Your Baby's Ideal Bedtime By Age: A Guide For Parents

Picture of Robyn Rosenblum, MD, FAAP Medically reviewed by
Robyn Rosenblum, MD, FAAP
Picture of Michael Rothbard

baby's bedtime

With a baby in your home, sleep is a hot topic. Even though you might not be getting much shut-eye these days, remember that your little one needs lots of sleep to stay healthy and happy. You may need to adjust your baby’s bedtime to help them get the sleep they need.

In this article, we’ll help you calculate your baby’s ideal bedtime based on their age and sleep needs. Then, we’ll offer a few tips to help your little one doze off. After all, knowing what time your baby should go to bed doesn’t mean it’s always easy to get them to sleep!

Key Takeaways

Key Takeaways:

  1. Takeaway #1: Your baby’s ideal bedtime depends on how much sleep they need as well as your family’s schedule.
  2. Takeaway #2: Newborns need around 16 to 18 hours of sleep in every 24-hour period, while babies four to 12 months old need between 12 and 16 hours.
  3. Takeaway #3: Once your baby reaches the one-year mark, the AASM recommends 11 to 14 hours of sleep, including naps.
  4. Takeaway #4: Following safe sleep guidelines and providing a comfortable sleep space can help your baby get the rest they need.

Your baby’s bedtime by age 

Mom putting baby to sleep

Plenty of sleep is essential for healthy babies. While you might be able to get by on just a few hours of sleep (hello, parenthood), keep in mind that babies and children need more sleep than adults.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says that regular sleep deprivation in kids can cause a cranky day as well as behavioral and health problems, such as difficulty concentrating, hypertension, obesity, headaches, and depression.

On the flip side, sufficient sleep is good for the immune system, school performance, and mental health.

So, what about your baby?

The amount of sleep your baby needs depends on their age. And the amount of sleep they need should determine their bedtime.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) made recommendations regarding how many hours of sleep children need based on their age. These recommendations have been endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and they’re what we stick to as well.

Since we don’t know your schedule, we can’t tell you exactly what time your baby should go to bed. But below, we’ll give you the information you need to calculate your baby’s bedtime according to what time you’re up and at ‘em in the morning.

Newborn sleep

Let’s talk about newborn sleep. The truth is, there’s not necessarily an ideal bedtime for newborns for two reasons.

First, their body has not yet developed a circadian rhythm. This is the internal clock that helps us differentiate day from night and know when we should be awake and asleep. Babies develop a circadian rhythm around three months of age.

Second, your newborn needs to eat quite often! Because of that, they don’t usually sleep for longer than two to four hours at a time.

Newborns won’t really get into a sleep pattern, and that’s OK. At this stage, keep them comfortable, well-fed, and freshly diapered when they’re not sleeping, and your baby is good to go.

Since they’re fresh out of the womb, make them feel secure as they snooze by wrapping your little one in an organic swaddle blanket.

How many hours do newborns actually sleep? Around 16 or 18 hours in every 24-hour period. For more information about your newborn’s sleep schedule and patterns, click here.

Your baby’s bedtime: 4 to 12 months old 

baby's bedtime

The AASM recommends that babies between four months and one year old sleep for 12 to 16 hours a day, including naps. This means if your baby naps for two hours during the day, they’ll need anywhere between 10 and 14 hours of sleep that night.

Part of knowing your baby’s ideal bedtime is getting to know your little one. Since every baby is different, your baby might need more or less sleep than the next baby to be happy, alert, and healthy.

As you get an idea of exactly how much rest your baby needs, calculate their bedtime based on the number of hours of sleep they need along with the time they typically wake up or the time you have to wake them up.

If you know your baby needs 12 hours of sleep at night and you get them up at 7:00 a.m. in order to get out of the house, your little one should be drifting off by 7:00 p.m.

Your baby’s bedtime: 1 to 2 years old

For little ones from one to two years old, the AASM recommends 11 to 14 hours of sleep, including naps.

