What is a good sleep schedule for a newborn?

Newborns (0-3 months) don't follow a schedule — and that's normal. They sleep 14-17 hours in short bursts of 2-4 hours, feeding every 2-3 hours around the clock. Focus on wake windows (45-90 minutes) rather than clock times. A predictable pattern usually starts emerging around 3-4 months.

How much sleep does a 6-month-old need?

A 6-month-old typically needs 12-15 hours of total sleep: 10-11 hours at night and 2.5-3.5 hours across 2-3 naps during the day. Most 6-month-olds can handle wake windows of 2-2.75 hours and may be ready to drop the third catnap.

When do babies sleep through the night?

Many babies can sleep 6-8 hour stretches by 4-6 months and 10-12 hours by 9-12 months, though some still need 1-2 night feeds. 'Sleeping through the night' doesn't mean 12 uninterrupted hours — even adults wake briefly between sleep cycles. Every baby is different.

What time should a baby go to bed?

For most babies 3 months and older, an ideal bedtime falls between 6:30-7:30 PM. Newborns often have a later bedtime (8-11 PM) that gradually shifts earlier around 3-4 months. The right bedtime depends on when your baby wakes up, their last nap, and their age-appropriate wake window before bed.

GUIDE

Baby Sleep Schedule by Age

Realistic, age-by-age sleep schedules you can actually use — not rigid timetables that fall apart by 9 AM.

We break down sleep needs, sample routines, and feeding integration for every stage from newborn through toddlerhood. Use these as starting points, not scripts — your baby gets the final say.

Track sleep in the app

Log naps and wake windows

“Most kids have a 'tell' that indicates they are ready for sleep. Try to notice which cue, when followed consistently, allows the child to fall asleep independently and within 15 minutes of being placed into the crib.”

Dr. Nilong Vyas, MD, MPH, Pediatrician, Sleepless in NOLA

How Much Sleep Does Your Baby Need?

Age	Total Sleep	Night Sleep	Day Sleep	Naps	Wake Window
0–3 months	14–17 hrs	8–10 hrs	5–7 hrs	4–6 (irregular)	45–90 min
4–6 months	12–15 hrs	10–11 hrs	2.5–4 hrs	2–3	1.5–2.75 hrs
7–9 months	12–15 hrs	10–12 hrs	2–3 hrs	2	2.5–3.5 hrs
10–12 months	12–14 hrs	10–12 hrs	2–3 hrs	2	3–4 hrs
12–18 months	12–14 hrs	10–12 hrs	2–3 hrs	1–2	3.5–5.5 hrs
18–24 months	11–14 hrs	10–12 hrs	1.5–2.5 hrs	1	5–6 hrs
24–36 months	11–14 hrs	10–12 hrs	1–2 hrs	1 (some drop it)	5.5–7 hrs

0–3 months

Total Sleep14–17 hrs

Night Sleep8–10 hrs

Day Sleep5–7 hrs

Naps4–6 (irregular)

Wake Window45–90 min

4–6 months

Total Sleep12–15 hrs

Night Sleep10–11 hrs

Day Sleep2.5–4 hrs

Naps2–3

Wake Window1.5–2.75 hrs

7–9 months

Total Sleep12–15 hrs

Night Sleep10–12 hrs

Day Sleep2–3 hrs

Naps2

Wake Window2.5–3.5 hrs

10–12 months

Total Sleep12–14 hrs

Night Sleep10–12 hrs

Day Sleep2–3 hrs

Naps2

Wake Window3–4 hrs

12–18 months

Total Sleep12–14 hrs

Night Sleep10–12 hrs

Day Sleep2–3 hrs

Naps1–2

Wake Window3.5–5.5 hrs

18–24 months

Total Sleep11–14 hrs

Night Sleep10–12 hrs

Day Sleep1.5–2.5 hrs

Naps1

Wake Window5–6 hrs

24–36 months

Total Sleep11–14 hrs

Night Sleep10–12 hrs

Day Sleep1–2 hrs

Naps1 (some drop it)

Wake Window5.5–7 hrs

Ranges based on AAP and National Sleep Foundation guidelines. Your baby might fall outside these ranges and be perfectly healthy — go by mood and energy, not just numbers.

When Do Babies Get on a Schedule?

Spoiler: it takes a while. And it never looks like the internet says it should.

The truth is, newborns don't have schedules. They have patterns that you notice after the fact. A real predictable routine usually starts forming around 3–4 months when circadian rhythms kick in and wake windows become more consistent.

Before that? You're following your baby's lead — feeding on demand, watching for sleepy cues, and surviving. That's not a failure to schedule. That's responsive parenting.

By 6 months, most families settle into a recognizable rhythm with fairly consistent nap times and a predictable bedtime. By 9–12 months, you'll likely have a solid 2-nap schedule that holds most days. For a deep dive on overall sleep architecture, see our Baby Sleep Playbook. For wake window details, check out Wake Windows by Age.

Age-by-Age Sleep Schedules

Sample daily routines for every stage. Use these as templates — adjust based on your baby's wake windows and cues.

