2 month / 8 week old sleep schedule: Bedtime and nap schedule
By 2 months of age, we expect day/night confusion to have passed and to see some longer periods of sleep at night. It’s common for days and nights to look very different from day to day since babies this age aren’t yet following a 24-hour internal rhythm for sleeping and eating.
IN THIS ARTICLE:
How much should a 2 month old sleep?
Can you sleep train a 2 month old?
Sample sleep schedule for 2 month old
How much should a 2 month old sleep?
At this age, we still hope to see about 15.5 hours of total sleep in a 24-hour period. However, the amount of sleep needed can differ between babies, and there is range of what's considered healthy and normal. It's important to take into consideration your child's mood and use the suggested hours as a general indicator rather than a goal to achieve.
We recommend aiming for 5 - 6 hours of daytime sleep, broken into 4 - 5 naps.
[Note: for children who were born early, we go by their adjusted age for sleep development.]
Can you sleep train a 2 month old?
We don’t recommend official sleep training at this age. Newborns have an immature sleep-wake system, which means sleep patterns and rhythms can be unpredictable and babies often need more help falling asleep. Families who attempt sleep training at this age are often frustrated by the lack of progress and the amount of crying.
However, you can certainly give your baby opportunities to fall asleep in their sleep space from an “awake but drowsy” state, rather than place them down when they’re already asleep. Aim to practice after a calm bedtime routine when your baby is fed, dry and healthy. If the attempt is stressful for you or your baby, you can always try again another day — or when your baby is a bit older.
Top sleep tip for 2 month old
Plan naps with two factors in mind: your baby’s sleepy cues and awake windows. When your baby starts getting quiet and/or still, stares off into space, or lays their head down on you, those are signs that they’re ready to sleep. Awake windows at this age are typically a mere 45 minutes to 1.75 hours long — using our SweetSpot® feature can help predict optimal nap times for your baby.
Sleep facts for 2 month old babies
Two months is a great time to introduce a consistent bedtime routine to cue that it’s time to sleep. Short and sweet is best at this age (e.g., diaper change, pajamas, feeding, lullaby). There’s no need for the routine to be complicated; it just needs to be consistent to be effective!
Most babies will transition out of the swaddle around 2 - 3 months of age (the AAP recommends removing the swaddle as soon as your baby shows signs of starting to roll). When you’re ready to transition from the swaddle, a sleep sack can be used to ensure your baby stays comfortable and safe.
Sample sleep schedule for 2 month old
Note: Sleep needs vary by child and this chart should be viewed as an example.
2 month old nap schedule
How long should a 2 month old nap?
We don’t recommend trying to follow a set “schedule” at this age since nap durations will be unpredictable. Newborn naps tend to range anywhere from 10 minutes to 2 hours long (here are insights on improving your infant's naps). If your baby sleeps for longer periods during the day, you can start to limit each individual nap to 2 hours to help consolidate night sleep and regulate their schedule. Ideally, they’ll get about 5 - 6 hours of total daytime sleep.
How many naps for a 2 month old?
Most 2 month old babies need 4 - 5 naps per day. How many naps your baby will take each day depends on the length of the naps and the amount of awake time between sleep periods. Two month olds usually need 45 minutes - 1.75 hours of awake time between sleep periods.
We don’t expect much predictability at this age, and it’s common for naps to vary quite a bit. Although this can be frustrating for parents, short, unpredictable naps are a fact of life at this age. Here are some examples of what your baby’s day could look like, though don’t be worried if your days look quite different:
5-nap schedule
| Morning rise | 8:00 AM |
| 1st nap | 9:15 AM - 10:15 AM (1 hour nap); 1.25 hours of awake time before 1st nap |
| 2nd nap | 11:30 AM - 12:45 PM (1.25 hour nap); 1.25 hours of awake time before 2nd nap |
| 3rd nap | 2:00 PM - 3:15 PM (1.25 hour nap); 1.25 hours of awake time before 3rd nap |
| 4th nap | 4:30 PM - 5:45 PM (1.25 hour nap); 1.25 hours of awake time before 4th nap |
| 5th nap | 7:15 PM - 7:45 PM (30 minute nap); 1.5 hours of awake time before 5th nap |
| Get ready for bed | 9:00 PM |
| Asleep | 9:30 PM;1.75 hours of awake time before bed |
4-nap schedule
| Morning rise | 8:00 AM |
| 1st nap | 9:15 AM - 10:45 AM (1.5 hour nap); 1.25 hours of awake time before 1st nap |
| 2nd nap | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM (1.5 hour nap); 1.25 hours of awake time before 2nd nap |
| 3rd nap | 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM (1.5 hour); 1.5 hours of awake time before 3rd nap |
| 4th nap | 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM (30 minute nap); 1.5 hours of awake time before 4th nap |
| Get ready for bed | 7:45 PM |
| Asleep | 8:15 PM; 1.75 hours of awake time before bed |
Bedtime for a 2 month old
What time should a 2 month old go to bed?
It’s common for bedtimes to still be pretty late at this age (often after 9:00 PM). Your baby’s bedtime will be determined by the time they woke up in the morning and how many naps they took that day. Once your baby’s internal clock is fully developed, which happens between 3 and 4 months of age, bedtime tends to gravitate earlier.
2 month old baby sleep FAQ
Q: Can a 2 month old baby sleep through the night?
A:
We expect babies this age to wake during the night for feedings and comfort. Consult with your pediatrician and/or lactation consultant if you have questions regarding the appropriate amount of feedings per night for your 2 month old.
Q: How often do 2 month old babies sleep?
A:
Newborns need to sleep quite often. Expect at least 15.5 hours of sleep during a 24-hour period (including about 4 - 5 naps a day). Your baby may only be able to comfortably stay awake for 45 minutes - 1.75 hours before they’re ready for sleep again.
Q: How much nighttime sleep for a 2 month old?
A:
Most newborns will spend 9 - 12 hours in their sleep space at night, with some night wakings.
Q: How much awake time for a 2 month old?
A:
Two month olds usually need 45 minutes - 1.75 hours of awake time between sleep periods. Periods of wakefulness tend to be shorter in the morning and lengthen throughout the day, with the last wake window usually being the longest stretch of awake time during the day. However, your baby’s level of activity should also be kept in mind. Babies can tire quickly from being taken on a stimulating walk outside in the carrier or an active tummy time session. Be sure to keep an eye on your baby’s sleepy cues (e.g., looking away or off into space, putting their head on you) in addition to watching the amount of awake time between naps.
Q: How much daytime sleep for a 2 month old?
A:
Your infant’s sleep habits will likely be unpredictable at this age. It’s common to see 5 - 6 hours of sleep over the course of 4 - 5 naps. We’ll still want to pay more attention to the amount of overall sleep in a 24-hour period (ideally at least 15.5 hours) since the circadian rhythm isn’t fully developed yet at this age.
Q: How do I get my baby on a consistent 2 month old sleep schedule?
A:
It’s nearly impossible to have a set schedule at this age since nap lengths are so unpredictable. However, you can help regulate your baby’s sleep habits by aiming for a consistent wake time each morning. Capping individual naps to no more than 2 hours can also help ensure sufficient sleep around the clock.
Q: When is the first sleep regression?
A:
Around 3 - 4 months old, your baby’s development and growth will lead to the maturation of sleep cycles. This often significantly impacts sleep. The change in sleep habits is often referred to as the 4 month sleep regression.
Note: The content on this site is for informational purposes only and should not replace medical advice from your doctor, pediatrician, or medical professional. If you have questions or concerns, you should contact a medical professional.