Keep in mind that as your baby gets older, they will nap less often. This means they’re getting less sleep during the day. Your one-year-old might be napping twice a day, but by the time they’re two, your baby is probably only taking one midday snooze.

Just as we mentioned earlier, take their nap schedule into account when planning your baby’s bedtime. This is especially important as your baby’s daytime sleep decreases.

If your baby has a bad day and doesn’t nap as they normally do, don’t be afraid of an early bedtime —  even as early as 6:00 p.m.! When it comes to bedtime, earlier is almost always better than later.

Think about what time you have to get your toddler up for daycare (or whatever your days hold) and calculate their bedtime back.

Remember that bedtime is the time they fall asleep, which means the bedtime routine should start well before the time that your baby needs to be dozing off.

Tips to promote healthy sleep

Now you have a better idea of what time to put your baby to sleep to get the beauty rest they need. But — and this is a big but! — knowing what time your baby should go to bed doesn’t mean they will fall asleep without a fight.

So, we’d like to leave you with a few tips to promote healthy sleep and help your baby drift off to dreamland when the time comes.

Set a good example.

Before we jump into tips that apply directly to your baby, the first tip has to do with you. As with all things in life, it’s important to set a good example for your kids.

Create a healthy culture of sleep in your home. Set limits for your older kids when it comes to sleep and bedtime, and put yourself to bed, too!

Don’t keep your baby up.

You might keep your baby up late sometimes, assuming that an overtired baby will sleep soundly all night. That’s not necessarily true, and your well-laid plan might even backfire on you.

An overtired baby can actually have more trouble going to sleep once they finally get to bed.

Watch for your baby’s sleep cues.

Instead of pushing your baby to stay awake, watch for their sleep cues and put them to bed when they’re tired. Sleep cues are the signs that your baby is ready to sleep and can include yawning, rubbing their eyes, staring off into space, and becoming less interactive.

What about crying? It’s a late sleep cue. Don’t wait until your baby is crying to start the bedtime routine!

Create a soothing environment. 

baby's bedtime

Create a soothing environment to help your baby relax and fall asleep.  Here are some tips to ensure your baby’s nursery is optimized for their zzzs.

The crib mattress

First of all, outfit your little one’s crib with a comfortable yet safe mattress, such as our 100% breathable Crib Mattress.

This washable crib mattress is five and a half inches thick and features a soft, quilted removable cover. The Wovenaire Core inside provides just the right firmness to keep babies safe and is comfy enough for toddlers.

The lighting

When it’s baby’s bedtime, make sure their nursery is dark. Once they pass the newborn stage, any light might throw off their circadian rhythm and make it harder for them to sleep. Blackout curtains or blinds can help.

The temperature

It’s impossible to sleep if you’re too hot, and for babies (who don’t thermoregulate yet), that’s even more true. Adjust the thermostat as needed; 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit is optimal for sleep.

The crib

If your baby is under 12 months old, don’t put them down to sleep with a blanket, and keep the crib free of toys. Bumpers are also a no-no. All of these are choking or strangulation hazards.

What should go in your baby’s bed? Only a fitted sheet and your little one. It’s bedtime, not playtime, and the crib should be a safe space to snooze. Newton's Breathable, Organic Cotton Sheets are hypoallergenic, machine-washable, and designed to fit any standard size crib.

The noise level

Of course, if it’s noisy, it will be hard for your little one to get their much-needed sleep. When it’s baby’s bedtime, the whole household should quiet down. You don’t want your baby to stay up worrying that they’re missing out on something fun!

That being said, you can be quiet as a church mouse, but you can’t control outside noises. Consider investing in a white noise machine to drown out any unwanted noise, inside or outside, and keep baby sleeping like, well, a baby.

The humidity

If your baby’s room is too dry, it’s going to be harder for them to fall asleep. A humidifier will add moisture to the air to keep them more comfortable. Aim for 30%-50% humidity, and never let it get beyond 60% or you risk bacteria and mold growth.

Click here to continue reading about how to create the perfect sleep environment for your baby.

Stick to a bedtime routine.

