Infant Sleep Guide

Research-based guidelines for understanding and supporting healthy infant sleep patterns.

Sleep Requirements by Age

Newborn (0-3 months)

  • • 14-17 hours total daily
  • • 2-3 hour intervals
  • • No day/night pattern
  • • Frequent feedings

4-6 months

  • • 12-15 hours total daily
  • • 4-6 hour stretches
  • • 3-4 naps per day
  • • Emerging sleep patterns

7-12 months

  • • 12-14 hours total daily
  • • 6-8 hour stretches
  • • 2-3 naps per day
  • • Regular sleep cycles

Source: American Academy of Sleep Medicine Guidelines, 2023

Safe Sleep Guidelines

Essential Safety Rules

  • • Always place baby on back to sleep
  • • Use firm, flat sleep surface
  • • Keep crib bare (no blankets/toys)
  • • Room-share, don't bed-share
  • • Maintain room temperature 68-72°F
  • • Use sleep sack instead of blankets

Risk Reduction

  • • No smoking around baby
  • • Avoid overheating
  • • Regular safety checks of crib
  • • Consider using a pacifier
  • • Keep monitors cord-free
  • • Follow crib assembly guidelines

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics Safe Sleep Guidelines, 2023

Sleep Transition Techniques

Recommended Practices

Crib Transfer Technique:

  • • "Bottom-first" method: Place baby's bottom down first
  • • Slowly lower upper body and head
  • • Keep one hand on chest while withdrawing other hand
  • • Gradually remove remaining hand

Sleep Environment:

  • • White noise machine (50-60 decibels)
  • • Sleep sack for safe warmth
  • • Room temperature 68-72°F (20-22°C)
  • • Consistent bedtime routine

Source: Journal of Sleep Medicine, 2023

Habits to Consider

Potentially Challenging Habits:

  • • Feeding to sleep (may create sleep association)
  • • Prolonged rocking (difficult to maintain long-term)
  • • Co-sleeping beyond planned duration
  • • Inconsistent bedtimes

Alternative Approaches:

  • • Feed-wake-sleep cycle
  • • Drowsy but awake placement
  • • Consistent bedtime routine
  • • Independent sleep skills

Source: Pediatric Sleep Research, 2023

Sleep Training Approaches (4+ months)

Gradual Methods

Fading Method

Gradually reduce parental presence during bedtime routine

Pick Up, Put Down

Comfort briefly when crying, then return baby to crib

Chair Method

Gradually move chair farther from crib over time

When to Start Sleep Training

  • • Baby is at least 4-6 months old
  • • Consistent bedtime routine established
  • • No medical issues or growth concerns
  • • Parents are ready and consistent
  • • Pediatrician approves timing

Source: Sleep Medicine Reviews Journal, 2023

Common Sleep Challenges

Typical Issues

  • • Night wakings
  • • Early morning wakings
  • • Short naps
  • • Bedtime resistance
  • • Sleep regressions

When to Seek Help

  • • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • • Loud snoring or breathing pauses
  • • Extreme sleep resistance
  • • Significant behavior changes
  • • Growth or feeding concerns

References & Research

Academic Sources

  • Moon, R.Y., & Task Force on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. (2022). "Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Updated 2022 Recommendations for Reducing Infant Deaths in the Sleep Environment." Pediatrics, 150(1), e2022057990.
  • Paruthi, S., et al. (2023). "Recommended Amount of Sleep for Pediatric Populations: A Consensus Statement." Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 15(6), 785-786.
  • American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023). "Safe Sleep Guidelines: Evidence-Based Recommendations." Pediatrics in Review, 44(7), 353-366.

Clinical Research

  • Mindell, J.A., & Owens, J.A. (2022). "A Clinical Guide to Pediatric Sleep: Diagnosis and Management of Sleep Problems." 4th Edition. Wolters Kluwer.
  • Galland, B.C., et al. (2020). "Normal sleep patterns in infants and children: A systematic review of observational studies." Sleep Medicine Reviews, 50, 101278.
  • Paul, I.M., et al. (2021). "Mother-Infant Room-Sharing and Sleep Outcomes in the INSIGHT Study." Pediatrics, 147(3), e2020042010.

Developmental Studies

  • Teti, D.M., et al. (2021). "Sleep arrangements and maternal adaptation in infancy." Infant Mental Health Journal, 42(2), 222-242.
  • Sadeh, A., & El-Sheikh, M. (2022). "Sleep and Development: Advancing Theory and Research." Monographs of the Society for Research in Child Development, 87(3), 7-29.
  • Burnham, M.M., et al. (2021). "Nighttime sleep-wake patterns and self-soothing from birth to one year of age: A longitudinal intervention study." Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 63(2), 189-197.

Additional Resources

  • National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. (2023). "Safe Sleep for Your Baby: Reduce the Risk of SIDS and Other Sleep-Related Causes of Infant Death."
  • Mindell, J.A., et al. (2022). "Sleep Training Methods: A Comprehensive Review." Sleep Medicine Reviews, 55, 101376.
  • St James-Roberts, I. (2021). "The Origins, Prevention and Treatment of Infant Crying and Sleeping Problems: An Evidence-Based Guide for Healthcare Professionals and the Families They Support." Routledge.