SLEEP 3-6 MONTHS

How do I put my baby to sleep? (3–6 Months)

Babies 3–6 months are starting to develop more predictable sleep patterns, but they still need lots of support to settle. The American Academy of Pediatrics reminds caregivers that every baby is different, some need more help, some less, and both are normal.

Here’s what can help:

Watch your baby’s sleepy cues

Babies this age usually stay awake 1.5–2.5 hours at a time before needing sleep again.

Early signs include:

  • Rubbing eyes
  • Yawning
  • Looking away or zoning out
  • Fussing gently
  • Losing interest in play

Catching these cues early makes falling asleep much easier.

Create a short, calming routine

A predictable routine helps your baby relax and know sleep is coming.

Try:

  • Dimming the lights
  • Quiet time or gentle rocking
  • Soft singing or white noise
  • Putting on a sleep sack
  • A short feed if they’re hungry

Keep it simple 1–3 minutes is enough.

Use a sleep sack instead of blankets

As babies start rolling and moving more, the AAP recommends sleep sacks to keep them warm safely.

Avoid:

  • Loose blankets
  • Hats
  • Pillows
  • Positioners

Add white noise:

White noise can help babies settle by blocking out distracting sounds. Use it at a low volume, as suggested by the AAP.

Good options:

  • A sound machine
  • A fan
  • Gentle “shhh” sounds

Offer a feed if they show hunger cues

At 3–6 months, it’s still normal for babies to feed before sleep.
Hunger cues include:

  • Rooting
  • Sucking motions
  • Bringing hands to mouth

Feeding-to-sleep is still very normal at this age.

Put baby down safely

Place your baby:

  • On their back
  • On a firm, flat sleep surface
  • In a crib, bassinet, or play yard

Expect some night waking

Many babies this age still wake once or twice at night, especially if:

  • They are going through a growth spurt
  • They are teething
  • They are learning a new skill (rolling, grabbing, laughing!)

This is healthy and normal.

Comfort is never “spoiling”

Responding to your baby by rocking, feeding, patting, holding helps them feel safe and learn to settle over time.
You are not creating bad habits.

Putting a 3–6 month-old to sleep is about timing, comfort, and safety.

Watch their cues, keep routines gentle, and know that sleep is still a work in progress at this age. 

Citation: 

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023). Baby sleep basics.

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023). Sleep sacks and safe sleep

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023). White noise machines and infants.

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023). Back to sleep, tummy to play.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Infant sleep and routines.

How long should my baby be sleeping? (3–6 Months)

Between 3–6 months, most babies start developing more of a day–night rhythm, but sleep can still vary a lot. The American Academy of Pediatrics explains that babies this age are learning to link sleep cycles and may begin stretching their nighttime sleep.

Every baby is different these numbers are ranges, not rules.

Total sleep in 24 hours:

Most babies 3–6 months sleep around 12–16 hours in a full day.
This includes both daytime naps and nighttime sleep

Nighttime sleep:

Many babies sleep 6–8 hour stretches, sometimes longer.
However, it is still normal for babies to wake once or twice to feed.

Night feedings may continue when:

  • Baby is growing fast
  • Baby is breastfed (milk digests more quickly)
  • Baby is sick, teething, or learning a new skill

The AAP notes that sleep becomes more consistent closer to 5–6 months

Daytime naps

Most babies take 3–4 naps per day, usually adding up to 3–4 hours of daytime sleep.

Common nap patterns:

  • Younger end (3–4 months): 4 naps
  • Older end (5–6 months): 3 naps

Nap length varies from 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Typical wake windows

Wake windows get longer around this age.
Average ranges are:

  • 3 months: 1–1.5 hours
  • 4 months: 1.5–2 hours
  • 5 months: 2–2.5 hours
  • 6 months: 2–2.5+ hours

Signs your baby is ready for sleep:

  • Rubbing eyes
  • Staring off
  • Fussiness
  • Losing interest in play
  • Yawning

Responding early can make naps smoother.

What’s normal at this age?

It’s normal for babies to:

  • Still wake at night
  • Need help falling asleep sometimes
  • Have short nap days and long nap days
  • Go through sleep regressions (especially around 4 months)

The CDC reminds parents that sleep patterns shift often during growth and development.

Most babies this age sleep around 12–16 hours per day, with longer stretches at night and 3–4 naps during the day.

If your baby is growing well, alert when awake, and generally content, they are likely getting the sleep they need.

Citations:

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023). Baby sleep basics.

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023). Back to sleep, tummy to play.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Infant sleep and routines.

National Sleep Foundation. (2023). Sleep duration recommendations.

World Health Organization. (2023). Infant well-being and daily routines.