3-Month-Old’s Sleep Schedule

Updated 
June 23, 2022
 | 
3
 minutes read
Written by
Mandy Treeby
Chief Baby Sleep Consultant
Medically reviewed by
Elissa Gross, DO
Board Certified Pediatrician & Lactation Consultant

At 3-months-old your baby’s sleep schedule’s starting to take shape. They’re going from a very disorganized schedule to something more predictable. For example, you may notice they’ve been  staying awake longer in the afternoon, or at night.

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This raises a lot of questions, like “What is a 3-month-old’s sleep schedule?” or “How much should my 3-month-old sleep?”

We’re here to help!

A Sample 3-Month-Old’s Sleep Schedule:

This schedule is just a sample. Your baby’s unique, so instead of focusing on clock time when creating your sleep schedule, focus more on wake windows and sleepy cues.

Wake windows are the amount of time between sleep.

Sleepy cues are the signs your baby’s tired, like yawning or pulling their ears.

By using these two elements together, you can help shape your baby’s natural sleep rhythm to optimize their rest and nourish their development.

You can learn how to do this by  downloading the Smart Sleep Coach by Pampers™ - it guides you step-by-step so you can teach your baby how to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. And right now, 3-months, is the perfect time to start!

Sample Sleep Schedule for 3-Month-Olds with 5 Naps:

"Good morning!"

8:00 AM

Nap 1

9:15-10:15 AM

Awake 1 hr. 15 mins.

Nap: 1 hr.

Nap 2

11:30-12:45 PM

Awake: 1 hr. 15 mins.

Nap: 1 hr. 15 mins.

Nap 3

2:00-3:15 PM

Awake: 1 hr. 15 mins.

Nap: 1 hr. 15 mins.

Nap 4

4:30-5:45 PM

Awake: 1 hr. 15 mins.

Nap: 1 hr. 15 mins.

Nap 5

7:15-7:45 PM

Awake: 1 hr. 30 mins.

Nap: 30 Mins.

Bedtime Routine

9:00 PM

"Good night!"

9:30 PM

Awake: 1 hr. 45 mins.

Sample Sleep Schedule for 3-Month-Olds with 4 Naps:

"Good morning!"

7:00 AM

Nap 1

8:15-9:30 AM

Awake: 1 hr. 15 min.

Nap: 1 hr. 15 mins.

Nap 2

11:00 AM-12:30 PM

Awake: 1 hr. 30 mins.

Nap: 1 hr. 30 mins.

Nap 3

2:15-3:45 PM

Awake: 1 hr. 45 min.

Nap: 1 hr. 30 mins.

Nap 4

5:30-6:00 PM

Awake: 1 hr. 45 mins.

Nap: 30 mins.

Bedtime Routine

7:30 PM

"Good night!"

8:00 PM

Awake: 2 hrs.

Can a 3-month-old baby sleep through the night?

No. This is for two reasons:

Their circadian rhythms are still developing, and they don’t fully understand day and night. That will start to take shape around 3 months – the perfect time to start sleep coaching with the Smart Sleep Coach by Pampers™.

Three-month-olds are growing very fast and wake up often for nourishing meals.

Is there a 3-month-old regression?

While there is no 3-month sleep regression, you may notice your baby’s sleep shifting and becoming more regular. This is because their circadian rhythm is forming and they’re becoming more consistent. That said, there will be a  regression around 4-months.

For more on sleep regressions, please read our article on why they happen and how to handle them.

Step-by-Step Gentle Sleep Training

Few Parents Know, falling Asleep is a learned skill. Just like rolling, crawling, walking and talking – babies need help to master sleep.

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Your Baby Can Be A Super Sleeper

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Your Baby Can Be A Super Sleeper

The Smart Sleep Coach app equips you with the tools and knowledge to get more Zzzz’s, turning you and your baby into a dream team. Start seeing results from day one.

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in this article:

Your Baby Can Be A Super Sleeper

Your personalized sleep plan is a few clicks away! Step-by-step sleep training with the Smart Sleep Coach app.

Get Started

Studies show new parents can lose as much as two hours of sleep every night after their baby comes!

“Thanks to the Smart Sleep Schedule, I’ve been able to follow my baby’s natural rhythm, and stick to the wake windows. This makes a huge difference in her ability to nap longer.”

Learn More
Studies show new parents can lose as much as two hours of sleep every night after their baby comes!

What parents tell us

Thanks to the Smart Sleep Schedule, I’ve been able to follow my baby’s natural rhythm, and stick to the wake windows. This makes a huge difference in her ability to nap longer.

Discover the Smart Sleep Schedule

FAQs:

About 15 hours total over a 24-hour period.

About 10-12 hours with sporadic wakeups for feedings and comfort.

About 4-4.5 hours spread over 4-5 naps.

Most 3-month-olds can be awake for an hour or two between sleeps.

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