a consistent pre-nap routine (e.g., dimming lights, reading a book, a quick cuddle) can also signal to your baby that it's time to sleep.

Short naps, often called 'catnaps,' are very common, especially in babies under 5-6 months. This is often due to their developing sleep cycles, which are shorter than an adult's. If your baby wakes up happy and refreshed after a short nap, it might be enough for them. If they wake up fussy or still seem tired, try to extend the nap. This can involve 'nap training' by gently helping them resettle (rocking, patting, shushing) when they stir before the 45-minute mark, or ensuring they're not overtired when they go down for the nap. Consistency in nap environment can also help.

The safest environment for naps is a firm, flat surface in an empty crib or bassinet (no loose bedding, blankets, bumpers, or toys). Ensure the room is dark (using blackout curtains helps), quiet (white noise can be beneficial to block out household sounds), and at a comfortable, cool temperature (68-72°F or 20-22°C). Always place your baby on their back for every nap and sleep. Consistency in the nap environment, just like the pre-nap routine, helps signal to your baby that it's time for sleep.

Babies drop naps gradually as they get older. The key signs are when your baby consistently fights a specific nap, takes a long time to fall asleep for that nap, or the nap starts interfering with their nighttime sleep (e.g., waking up too early, difficulty falling asleep at bedtime). Typical nap transitions occur around: 6-8 months (from 3 naps to 2), 12-18 months (from 2 naps to 1), and 3-5 years (from 1 nap to no naps). When dropping a nap, you'll need to extend the remaining wake windows to compensate for the lost sleep and move bedtime slightly earlier to prevent overtiredness during the transition.