Newborn (0–3 Months)

There's no real schedule here — and that's fine. Follow your baby's lead.

Sleep needs

14–17 hours total. Night sleep is 8–10 hours (with wakes every 2–4 hours to feed). Day sleep is 5–7 hours across 4–6 naps.

Feeding integration

Breastfed: every 2–3 hours (8–12 times per day). Formula-fed: every 3–4 hours. Night feeds are essential and expected.

Sample daily schedule

On demandFeed every 2–3 hours around the clock
45–90 min awakeWatch for sleepy cues, then down for a nap
NapsAnywhere they'll sleep — your chest, the swing, the car
EveningA late 'bedtime' around 9–11 PM is totally normal

Good to know

Day/night confusion is real — open the blinds during the day, keep nights dark and boring
Wake windows max out around 45–90 minutes, including feeding time
Don't stress about a schedule — focus on feeding well and watching sleepy cues
Swaddling, white noise, and gentle motion are your best friends right now

4–6 Months

A pattern is emerging. Wake windows are your scheduling superpower.

Sleep needs

12–15 hours total. Night sleep consolidates to 10–11 hours. Day sleep is 2.5–4 hours across 2–3 naps.

Feeding integration

5–6 feeds per day. Some babies start solids around 6 months (watch for readiness signs, not just age). Night feeds drop to 1–2.

Sample daily schedule

6:30–7:00 AMWake + feed
8:30 AMNap 1 (1–2 hours)
10:30 AMFeed
12:30 PMNap 2 (1–2 hours)
2:30 PMFeed
4:00 PMCatnap (30–45 min — drop around 6 months)
5:00 PMFeed (+ solids if started)
6:30 PMBedtime routine
7:00 PMBedtime

Good to know

The 4-month sleep regression may hit — it's brain development, not a setback
This is a great time to introduce a consistent bedtime routine if you haven't yet
Watch for the 3-to-2 nap transition around 6 months
If starting solids, offer them during a wake window — not right before sleep

7–9 Months

Two solid naps, predictable bedtime. Things are clicking.

Sleep needs

12–15 hours total. Night sleep is 10–12 hours. Day sleep is 2–3 hours across 2 naps.

Feeding integration

3 meals of solids + 4–5 milk feeds. Night feeds: 0–1. Solids are supplementing milk, not replacing it yet.

Sample daily schedule

6:30 AMWake + milk feed
8:00 AMBreakfast (solids)
9:30 AMNap 1 (1–1.5 hours)
11:00 AMMilk feed + lunch (solids)
1:30 PMNap 2 (1–2 hours)
3:00 PMMilk feed + snack
5:30 PMDinner (solids)
6:30 PMBedtime routine + milk feed
7:00 PMBedtime

Good to know

Separation anxiety may ramp up — keep your goodbye short and calm
Babies learning to crawl or pull to stand may practice in the crib instead of sleeping
If naps are solid but night sleep suffers, check that total day sleep isn't too much
This is often a great age for sleep training if you haven't already

10–12 Months

Two naps, three meals, and possibly sleeping through the night.

Sleep needs

12–14 hours total. Night sleep is 10–12 hours. Day sleep is 2–3 hours across 2 naps.

Feeding integration

3 meals of solids + 3–4 milk feeds. Many babies drop all night feeds. Solids are becoming the primary nutrition source.

Sample daily schedule

6:30 AMWake + milk feed
7:30 AMBreakfast
9:30 AMNap 1 (1–1.5 hours)
11:30 AMLunch + milk feed
2:00 PMNap 2 (1–1.5 hours)
3:30 PMSnack + milk feed
5:30 PMDinner
6:30 PMBedtime routine + milk feed
7:00 PMBedtime

Good to know

The 12-month regression is real — resist the urge to drop to one nap (most babies aren't ready until 14–18 months)
Walking attempts may disrupt sleep temporarily — lots of active play during the day helps
If they skip a nap, move bedtime 30 minutes earlier
Start offering whole milk after their first birthday (discuss with your pediatrician)

12–18 Months

The 2-to-1 nap transition is the big event. Go slow.

Sleep needs

12–14 hours total. Night sleep is 10–12 hours. Day sleep is 2–3 hours across 1–2 naps.

Feeding integration

3 meals + 2 snacks + milk (whole milk or continued breastfeeding). Solids are now the main nutrition source.

Sample daily schedule

6:30 AMWake + milk
7:30 AMBreakfast
10:00 AMSnack
12:00 PMLunch
12:30 PMNap (2–3 hours)
3:00 PMSnack + milk
5:30 PMDinner
6:30 PMBedtime routine + milk
7:00 PMBedtime

Good to know

Wait until they refuse one nap consistently for 2+ weeks before dropping to one
During the transition, an early bedtime (6:00–6:30 PM) will save your sanity
The single nap should land around 12:00–12:30 PM
Budget 2–4 weeks for the transition to smooth out

18–24 Months

One nap, solid routine. Welcome to the (relatively) predictable phase.

