Sleep for babies and toddlers

Babies and toddlers

Sleep is important for your baby’s growth and development, especially for their rapidly developing brain. Each baby’s sleep pattern will be different, depending on their personality and temperament.

Infants have shorter sleep cycles than adults (about 60 minutes), and they may wake up as they move from one sleep cycle to the next.

Each sleep cycle includes periods of active and quiet sleep. During quiet sleep, a baby’s body is still with regular breathing. During active sleep, a baby’s eyes and body may twitch and breathing is irregular. You don’t need to respond to these movements unless your baby wakes up.

Babies less than three months of age

May sleep from 14 to 17 hours during a 24-hour period.
Usually wake every two to three hours to feed.
Have irregular sleep patterns and may sleep at any time of the day or night.
Spend a lot of time in active sleep and may move, grunt, and twitch during sleep.

Babies three to six months

May sleep 12 to 16 hours during a 24-hour period, including naps,
Continue to wake frequently to feed.
May have a more regular sleep pattern, with more time spent in quiet sleep.
May begin to stay awake longer during the day and sleep for longer stretches at night.

Babies six to 12 months

May sleep 12 to 16 hours during a 24-hour period, including naps.
May still wake during the night to feed.
May develop a more regular sleep routine.
May transition from many short naps to fewer, longer naps.

Toddlers one to two years of age

May sleep for 11 to 14 hours during a 24-hour period, including naps.
May have consistent bedtimes and wake-up times.
May have one to two regular naps a day.

Lack of sleep can be one of the most challenging parts of being a new parent. Developing healthy sleep practices from birth can help both babies and caregivers to sleep better.

Signs your baby is tired

Learn the cues that your baby is tired and respond promptly to prevent your baby from becoming over-tired. An over-tired baby can be harder to settle. Tired cues include:

Yawning.
Jerky movements or tight fists.
Becoming quiet or not wanting to play.
Fussing, crying, or facial grimacing.
Rubbing their eyes.

Helping your baby sleep

It takes time for infants to develop a circadian rhythm cycle (having more awake time during the day and sleeping more at night). Parents and caregivers can help their baby develop healthy sleep habits right from birth. Try these tips when putting your baby to sleep:

Allow natural sunlight into the home during the day and keep the lights low at night. This will help your baby learn the difference between day and night.
Start a calming bedtime routine with your baby, including things such as reading a story, bath time, baby massage, singing or rocking. Stay consistent and over time babies may learn that the routine and their crib mean it is time for sleep.
Some babies may need more help than others to fall asleep. Try feeding, rocking, singing, shushing, or patting to help soothe your baby.

Helping your baby nap

Napping helps a baby to sleep better at night. Keeping your baby awake during the day will not help your baby sleep longer at night. Some babies nap as little as 20 minutes, while others may nap for three or more hours. Both are normal. Try these tips to help your baby nap:

It may be helpful to use a shorter version of your baby’s bedtime routine before a nap, for example, a short story and cuddle.
Whenever possible, place your baby to sleep in the same place for daytime napping and night-time sleeping.

Healthy sleep habits for parents and caregivers

It’s important to take care of yourself. Here are some tips to help sleep happen more easily:

Start a relaxing bedtime routine and make sleep a priority.
Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and screen-use before bed.
Ask a friend or family member to help you with meals, laundry, or cleaning.
Spend some time outside during the day.
Try to be physically active and eat well.
Cuddle your baby before bed.
Try meditation or deep breathing to relax.

Keeping your baby safe when sleeping

There are safe sleep guidelines that lower the risk of your baby dying or getting hurt while sleeping. Everyone who cares for your baby should be aware of these guidelines. They should follow them each time your baby is placed to sleep for nap-time and bedtime.

Health Canada has information about the safety of child sleep products.

My baby has started rolling over. Do I still need to put them on their back to sleep?

Around three to four months of age, your baby may start rolling over onto their tummy. You should continue to place your baby on their back to sleep. However, you do not need to reposition your baby onto their back if they roll over.

Can I spoil a crying baby by picking them up?

No - you cannot spoil a baby with too much love and comfort.

Babies cry to express their needs and to communicate with people around them. They are not yet able to comfort themselves or regulate their own emotions. Comforting your baby when they are upset teaches your baby that you will be there when they need you. This helps them feel safe.

There may be times when you can't settle your baby. This is a normal experience, but it can be frustrating. It’s okay to put your baby in a safe place such as their crib, take a short break, and ask for help from a friend or family member.

How do I prevent flat spots on my baby's head?

Some babies may develop a flattened area on the back or side of the head. This is called plagiocephaly. Follow these tips to help prevent flat spots:

Give your baby lots of supervised tummy and side lying time when your baby is awake. This helps develop strong neck, shoulder, and arm muscles. Find toys that your baby likes to play with on their tummy or side.
Switch which end of the crib you place your baby’s head at each day.
Avoid long periods in car seats, baby seats, and swings where your baby’s head is in the same position.

When will my child sleep through the night?

Babies require frequent feeding to grow and develop and they have shorter sleep cycles than adults. This results in night-time waking, which is a normal part of infancy. Babies will sleep through the night when they are developmentally ready to do so, and many children will wake up even as toddlers.

Babies who previously slept for longer stretches at night may start to wake more often again when they are:

teething,
not feeling well,
having a growth spurt, or
learning new skills such as language skills, rolling over, sitting up, or walking.

If your child wakes up and you don’t think they need to eat or have their diaper changed, you can try letting them self-soothe and return to sleep. Babies may try to soothe themselves by:

sucking on their fingers or hand,
changing position, or
paying attention to your voice.

If your baby or toddler does not go back to sleep and is upset, it is important to respond to them. If you are concerned about your baby’s sleep, speak with your health care provider.

Will giving solid foods help my baby sleep through the night?

Some people think their baby will sleep longer at night if they provide solid foods before the recommended age of six months. This has not been shown to be true. During the first six months of life, babies need only breastmilk or human milk or, if not breastfeeding or chestfeeding, infant formula. Your baby may not get enough protein, fat, or other nutrients, and may choke if they are not ready. At six months of age, most healthy, term babies will show signs of being ready for solid foods.