3-Month Sleep Schedule

Sleep cycles are changing. Around 3 months, cycles can get longer and some babies start having longer night stretches, such as 4 to 5 hours. Other babies still wake often and need feeding, cuddling, burping, or help moving into the next cycle. Both patterns can be normal when the baby is otherwise well.

Most 3-month-olds still need several daytime sleeps. Some are beginning to move toward 2 to 3 clearer naps, while others still take shorter, scattered sleeps. If one nap is only 30 minutes, the whole day has not failed. Watch the next wake window and use an earlier rest rather than forcing a perfect nap length.

Review wrapping now rather than waiting for a surprise roll. Pregnancy Birth and Baby says that once the startle reflex is gone, often around 3 months, babies can have their arms left uncovered, and wrapping should stop as soon as they show signs of trying to roll. A well-fitted arms-free sleep bag can be a safer next step for many households.

Naps and feeds often affect each other. A hungry baby may not settle, and an overtired baby may feed poorly. If the pattern is hard to read, start with the basics: offer a feed if it has been a while, check the nappy, reduce stimulation, and move toward sleep when tired signs continue.