By 3 months babies generally settle into a regular sleep routine. But still, a lot of flexibility in sleep timings is necessary. Babies need around 12 to 15 hours of sleep in 24 hours when they reach 3 months.

It is somewhat easier to set baby’s sleep routine at 3 to 6 months into a more regular schedule. Because from 3 months onwards babies generally require less number of feedings at night and also, they themselves fall into a pattern according to their parent’s daily routine.

However, a sleeping timetable that is convenient for the family should not be forced on a baby of 3 months. Each baby differs in his adjustments, so if baby is not comfortable with a new timetable, then the pattern should be tried after a while.

Nighttime sleeping:

Generally after 3 months, babies start sleeping at night without waking up in between. But this baby sleep basic criteria for 3 to 6 months may also differ from child to child. Some babies may sleep longer than 5-6hours and some may not sleep that much duration at a stretch and may wake up for feeding.

On an average they sleep undisturbed for 5-6 hours. Thus parents, especially breast-feeding mothers can get some restful sleep. Even before the baby completes 6 months, parents can start weaning him from night feedings.

Although baby sleep at 3 to 6 months, stretches through the night, some babies, after sleeping through night for quite a period, can begin waking up again at night. This could be because baby needs human company. Also, around this age babies start learning new movements like rolling over and/or sitting up. They may unknowingly do so in sleep and thus wake up from sleep.

Setting a sleep routine:

Baby sleep basics at 3 to 6 months are different for each baby. For some, bedtime is as early as 6 pm while some sleep later. Parents should decide on a suitable bedtime, which should fit with the family’s routine as well as baby’s sleep-wake pattern. The family should stick to this bedtime. If the baby shows reluctance to sleep at usual bedtime, it could be because of tiredness

At 3 to 6 months age, a baby generally takes naps twice or thrice during daytime. If the baby takes daily naps at particular time, it would help in maintaining the regular bedtime. Sometimes a baby finds it difficult to go to sleep or sleep peacefully. This could be because of tiredness. So in such cases if babies were made to sleep earlier it would help in getting peaceful naps or night sleep.

Setting a bedtime routine:

 This helps in babies sleeping at regular time and getting more restful sleep. During 3 to 6 months, bedtime routine can be established by simple things like a bedtime bath, changing clothes for night, humming a particular tune etc. Speaking softly, stroking or rocking gently, reducing room light also helps in bedtime rituals. If such certain things are done daily at particular time and in the same order, it would help in regularizing the bedtime.

Like sleeping, it is also necessary for the baby to wake up at regular time. This helps the entire sleep cycle.Babies wake up during night. They should be encouraged to go back to sleep on their own. For this, the parents should not carry the babies till they are totally asleep. Babies should be kept down while they are sleepy but not completely asleep.