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Baby sleep guide · United Kingdom

Baby sleep: patterns, cycles and age-by-age expectations

Your baby’s sleep changes a great deal in the first two years. What works one week may change as they develop, drop a nap or start waking more often.

Key takeawayA calm overview of what's typical for babies' sleep, what may make nights harder and when to seek medical advice.
baby sleepsleep cyclesbaby naps

How baby sleep develops

In the early weeks, sleep is spread across the whole day and night. Over time, the body clock matures, naps change and longer night stretches may appear.

What makes a difference to sleep at night?

The main factors are usually age-appropriate wake windows, total daytime sleep, how bedtime happens and whether your baby needs the same help between sleep cycles.

Night wakings are common

Brief waking between sleep cycles is normal. What varies is how often it happens, whether your baby needs feeding and whether they can settle back to sleep.

When to get medical advice

Seek professional advice for breathing issues, poor weight gain, pain, unusual vomiting, persistent fever or any sudden change that worries you.

Important: every baby's sleep is different. Avoid one-size-fits-all promises, and always put feeding, growth and safer sleep first.
Safer sleep reminder. For babies, use a firm, flat sleep surface and follow the latest safer sleep advice from the NHS and The Lullaby Trust.

What's affecting your baby's sleep?

The Petit Nuage Sleep quiz considers your baby's age, naps, night waking and how they settle, helping you work out what to focus on first.

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Frequently asked questions

How many hours should a baby sleep?

There are age-based ranges, but babies vary. Mood, feeding, growth and overall rhythm matter more than a single number.

Is it normal for babies to wake at night?

Yes. Many babies wake between cycles, especially when young. The pattern gradually changes with age.

Should I drop naps to improve night sleep?

Usually not. An overtired baby often sleeps worse, not better.

Reference sources: NHS baby sleep guidance · The Lullaby Trust safer sleep information. Last updated: 28 October 2026.