Celebrating Milestones: Sleep Patterns Around Growth Stages
Sleep is one of the most fundamental elements of a child's development - and yet, it is often one of the most misunderstood. As parents and caregivers, we often track first steps, first words, and first birthdays. But sleep milestones? They deserve just as much celebration.
In this blog, we'll explore how children's sleep patterns change as they grow, what milestones to look for, and how you can support each stage with patience, awareness, and joy.
Newborn (0-3 Months): The Fourth Trimester
What's Happening:
Newborns are adjusting to life outside the womb. Their sleep is fragmented, unpredictable, and doesn't follow day-night cycles yet. Sleep can range from 14-17 hours a day, often in 1-3 hour stretches.
Sleep Milestones to Celebrate:
The first time your baby sleeps 3-4 hours in a row at night
Differentiating between night and day (less alert at night)
Tips for This Stage:
Keep nighttime interactions quiet and calm to reinforce circadian rhythms.
Accept help - it takes a village to raise a well rested baby.
Infant (4-6 Months): Sleep Becomes More Predictable
What's Happening:
Your baby is beginning to develop more organised sleep cycles, and melatonin production starts to regulate. Many babies sleep up to 14 hours in a 24-hour period and settle into a 3 naps schedule (sometimes a 4th nap is required).
Sleep Milestones to Celebrate:
Baby begins to sleep for longer stretches in the night. They may even sleep up to 5-6 hours in one go (often called "sleeping through the night")
A more predictable nap schedule begins to emerge
Tips for This Stage:
Start introducing gentle sleep routines (bath, book, bed)
Be consistent - developmental phases can cause sleep disruptions. It is easy to fall off track during this age bracket, so be consistent while they got through this developmental leap.
Older Infant (6-12 Months): Growing into Consistency
What's Happening:
Most babies consolidate their nighttime sleep and may only wake once for feeding or comfort. Most infants need a total of 14 hours sleep in a 24 hour period and daytime naps naturally transition from 3 to 2 per day.
Sleep Milestones to Celebrate:
Naps become more predictable
Sleeping in their own cot or sleep space
Tips for this Stage:
Be mindful of the wakeful windows between naps, which should be between 2-4 hours
Keep bedtime routines calm and consistent
Toddler (1-3 Years): Independence & Emotion
What's Happening:
Toddlers need about 11-14 hours of sleep in a 24 hour period. Most drop to one nap by 18 months but it can take 6-8 weeks for them to fully transition. Big emotions, bedtime resistance and a desire for independence can challenge routines.
Sleep Milestones to Celebrate:
Sleeping through the night become more regular
Transitioning from cot to toddler bed
Willingness to participate in bedtime routine
Tips for This stage:
Offer choices to foster independence: "Would you like the lion or the star pyjamas tonight?"
Keep routines firm but flexible - toddlers thrive on routine and structure
Ensure adequate sleep while transitioning from 2 naps to 1
Preschool (3-5 Years): Imagination Takes Over
What's Happening:
Children in this stage sleep 11-13 hours per night. They may resist naps or drop them entirely by age 3.5. Dreams, fears and increased independence may influence sleep behaviours.
Sleep Milestones to Celebrate:
Following bedtime routine with minimal prompting
Sleeping in a 'big kid' bed
Tips for This Stage:
Don't drop the nap too soon, or this may result in night wakings and early risings. If you can take your child out in a car at around 3-4 pm and they stay awake then you can be pretty confident that they no longer need a nap.
Maintain a consistent bedtime and wake-up time, even on weekends
Encourage calming activities before bed: books, mindfulness
Use bedtime charts or rewards to reinforce routine
Why Sleep Milestones Matter
Every yawn, every stretch, every new nap routine is par of your child's developmental journey. Sleep is tied to:
Brain development
Emotional regulation
Physical growth
Learning and memory
Sleep isn't a straight path. It's a winding road of disruptions, leaps and growth. Some nights will be challenging. Others will feel like magic. By recognising and celebrating these moments - just like we do with developmental milestones like walking and talking - we affirm the importance of rest. We also give ourselves space to honour how far our little ones have come.
Just remember, every stage of sleep development is a milestone worthy of celebration.
Warmly,
Olivia x
Sleep Nanny Certified Sleep Consultant and Mum of Two