Kids thrive on routine, and this principle applies to your baby’s bedtime. Create a bedtime routine — it could include activities like taking a bath, reading a book, and a goodnight kiss — and stick to it.

A routine will help your baby clue into the fact that it’s time to wind down and go to sleep.

Limit nighttime screen use.

You may have heard that you should limit screen time at night. That’s true, and it goes for your little one as well. If your baby or toddler watches videos or movies, do away with all screens at least one hour before you put them to bed.

Practice safe sleep.

Last but certainly not least, look out for your little one while they rest by following safe sleep guidelines. Not sure what that entails? Click here to find out.

Last but certainly not least, look out for your little one while they rest by following safe sleep guidelines. Not sure what that entails? Here are some things to keep in mind.

1) Put baby to sleep on their back.

When you put your baby down for a nap or at night, lay them in their crib on their back. Placing them on their side or stomach is dangerous, as young infants do not yet have the head and neck control to flip over.

Somewhere around three to six months, however — especially with lots of tummy time practice — they’ll start building the muscles needed to turn over and back.

At this point, you’ll still want to put them down on their back, but if they flip over in the night, you don’t have to worry. By now they’re strong enough to right themselves on their own.

2) Only allow baby to sleep in a safe-sleep space.

Babies have a tendency to fall asleep in all sorts of places —- a bouncer, a swing, or in your arms after a feeding. Although it seems harmless, letting them sleep in these places can be dangerous.

In fact, there are only three places considered safe enough for a baby to get their shuteye: the crib, travel crib, and bassinet. If your little one falls asleep anywhere else, as soon as you notice, pick them up and place them on a safe sleep surface.

3) Don’t bed-share.

When it’s baby’s bedtime, it might be tempting to let them sleep in the bed with you, but resist that urge because it’s dangerous. The blankets, sheets, and pillows on your bed are all suffocation hazards, plus, a baby needs a firmer mattress to stay safe.

4) Do room-share.

Pregnant mom laying in bed

Although you must say no to bed-sharing, sharing a room is a wholehearted yes! The AAP recommends sharing a room with your newborn for at least the first six months or, even better, year.

Sharing a room is not only good for bonding, but it also allows you to feed your baby easily and keep a good eye on them so you’re sure they’re safe and comfortable. Set up a bassinet next to the bed, or if space allows, place your baby’s crib in the room.

5) Choose a safe crib.

It goes without saying that you should choose a safe crib, but what does that exactly mean? A safe crib has slats that are 2 ⅜ inches wide or less and has no decorative cut outs. It also shouldn’t have corner pieces that could snag a piece of clothing; corner pieces should be flush with the rest of the crib side or extra tall.

Generally speaking, new cribs will have been designed to follow the most recent laws and regulations and should not be an issue (though it’s smart to check anyway).

However, if you’re shopping on the second-hand market or if a friend or family member is handing down a crib, it’s essential to check that it complies with the latest regulations.

6) Assemble the crib correctly and maintain it.

Of course, even if the crib itself is safe, that’s only half the battle. You also have to assemble it properly. Carefully follow the directions and tighten all screws and bolts. It’s good practice to check the screws periodically and re-tighten as needed.

Mom putting together a crib

Most cribs are adjustable, so as your baby grows, you’ll be lowering the base of the crib periodically. Keep the instructions somewhere convenient so you adjust the crib correctly.

7) Make sure the crib mattress is properly fitted.

Another key to safe sleep for your little one is a properly fitting mattress. If your crib is standard size, then you should look for a standard-sized crib mattress, protector, and fitted sheets.

If you want to be sure your mattress is right for your crib, conduct a “two finger test.” Simply stick two fingers between the mattress and the side of the crib. If the gap is greater than your two fingers, your mattress is too small for the crib and can pose a danger.

8) Set the crib up away from hazards.

Another thing you need to think about to keep baby safe in their crib is the crib’s placement in the room. First, the crib should never be placed next to a window, as the direct sunlight could overheat your baby, or the draft could make them too cold.

You’ll probably also have blinds or curtains on the window, which are often operated by pulls that pose a strangulation hazard. 

