Baby Sleep Calculator

Sleep needs by age: Newborn (0-3 months): 14-17 hours total, 4-6 months: 12-16 hours (night sleep consolidating), 6-12 months: 12-15 hours (2-3 naps), 12-18 months: 11-14 hours (1-2 naps), 18-24 months: 11-14 hours (1 nap). Individual variation is normal. Watch for sleep cues: Yawning, eye rubbing, fussiness, staring. Overtired babies have harder time falling asleep. Track patterns for 3-5 days to establish routine.

Wake windows = time baby can handle being awake between sleeps. Too long → overtired → poor sleep. Newborn: 45-60 min, 2 months: 60-90 min, 3-4 months: 75-120 min, 5-6 months: 2-3 hours, 7-8 months: 2.5-3.5 hours, 9-12 months: 3-4 hours, 12+ months: 4-6 hours. Start tracking from when baby FULLY wakes up. When wake window approaching, start nap routine. Consistent wake windows help regulate circadian rhythm.

Creating schedule: 1) Track current patterns for 3-5 days (sleep/wake times, durations, mood). 2) Note age-appropriate wake windows and total sleep needs. 3) Set consistent wake time (7-8am ideal). 4) Schedule naps based on wake windows from morning wake. 5) Ensure bedtime allows adequate night sleep (12-13 hours for babies). 6) Create bedtime routine (bath, book, feeding, lullaby - 20-30 min). 7) Keep consistent for 1-2 weeks. Adjust as baby grows. Flexibility okay for occasional disruptions.

Common reasons: Age-appropriate (under 6 months often wake for feeds), hunger (growth spurts, not enough daytime calories), overtiredness (too long wake windows, skipped naps), undertiredness (too much daytime sleep), sleep associations (needs feeding/rocking to fall asleep), discomfort (teething, illness, wet diaper), developmental milestones (rolling, crawling disrupts sleep temporarily). Solutions: Age-appropriate schedule, full feeds during day, consistent bedtime routine, independent sleep skills, comfortable environment (cool, dark, white noise). Consult pediatrician if concerns persist.