If you’re a new parent, you’ve probably asked yourself at least once (or a hundred times): “Is my baby sleeping enough?”
You’re not alone. Baby sleep is one of the most common questions we hear from parents in the Woddle community, and for good reason. Sleep supports everything from growth to brain development, and understanding what’s “normal” can help ease a lot of stress during those early months.
Let’s walk through what to expect, what’s typical, and how you can support healthy sleep at each stage.
Why Sleep Matters So Much for Babies
Sleep isn’t just about rest; it's when babies grow, learn, and build the foundations for emotional and cognitive development. During sleep, your baby’s brain forms connections that help with motor skills, memory, and sensory development. So yes, all those naps really matter!
How Much Sleep Babies Need by Age
Newborns (0–3 months): 14–17 hours per day
Newborn sleep is unpredictable, and that’s completely normal. Newborns sleep in short stretches around the clock, typically 2–4 hours at a time.
What to expect:
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Lots of daytime naps
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Overnight wake-ups for feeding
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Irregular patterns (totally OK!)
Woddle Tip: Track your baby’s sleep patterns in the Woddle app to see trends over time and feel more in control during this “all-over-the-place” stage.
Infants (4–11 months): 12–16 hours per day
Around four months, many babies begin developing more consistent sleep-wake cycles.
What to expect:
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Longer nighttime stretches
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2–3 daytime naps
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A more predictable routine emerging
Woddle Tip: A wind-down routine (dim lights, quiet play, diaper change, feeding, then crib) helps cue your baby that sleep is coming.
1–2 Years: 11–14 hours per day
By this stage, most toddlers take 1–2 naps and sleep more reliably through the night.
What to expect:
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A longer consolidated nighttime sleep
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More physical activity during the day
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Naps that may shorten as they approach age two
Woddle Tip: Consistency is everything. Even if bedtime shifts a little, keeping the routine the same helps your toddler feel secure.
Signs Your Baby Is Getting Enough Sleep
Every baby is different, but in general, a well-rested baby will:
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Wake up alert and ready to feed
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Be generally content between naps
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Show predictable (even if imperfect!) patterns
If you notice extra fussiness, short naps, or frequent wake-ups, don’t panic. Babies hit developmental leaps, growth spurts, and teething: all of which can temporarily throw off sleep.
What if Your Baby Isn’t Sleeping “By the Book”?
It’s okay. Truly.
Sleep guidelines provide helpful ranges, but your baby may fall slightly above or below the averages, especially during growth spurts or regressions. If you ever have concerns, a pediatrician can help you determine whether your baby’s sleep habits are developmentally appropriate.
Remember:
There’s no such thing as a “perfect” sleeper. There’s just your baby—and you’re doing a great job learning together.
Supporting Healthy Sleep with Woddle
If you haven’t already, try tracking your baby’s naps and nighttime sleep in the Woddle Baby app. You can log:
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Total daily sleep
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Nap lengths
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Bedtime routines
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Wake-up windows
Having everything in one place helps you notice patterns, make gentle adjustments, and feel more confident in your baby’s sleep journey.
As a new parent, it’s completely normal to worry about sleep, after all, sleep affects the entire household. Remember that “normal” covers a wide range, and babies grow and adjust quickly. With a little patience, observation, and the right tools, you’ll start to understand your baby’s unique rhythm.
You’ve got this, and Woddle is here for every step (and every nap).
Share Your Parenting Story
We invite you to share your parenting story with us! Let's create a supportive space where we can celebrate the joys and triumphs of parenthood while offering encouragement to one another during challenging times. Get in touch with us at love@reservewoddle.com