In addition to placing the crib away from the window, you also want to keep it away from a radiator or heater for obvious reasons.

Other hazards to avoid are shelves, any corded gadgets like a baby monitor, or artwork over the bed. Anything within reach of the crib can be an accident waiting to happen. It’s best that the crib is placed three feet or more away from any of the aforementioned hazards.

9) Dress baby in a swaddle, sleep sack, or snug-fit PJs.

When it comes to dressing your little one for bed, you want to be sure they’re comfortable and safe. As you should not have a blanket in the crib until after your baby is 12 months, keep them warm by using a swaddle or dressing them in a sleep sack.

Swaddles can be used until your little one shows signs of turning over. Once they do, switch to a sleep sack, which is a sleeveless sleeping bag that leaves baby’s arms and legs free. Of course, a snug pair of PJs is also a good choice for bedtime.

If their bedtime attire is a sleep sack, make sure you’ve chosen the right TOG, or Thermal Overall Grade, for the temperature. If the temperature is set at 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit, a TOG of 1.0 to 2.5 is appropriate. If it’s colder than that, choose a TOG of 2.5 to 3.5.

Whatever you dress them in for bed, it’s important to make sure that your baby is not too hot or too cold when they sleep. They should only be dressed in one layer more than you would be comfortable in. Opt for natural, breathable materials, like cotton.

Another important note: Never put your baby to bed in a hat, as this can make them overheat.

10) Practice tummy time.

baby practicing tummy time

The more strength your baby has in their neck, the better their head and neck control. Give your little one plenty of practice by doing daily tummy time to strengthen those muscles.

11) Breastfeed if you can.

The AAP notes that breastfed babies are 50% less likely to get SIDS; they recommend breastfeeding for at least the first six months.

If you used our Pregnancy Pillow while baby was in utero, keep in mind that it also works as a great feeding pillow once your baby is born because it’s made of supportive memory foam and has a removable cotton cover for washing.

12) Give your baby a pacifier.

According to the AAP, giving your baby a pacifier is another way to cut down the risk of SIDS. Non-nutritive sucking can also help your baby fall asleep faster. Be sure that the pacifier is one piece and does not have anything attached to it.

Also, as pacifiers are sized, select one appropriate for your baby’s age.

13) Keep your home smoke-free.

Smoking is bad not only for your health but also your baby’s. Exposure to smoking or vaping increases a baby’s risk of getting SIDS. Stay smoke-free for everyone’s health.

Your baby’s bedtime and the sleep they need 

Baby laying on back in a crib

Babies snooze a lot. They need plenty of sleep for all the growing they’re doing! By establishing your baby’s bedtime, you can help them regulate their sleep-wake cycle and develop exactly how their little body needs.

Keep in mind that your baby’s bedtime is based on how many hours of sleep little ones need: 12 to 16 hours a day for babies four months to one year old and 11 to 14 hours for little ones that are one to two years old.

To calculate their bedtime, subtract the time they nap from the total hours of sleep they need and work backward from their wake-up time. No matter what time you put your baby to bed, follow our tips for healthy sleep and put your baby to sleep on a Newton Crib Mattress.

With the right bedtime, along with a soothing, calming environment, your baby can get the sleep they need to grow big and strong!

About the Contributors

Picture of Robyn Rosenblum, MD, FAAP

Medically reviewed by Robyn Rosenblum, MD, FAAP

Robyn Rosenblum is a general pediatrician with over 20 years of clinical experience. Her special interests include medical education and quality improvement. She is currently the Medical Director of a multispecialty practice in New York City where she also holds the positions of Director of Pediatric Continuing Medical Education and Director of Medical Student Education.

Picture of Michael Rothbard

Written by Michael Rothbard

Michael Rothbard is a lifelong entrepreneur in the sleep and wellness space. At the age of 23, Rothbard started Comfort Sleeper, which became the largest supplier in the US of specialty sleep products. In 2006, Rothbard and Chris Ann Ernst, founded Sleep Studio and then the same duo went on to form Newton. Rothbard received a bachelor’s degree in finance from Florida State University.