ELI5: Baby Sleep Basics
Newborns don't know day from night - they just eat, sleep, and poop! Their sleep patterns slowly develop over the first year. You're not doing anything wrong if your baby doesn't sleep through the night!
TL;DR: Most babies don't sleep through the night until 6+ months. Safe sleep on their back is #1 priority!
📊 Sleep by Age
- Newborn (0-3 months): 14-17 hours/day, in 2-4 hour chunks
- 3-6 months: 13-15 hours/day, maybe longer stretches at night
- 6-12 months: 12-14 hours/day, many start sleeping through night
- 1-2 years: 11-14 hours/day, usually one nap
Fun fact: "Sleeping through the night" for babies usually means 6-8 hours, not 12!
🛏️ Safe Sleep Guidelines
Follow the ABCs of safe sleep:
- A - Alone: Baby in their own sleep space
- B - Back: Always on their back to sleep
- C - Crib: Firm mattress, fitted sheet, no blankets or pillows
Room sharing (not bed sharing) is recommended for first 6-12 months!
⏰ When to Start
- Most methods work around 4-6 months
- Baby should be healthy and gaining weight
- No need to sleep train at all if it doesn't feel right
- Some families never formally sleep train
Bottom line: Sleep training is a personal choice. It's okay to wait, and it's okay not to do it!
💜 For Exhausted Parents
This phase is temporary. Babies eventually sleep more. It feels endless now, but:
- Most sleep issues resolve by age 2-3
- You're not failing - you're surviving!
- Ask for help if you need it
- Take turns with night duties if possible
- Remember: this too shall pass!