Sleep needs

11–14 hours total. Night sleep is 10–12 hours. Day sleep is 1.5–2.5 hours in a single nap.

Feeding integration

3 meals + 2 snacks. Milk is a drink alongside food, not a primary nutrition source.

Sample daily schedule

6:30 AMWake + milk
7:30 AMBreakfast
10:00 AMSnack
12:00 PMLunch
12:30 PMNap (1.5–2.5 hours)
3:00 PMSnack
5:30 PMDinner
7:00 PMBedtime routine
7:30 PMBedtime

Good to know

Toddlers are master stallers — keep the bedtime routine predictable and firm (but loving)
If nap is too long or too late, it pushes bedtime — cap it at 2 hours if night sleep suffers
The 18-month sleep regression is often driven by language explosion and separation anxiety
A toddler clock ('okay to wake' light) can work wonders for early risers

24–36 Months

One nap (maybe) and a strong bedtime routine carry you through the toddler years.

Sleep needs

11–14 hours total. Night sleep is 10–12 hours. Day sleep is 1–2 hours — some toddlers drop the nap entirely by 3.

Feeding integration

3 meals + 2 snacks. Fully independent eating with family meals.

Sample daily schedule

7:00 AMWake
7:30 AMBreakfast
10:00 AMSnack
12:00 PMLunch
12:30 PMNap or quiet time (1–2 hours)
3:00 PMSnack
5:30 PMDinner
7:00 PMBedtime routine
7:30 PMBedtime

Good to know

If they fight the nap consistently for 2+ weeks, switch to 'quiet time' in their room
The big bed transition usually happens between 2.5–3.5 years — don't rush it
Night fears and bad dreams may start — a nightlight and reassurance go a long way
If they drop the nap, move bedtime 30–60 minutes earlier to compensate

Tinylog sleep tracking showing daily sleep schedule patterns

Tinylog shows you the schedule your baby is already on.

Log sleep with one tap and let the data reveal your baby's natural rhythm — wake windows, nap lengths, and night sleep trends tracked automatically over time.

How to Build YOUR Baby's Schedule

Every baby is different. Here's how to create a schedule that works for your actual kid — not the hypothetical baby on the internet.

Start with wake-up time, not bedtime

Build forward from when your baby naturally wakes. A 6:30 AM riser needs different nap timing than a 7:30 AM riser. Once you anchor the morning, everything else falls into place.

Use wake windows, not clock times

The times above are examples — what matters is the stretch of awake time between sleeps. A baby who wakes at 7:00 AM with a 2-hour wake window needs a nap at 9:00 AM, not 9:30 AM because a chart said so.

Observe before optimizing

Track your baby's sleep for a week before making changes. You might discover they already have a pattern you can build on rather than replacing.

Adjust one thing at a time

If sleep is off, change one variable (wake window, nap length, bedtime) and give it 3–5 days before assessing. Changing everything at once makes it impossible to know what worked.

Expect flexibility

Some days will be off-schedule — teething, travel, growth spurts, life. A solid routine means you have a home base to come back to, not a prison sentence.

Common Schedule Mistakes to Avoid

Keeping baby awake too long hoping they'll sleep better at night (overtiredness causes worse sleep, not better)
Letting the last nap run too late — it pushes bedtime and fragments night sleep
Dropping a nap too early because baby skipped it once or twice (wait for 2+ weeks of consistent refusal)
Putting baby to bed too late — most babies do best with a 6:30–7:30 PM bedtime after 3 months
Expecting the schedule to work perfectly every day — aim for 80% consistency and give yourself grace
Comparing your baby's schedule to another baby's — there's a huge range of normal

These are the most common issues we see from the Tinylog community. Adjusting even one of these can make a noticeable difference within a few days.

One Sound Machine Worth Considering

A lot of parents swear by the Hatch Baby (~$100) — it is a sound machine and night light in one, and you control it from your phone so you are not fumbling in the dark. It is not cheap, but it lasts from newborn through preschool, and the OK-to-wake clock becomes genuinely useful around age two.

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Related Guides

Looking to go deeper on specific topics? These guides cover each area in detail:

Baby Nap Schedule — Nap counts by age, nap transitions, and short nap troubleshooting
Sleep Training Methods — 6 methods compared with step-by-step protocols
Wake Windows by Age — Detailed wake window tables and sleepy cues
The Baby Sleep Playbook — Complete sleep guide with regressions and troubleshooting
Nap Transitions & Sleep Regressions — When to drop naps and how to survive regressions

Sources

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2022). Healthy Sleep Habits: How Many Hours Does Your Child Need?
National Sleep Foundation. (2023). How Much Sleep Do Babies and Kids Need?
Mindell, J. A., et al. (2016). Development of infant and toddler sleep patterns. Sleep Medicine.
Galland, B. C., et al. (2012). Normal sleep patterns in infants and children: A systematic review. Sleep Medicine Reviews.
Hirshkowitz, M., et al. (2015). National Sleep Foundation's sleep time duration recommendations. Sleep Health.

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