The first six months of a baby’s life are marked by rapid development and that includes their sleep. While new parents often wonder whether their baby’s sleep habits are normal, the truth is that sleep patterns change significantly during this time.

This article provides an overview of common sleep patterns during the first six months and offers practical insights to help parents navigate and support their baby’s evolving sleep needs effectively.

0–6 Weeks: The Newborn Phase

During the first few weeks, a newborn’s sleep is highly fragmented and primarily driven by their need to feed. At this stage, babies lack a developed circadian rhythm, meaning they don’t yet distinguish between day and night.

What’s typical:

• 16–18 hours of sleep spread across 24 hours

• Sleep occurs in short 2–4 hour intervals

• Frequent waking for feeding (every 2–3 hours)

How to support your baby:

• Introduce light and dark cues bright natural light during the day and dim lighting in the evening

• Use a breathable, ergonomically designed swaddle such as the Love To Dream™ Swaddle UP™, which allows babies to sleep in a natural arms-up position while feeling secure and soothed

6–12 Weeks: Early Patterns Begin to Emerge

By 6 to 12 weeks, you may begin to notice your baby sleeping for longer stretches at night and becoming more alert during the day. Although still inconsistent, the foundation for more structured sleep is forming.

What’s typical:

• 14–16 hours of total sleep per day

• 3 to 5 naps

• One longer sleep stretch at night (4–6 hours)

How to support your baby:

• Establish a gentle, predictable bedtime routine (e.g. bath, swaddle, soft music, dim lighting)

• Continue using a secure swaddle to minimize the startle reflex and improve sleep quality

3–4 Months: A Developmental Shift

Around the three to four-month mark, many infants experience a sleep regression caused by neurological changes. This is a sign of progress as babies transition to more adult-like sleep cycles, but it can also lead to more frequent waking.

What’s typical:

• Increased night wakings

• Shorter, less consistent naps

• Fussiness and trouble settling

How to support your baby:

• Remain consistent with your sleep routine

• If your baby shows signs of rolling, transition to arms-free sleepwear such as the Love To Dream™ Swaddle UP™ Transition Bag

5–6 Months: More Predictable Sleep Patterns

By five to six months, most babies begin developing more stable sleep rhythms. While every baby is different, this stage typically brings longer nighttime sleep and more structured daytime naps.

What’s typical:

• 14–15 hours of sleep per day

• 2–3 naps during the day

• One long stretch of sleep at night (up to 6–8 hours)

How to support your baby:

• Begin encouraging self-settling by placing your baby down drowsy but awake

• Ensure the sleep environment is quiet, cool, and distraction-free, with safe and seasonally appropriate sleepwear

When to Seek Advice

Every baby is unique, but certain signs may warrant further attention, unusually low energy or difficulty waking, consistently poor weight gain alongside disrupted sleep, persistent, excessive crying that doesn’t improve with soothing. If you’re ever concerned about your baby’s sleep or well-being, consult your pediatrician for guidance.

The first six months of your baby’s life are filled with big changes especially in how they sleep. While it may feel unpredictable at times, these shifts are a natural part of healthy development. By establishing consistent routines and using sleepwear that prioritizes comfort and safety, you can help your baby adjust more easily through each phase.