Understanding Baby Sleep Cycles: What to Expect in the First Year
A breakdown of baby sleep cycles, developmental milestones, and tips for improving sleep through each stage.
Babies have unique sleep patterns that are quite different from adults. Understanding these patterns can help set realistic expectations and improve sleep for both you and your baby. Unlike adults, who go through longer sleep cycles, newborns typically experience shorter cycles, which is why they wake up more frequently.
How Baby Sleep Cycles Differ from Adult Sleep
Newborns have two main stages of sleep: active sleep and quiet sleep.
- Active Sleep (REM Sleep): During active sleep, babies may move, make small noises, or even flutter their eyes. This is also the stage where dreams are most likely to occur. Babies spend about half of their sleep in the REM stage, which is essential for brain development.
- Quiet Sleep (Non-REM Sleep): Quiet sleep is a deeper sleep state where babies are usually still. It's restorative and supports growth and development.
By about six months, most babies start to develop more adult-like sleep cycles, moving through different stages of non-REM sleep followed by REM.
Newborn to Three Months: Short and Frequent Sleep Cycles
Newborns spend the majority of their day sleeping, often between 14–17 hours in total, though they typically sleep in short stretches of 2–4 hours. At this stage, it's normal for babies to wake frequently to eat, as their tiny stomachs don't hold much food.
Tips for This Stage:
- Create a consistent bedtime routine, even if it's brief.
- Use swaddling and white noise to help soothe your baby to sleep.
- Respond to your baby's cues to avoid overtiredness, which can make it harder for them to settle.
Three to Six Months: Longer Sleep Stretches Begin
Around three months, many babies begin to sleep for longer stretches, often 4–6 hours at a time. They may also start having longer naps during the day, with about 3–4 hours of total daytime sleep.
Tips for This Stage:
- Introduce a bedtime routine that includes calming activities like a bath or lullaby.
- Encourage your baby to sleep in their crib or bassinet to help them learn to settle in their own sleep space.
- Try to establish a more regular sleep schedule, aiming for bedtime around the same time each evening.
Six to Nine Months: Moving Toward a Regular Sleep Pattern
At six months, many babies start to sleep for longer periods at night, sometimes 6–8 hours or more, and may take 2–3 naps during the day. However, it's also common for babies to experience sleep disruptions due to growth spurts and developmental milestones like rolling over, sitting up, and teething.
Tips for This Stage:
- Stick to a regular bedtime and nap schedule as much as possible.
- Continue to use white noise or soft music to create a calming sleep environment.
- Be patient with nighttime awakenings due to teething or developmental changes, and provide comfort as needed.
Nine to Twelve Months: Consolidating Sleep Patterns
Between nine and twelve months, babies often start sleeping through the night, though some may still wake for a feeding. Daytime sleep typically consolidates into two naps, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
Tips for This Stage:
- Maintain a consistent nap and bedtime routine to reinforce good sleep habits.
- Avoid overstimulation before bedtime to help your baby wind down more easily.
- Consider introducing a comfort object, like a small blanket or soft toy, if your baby seems ready.
Track Sleep Cycles with Sprout Baby
Stay Informed on Your Baby's Sleep Patterns
With Sprout Baby, you can log sleep sessions, monitor changes, and better understand your baby's sleep cycles as they grow. Make adjustments to support better sleep for everyone.
Helping Your Baby Transition Between Sleep Cycles
Many babies wake briefly as they move between sleep cycles. Here are some gentle techniques to help them resettle on their own:
- Pause Before Responding: Give your baby a few moments to see if they can settle back to sleep on their own.
- Offer Gentle Reassurance: A gentle pat or soothing shushing sound can help your baby feel secure without fully waking them.
- Encourage Self-Soothing: If your baby is old enough, allow them to try self-soothing techniques, like sucking their thumb or holding a small comfort object.
Understanding and Supporting Your Baby's Sleep Cycles
Understanding your baby's sleep cycles and developmental sleep stages can help set realistic expectations and create a peaceful sleep environment. By supporting your baby's sleep needs at each stage, you can help them develop healthy sleep habits that will benefit them as they grow.
Sources
- HealthyChildren.org – Stages of Newborn Sleep: Information on sleep phases in newborns.
- HealthyChildren.org – Sleep: Comprehensive guide on sleep patterns and tips for infants.
- CDC – Important Milestones: Your Baby By One Year: Developmental milestones, including sleep patterns, for the first year.
Note: The content on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, pediatrician, or other qualified health provider with any questions or concerns you may have.
Track Your Baby’s Sleep with Sprout Baby
Establishing a sleep routine can be challenging, but tracking your baby’s sleep patterns can make it easier. The Sprout Baby app lets you log your baby’s sleep, feeding, and other activities to help you spot trends and build a consistent routine.