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Baby Sleep: The Complete Guide for Parents in 2026

A complete guide, based on pediatrics and sleep science, to understanding and supporting your baby's rest. Age-based cycles, safe environment, mattress selection, and routines that work.

Baby sleep is one of families' biggest concerns — and also one of the biggest sources of contradictory information. Every piece of advice generates an opposing one, leaving parents unsure of what to do.

This guide summarizes the current pediatric consensus in 2026 on sleep during the first 24 months. It addresses how long a baby sleeps at each stage, how to create a safe sleep environment, what matters in a crib mattress, and how to react to regressions. It does not replace your pediatrician — but it gives you the basis for more informed conversations.

Contents

  1. How much a baby sleeps at each stage
  2. Safe sleep environment: non-negotiable rules
  3. How to choose a crib mattress
  4. Sleep routine and wake windows
  5. Sleep regressions: what to expect
  6. Transition from crib to bed
  7. Frequently asked questions

1. How much a baby sleeps at each stage

References from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and National Sleep Foundation, updated for 2026:

Newborn (0-3 months)

14-17 hours a day, distributed in short naps of 2-4 hours. No defined day/night rhythm. Wakes frequently to feed. This phase is the most demanding for parents, and it's normal.

Infant (4-11 months)

12-15 hours a day. A rhythm begins to form: longer night (8-10h, with awakenings) + 2-4 naps during the day. At 4-6 months, many babies start to sleep 5-6 hours straight.

1 to 2 years

11-14 hours a day. Night stabilized at 10-12 hours + 1-2 naps. As they approach 2 years, many transition to just 1 long nap in the afternoon.

2 to 5 years

10-13 hours a day. Single night of 10-12 hours. Nap optional at 3-4 years, generally abandoned by 5.

These are averages. Some babies sleep in the upper range, others in the lower range. What matters is the baby waking up refreshed and growing normally.

2. Safe sleep environment: non-negotiable rules

The Portuguese Directorate-General of Health and the American Academy of Pediatrics have clear recommendations to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). These are not suggestions — they are safety rules.

1. Always on their back to sleep

Until the first year of life, the baby should be placed to sleep on their back. Reduces SIDS risk by more than 50%. Even during short naps.

2. Firm surface

The crib mattress must be firm. Babies should not sleep on soft surfaces (pillows, sofas, adult mattresses, sofa beds). See the next section on choosing a mattress.

3. Empty crib

No pillows, loose comforters, toys, or stuffed animals inside the crib during the first year. Only a fitted sheet and, if necessary, a sleep sack appropriate for the season.

4. Cool room (18-20°C)

Babies are more sensitive to overheating. Dress the baby in one less layer than you would be comfortable with.

5. Room-sharing, not bed-sharing

The current recommendation is for the baby to sleep in the same room as the parents for at least the first 6 months, but in a separate crib or bassinet — not in the parents' bed.

6. No smoke or alcohol

Exposure to smoke (passive or active) during pregnancy and after birth increases SIDS risk. Alcohol in parents who sleep near the baby also increases risk.

3. How to choose a crib mattress

A baby's mattress is different from an adult mattress. Here are the essential criteria:

High firmness

To reduce SIDS risk, the mattress must be firm. When you press in the center, it should yield very little. Padded or spongy is not suitable.

Exact crib dimensions

There should be no gaps greater than 2 cm between the mattress and the crib walls, on any side. Risk of the baby getting trapped.

Breathable material

Prioritize foams and fabrics with good air circulation. This helps prevent heat accumulation, aids thermal regulation, and is more hygienic.

Certifications

Look for Oeko-Tex Standard 100 (absence of harmful substances) and CertiPUR-EU if it's foam. Avoid mattresses without clear certification.

Appropriate height for age

Newborn crib mattresses tend to be thinner (8-11 cm). For prolonged use up to 2-3 years, 11-13 cm is a better compromise.

Dreamura crib options

The entire Dreamura baby range is available at /collections/baby, with a 20% discount on selected items.

4. Sleep routine and wake windows

From 3-4 months, most babies benefit from a consistent pre-sleep routine. This signals to the baby's body that it's time to sleep.

