How Long Should a 3-Month-Old Baby Sleep?

Some babies are good at sleeping for a long time.

The Expected Duration Is 12 to 17 Hours a Day

The Huggies website on baby care states that the average sleep duration for a 3-month-old is 12 to 17 hours a day. This is made up of two to three naps of two to three hours each, and six to eight hours overnight. It may take your baby an hour to settle to sleep, and you should leave two to three hours between each nap.

Some Babies Have Trouble Sleeping

Some babies have difficulty sleeping for long periods of time and are unable to resettle themselves after awaking from a period of deep sleep. Babies should be placed awake in their cribs and left to fall asleep, as opposed to rocking them to sleep, as this can confuse a child who awakens in the night.

Bottom Line

The expected time for a 3-month-old to sleep on any given day is 12 to 17 hours. However, if you are finding that your baby is unsettled or having difficulty sleeping, consider introducing a regular routine of waking and sleeping periods. Babies respond well to familiar patterns.

References

• Huggies: Your Baby's Sleep