Most babies who "don't sleep well" DON'T have a sleep disorder - they have normal baby sleep! True sleep disorders in infants and children are rare. This guide will help you understand what's normal for each age, when to be concerned, and how to improve your baby's sleep. Remember: 50% of children's growth happens during deep sleep, so understanding sleep is important!
Watch: Baby Wakes Up at Night? Fix Day-Night Confusion in Newborns | Baby Sleep Tips
Sleep affects everything:
Fact: Children who don't sleep enough have higher rates of:
This is what's NORMAL - not a disorder!
| Age | Total Sleep (24 hrs) | Night Sleep | Naps |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-2 months | 16-18 hours | Fragmented (baby wakes!) | Many short naps |
| 2-4 months | 14-16 hours | Starting to consolidate | 3-4 naps |
| 4-6 months | 12-15 hours | 8-10 hours (with waking) | 2-3 naps |
| 6-12 months | 12-16 hours | 10-12 hours | 2 naps |
| 1-2 years | 11-14 hours | 10-12 hours | 1-2 naps |
| 2-3 years | 10-13 hours | 10-11 hours | 1 nap (may drop) |
| 3-5 years | 10-13 hours | 10-12 hours | May not need nap |
| 5-12 years | 9-12 hours | Full night | No naps |
| 12-18 years | 8-10 hours | Full night | No naps |
Normal:
Not normal:
Normal:
Not normal:
Normal:
Not normal:
Normal:
Not normal:
See doctor if:
NOT concerning (normal):
Consistent Bedtime Routine (Sone Ki Aadat):
Sleep Environment:
During Day:
| Age | Key Focus |
|---|---|
| 0-3 months | Feed on demand, establish day/night difference, safe sleep |
| 3-6 months | Start bedtime routine, drowsy but awake practice |
| 6-12 months | Can start sleep training if wanted, consistent schedule |
| 1-2 years | Handle bedtime resistance, consistent routine |
| 2-5 years | Address fears, limit naps if affecting night sleep |
These are rare but real:
| Disorder | Signs | When to Suspect |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep Apnea | Loud snoring, breathing pauses, mouth breathing | Every night, with daytime tiredness |
| Night Terrors | Screaming, thrashing, inconsolable, doesn't remember | Very frequent, causing injury |
| Restless Leg Syndrome | Can't settle, moves legs constantly | Nightly, child can describe discomfort |
A: Almost certainly NOT a sleep disorder - this is normal baby behavior! Under 6 months: babies genuinely need to eat and their sleep cycles are short. After 6 months: likely a sleep association or habit. Try: consistent bedtime routine, putting down drowsy but awake, and possibly gentle sleep training. True sleep disorders are rare.
A: At 3 months, "schedule" is loose! Typical pattern: 14-16 hours total sleep, night sleep starting to consolidate (maybe 4-5 hour stretches), several naps during day. Focus on: establishing bedtime routine, watching for sleep cues (yawning, eye rubbing), and keeping wake windows short (1-1.5 hours between naps).
A: This is a "sleep association" - baby has learned to need your arms to fall asleep. Not harmful but tiring for you! To change: start with bedtime routine, practice "drowsy but awake" (put down before fully asleep), expect some protest initially, be consistent. Works best after 4-6 months.
A: This is day/night confusion - very common in newborns! To help: make daytime bright and active (don't keep quiet), make nighttime dark and boring (minimal interaction), expose to natural light during day. Usually resolves by 6-8 weeks as baby's circadian rhythm develops.
A: Bedtime crying often means: overtired (try earlier bedtime), undertired (extend wake window), hunger, or habit. Check: is bedtime routine consistent? Is timing right? Is environment comfortable? Try adjusting wake windows - overtiredness is common culprit. A fussy baby at bedtime is usually a tired baby who needs help, not a baby with a disorder!
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This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. Last updated: January 2025
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