Elements of a good routine

  1. Warm bath (not hot)
  2. Gentle massage or nightclothes
  3. Feeding or meal depending on age
  4. Darkened room
  5. Story or lullaby
  6. Putting the baby down while still awake but drowsy

The routine should last 20-40 minutes. Repeat it every day at roughly the same time. In 2-3 weeks, the baby will start to anticipate sleep and fall asleep more easily.

Wake windows by age

Maximum awake time before the next nap:

  • 0-3 months: 60-90 min
  • 4-6 months: 90-120 min
  • 6-9 months: 2-3 hours
  • 9-12 months: 3-4 hours
  • 12-18 months: 4-5 hours
  • 18-36 months: 5-6 hours

If the baby becomes very agitated, rubs their eyes, or pulls their ears, they have passed the window, and falling asleep will be harder. Try to respect it.

5. Sleep regressions: what to expect

Regressions are periods when a baby who was sleeping well returns to frequent awakenings and difficulty falling asleep. They are normal and temporary — lasting 2-6 weeks.

Classic regression ages

  • 4 months: sleep maturity — adult patterns begin to form
  • 8-10 months: separation anxiety + new motor skills (crawling, sitting)
  • 12 months: acquisition of walking
  • 18 months: language and autonomy
  • 2 years: imagination, night fears

What to do

  • Maintain a consistent pre-sleep routine
  • Do not introduce new habits that you will have to remove later (e.g., falling asleep in your arms only during this phase)
  • Stay calm — the baby feels your tension
  • Give it 4-6 weeks. If sleep does not return after that, talk to your pediatrician

6. Transition from crib to bed

The transition usually occurs between 2.5 and 3.5 years. Signs that it's time:

  • The child tries to climb out of the crib alone (safety risk)
  • Measures over 90 cm
  • Asks for a "big kid bed"
  • A new baby is coming, and the crib will be reused

How to facilitate

  • Keep the same mattress (familiarity) if dimensions allow
  • Place the bed with a side rail for the first few months
  • Let the child choose the sheets or a stuffed animal for the bed
  • Keep the pre-sleep routine unchanged

7. Frequently asked questions

My baby wakes up a lot at night. Is that normal?

Depends on age. Up to 4-6 months, waking 2-4 times is normal. From 6-12 months, ideally 1-2 times. After 1 year, many babies sleep through the night — but with significant variations.

Can I let the baby cry it out?

The "cry it out" method has mixed evidence. It is considered safe for babies from 6 months by some schools, contraindicated by others. It is a very personal decision — discuss with your pediatrician.

Should I wake the baby to feed?

In the first 2-3 months, yes, every 3-4 hours, as per pediatric guidance. After that, it's generally not necessary.

Is an adult mattress suitable for a baby?

No. It's too soft for a baby and increases the risk of SIDS. Babies need specific, firm mattresses proportionate to the crib.

Pillow for baby?

No. Until 12-18 months, the baby should not have a pillow for safety reasons. After that, a low, firm pillow.

Comforter or sleep sack?

Sleep sack until 18-24 months. Safer: cannot cover the face, does not come off during the night. From 18-24 months, a light comforter can be introduced.

When will I be able to sleep through the night?

Most parents report stable nights between 6 and 12 months of the baby's age. It may take more or less time. It's normal and temporary — this phase will pass.

Conclusion

Baby sleep evolves rapidly in the first 2 years. The stable pillars are: a safe sleep environment (non-negotiable rules), a firm mattress suitable for the crib, a consistent pre-sleep routine, and realistic expectations about each phase.

The rest adapts to the family's and baby's rhythm. Whenever you have specific doubts, your pediatrician is the first reference.

If you want help choosing a crib mattress or products for your baby's corner, talk to our Sleep Advisor, Ana Cristina, who also supports families in choosing baby products.

Good nights — for both baby and parents.

See also

Explore: Baby Collection · Baby Mattresses · Nekasu Crib

Disclaimer: this article is for informational purposes only and does not replace pediatric consultation. Any concerns about your baby's sleep should be discussed with your pediatrician.

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