Baby and Toddler Sleep

Here are some things to consider as your baby grows in their first year. 

• Watch for sleep cues that tell you your baby is tired (for example, yawning, tugging at 
  ears, turning or moving away from play, and unfocused eyes). Create a quiet, dark, and calm sleep environment. Responding early to your baby’s sleep cues will prevent them from becoming overtired.  
• Sleep in the first year of life can be unpredictable. Babies wake often both day and night and usually need a caregiver to help calm them if they get upset. At any time, a baby’s sleep may be disrupted by developmental milestones, growth spurts, illness, teething, changes in routine, overstimulation, wanting to be close, learning new skills (like rolling, crawling, or walking), hunger, discomfort from wet diapers or clothing, and the ongoing adjustment to life outside the womb.
• Use a short and simple routine before sleep at night and before daytime naps such as a bath, diaper change, reading a book, sharing a song together, gentle massage, feeding, and cuddles. 

• Zero to three months | 14–17 hours/day, usually in two to four hour stretches. 
• Four to 12 months | 12–16 hours/day, with longer nighttime sleep and two to three naps a day at fairly consistent times. 

Understanding common sleep struggles can help you respond calmly and effectively as a parent.

Baby wakes when set down or moved

• Why: Newborns spend the first 20 to 30 minutes in active sleep and wake easily. 
• Tip: Wait until your baby is in a deeper sleep (very still, no eye or face movements) before transferring to a crib or a bassinette. 

Baby struggles to fall asleep

• Why: Overtired babies become fussy, restless, and resist sleep. 
• Tip: Watch for early sleep cues (for example, rubbing their eyes, yawning) and start the bedtime routine sooner. Babies make noise, twitch, startle, and move around when they are in an active or light sleep state. Try waiting a few minutes before “checking” on your baby to see if they will settle into a new sleep state.   

Baby's days and nights are mixed up

• Why: Sleep hormones develop around two to three months, helping babies stay awake during the day and sleep longer at night. 
• Tip: Use consistent routines for eating, playing and sleeping, and exposure to natural daylight to teach day/night differences. 

Baby won't sleep through the night

• Why: Every baby’s needs are different and there are a variety of reasons baby’s wake at night. Babies in the first year may still wake to feed at night. 
• Tip: Offer gentle, calm and brief comfort to help your baby return to sleep. 

At around four months old, babies can learn to fall asleep on their own. When your baby is drowsy (for example, minimal activity, eyes may open and close and appear unfocused) put them down to sleep on their own.

• Age Specific Do’s and Don’t's | Sleep On It Canada. National campaign raising awareness about the importance of sleep. Research-based insights on child sleep patterns.
• Healthy Sleep for Your Baby and Child | Caring for Kids. Paediatrician-approved tips for children’s sleep.
• Safe sleep | Health Canada. Safe sleep tips for your baby’s sleep environment, including buying a safe crib. 
• Safe Sleep for Babies | Caring for Kids. Paediatrician-approved information about creating a safe sleep environment for your baby. 

Ways to establish good sleep habits for you toddler include:

• Keep a consistent bedtime and calming routine each night.
• Create a quiet, dark, and cozy sleep environment.
• Offer a comfort object like a blanket or stuffed animal.
• Encourage sleep independence - support your child in falling asleep and returning to sleep on their own. 

Understanding common sleep disruptions can help you respond calmly and effectively. Some common sleep struggles for toddlers are: 

Crankiness and frequent waking

• Why: Toddlers may wake as part of normal development or during times of change. Missed naps or late bedtimes can make toddlers overtired and restless.
• Tip: Aim for regular nap times and an early, consistent bedtime. When responding to your toddler during the night, use gentle words and reassurance to help them settle back to sleep.

Nightmares

• Why: These may be triggered by stress, illness, or fever.
• Tip: Respond to your toddler with calm reassurance and comfort. Talk with a healthcare provider if nightmares are frequent, severe, or affecting daytime behaviour.

Difficulty settling/overstimulation

• Why: Toddlers thrive on predictability and without it, they may resist sleep. Busy days or screen use before bed can make it harder for toddlers to wind down.
• Tip: Stick to a consistent and predictable bedtime routine. Avoid screen time before bed and allow time for quiet activities.

A calm, consistent bedtime routine helps toddlers feel secure and settle more easily into sleep. 

• Age Specific Do’s and Don’t's | Sleep On It Canada. National campaign raising awareness about the importance of sleep. Research-based insights on child sleep patterns.
• Healthy Sleep for Your Baby and Child | Caring for Kids. Paediatrician-approved tips for children’s sleep.
• You, Your Child and SLEEP (Video 1) | HPPH. Hear from local parents about sleep.
• You, Your Child and SLEEP (Video 2) | HPPH. Hear from local parents about sleep.