The American Academy of Pediatrics has clear ranges: infants need 12–16 hours (including naps), toddlers 11–14, preschoolers 10–13, and school-aged kids 9–12. But here’s the catch—every child is unique. Some kids are chipper after the minimum hours, while others truly need the upper end of the range. If your child is waking up happy and alert, they’reprobably getting enough rest. If they’re cranky, clingy, or falling asleep in their spaghetti at dinner, they may need more. Think of these numbers as guardrails, not hard rules.

“Sleep training” usually refers to more structured methods—like graduated extinction or the Ferber method—where parents check in at set intervals while giving the child space to self-soothe. “Gentle” approaches involve more hands-on support, such as rocking, patting, or slowly reducing parental presence over time. Both methods can help babies learn independent sleep, and research shows both can be effective. The important part? Consistency, and picking the approach that feels doable for your family. If you’re sobbing on the nursery floor, that’s a sign it’s not the right method for you.

Most babies outgrow the bassinet around 3–6 months, or sooner if they start rolling, pushing up, or exceeding the bassinet’s weight/size limits. Once your little one can sit up or pull up, the crib is safest. A good rule of thumb: if you’re waking in the middle of the night worrying whether the bassinet is big enough, it’s time. Remember: crib safety means a flat, firm mattress with a fitted sheet only—no blankets, bumpers, or stuffed animals until your pediatrician gives the green light.

Clues your child is ready: they consistently fight naps, bedtime becomes a two-hour marathon, or they wake at the crack of dawn after previously sleeping well. Most kids drop from two naps to one between 12–18 months, and from one nap to none around 3–5 years. The transition is bumpy, so expect overtiredness at first. During this phase, earlier bedtimes can help smooth the adjustment. Think of it as your child’s internal clock recalibrating.

Once your toddler has discovered their inner gymnast, it’s a safety issue. Time to transition to a toddler bed, mattress on the floor, or even a “big kid” bed with rails. Yes, they may get out 97 times at first, but stay calm and consistent in returning them. Also, childproof the room as if it’s a giant crib: anchor furniture, cover outlets, and keep choking hazards out of reach. The silver lining? Some kids sleep better once they have more space.

Yes, please! White noise helps mask household sounds and mimics the comforting whoosh babies heard in the womb. Blackout curtains cue the body to release melatonin, the sleep hormone, which is especially helpful in summer or during naps. These aren’t “bad habits”—they’re healthy sleep associations. If anything, they make sleep easier for everyone. Just keep the volume of white noise at a safe level (about the sound of a shower).

First, remember night wakings are normal—even for older babies and toddlers. If your child is developmentally ready, give them a few minutes to settle before you step in. If they truly need you, keep your response calm, brief, and boring: dim lights, quiet voices, minimal interaction. This way you’re meeting their needs without turning 2 a.m. into party time. Over time, they’ll learn to connect sleep cycles on their own.

The best routines are simple, predictable, and soothing. Think: bath, book, cuddle, bed. Maybe add a song or a few minutes of gentle rocking if that works for your family. The exact steps don’t matter as much as the order and consistency. Routines help kids know what’s coming next, which signals their bodies and brains to wind down. Bonus: they help parents, too—sometimes the bedtime routine is as calming for us as it is for them.

The AAP recommends room-sharing (baby in a bassinet or crib in your room) for at least the first 6 months, ideally the first year. Bedsharing carries risks, but many families choose it for cultural or practical reasons. If you do bedshare, follow the “Safe Sleep Seven”: breastfed baby, non-smoking parents, sober caregivers, baby on their back, no swaddling, safe surface, and no loose blankets. It’s about harm reduction—making sleep as safe as possible in the real world.

Short naps are common in the first few months, since babies’ sleep cycles are only about 45 minutes. To encourage longer naps, try darkening the room, using white noise, and laying baby down drowsy but awake. Watch wake windows (the time they can comfortably stay awake)—an overtired baby is less likely to nap well. Some babies outgrow short naps naturally around 4–6 months. If you’re stuck in 20-minute-nap land, remember it’s a phase and you’re not alone.

Preschoolers are masters of the bedtime stall (“I need water!” “One more hug!” “My toe itches!”). A “bedtime pass” can help: give them one ticket each night to use for a legitimate need. After that, calmly walk them back to bed without negotiation. It may take persistence, but consistency wins. Also, make sure their bedtime routine includes plenty of connection (snuggles, stories), so their last-ditch calls aren’t just for more attention.

Nightmares usually happen in the second half of the night. Comfort your child, reassure them they’re safe, and maybe offer a “monster spray” or nightlight if it helps. Night terrors, on the other hand, look dramatic but your child isn’t fully awake. Don’t try to wake them—just keep them safe until it passes. Night terrors usually fade with age and are often linked to overtiredness. Early bedtimes can sometimes help.

Travel disrupts routines, and that’s okay. Do your best to keep familiar elements—bring the same lovey, use white noise, keep bedtime rituals. Time zones can be tough, so adjust gradually if possible. And give grace: kids may need a few days to reset once you’re home. If sleep is chaotic on vacation, remind yourself: memories > perfect naps. This article is full of helpful tips, too! 

Experts say after 12 months, though many families wait until 18–24 months to be extra cautious. Keep it simple: a small toddler pillow and a light blanket. Until then, a sleep sack or wearable blanket is a safe way to keep baby cozy without loose bedding. When you do introduce bedding, watch your child to make sure they don’t get tangled or overheated.

The time change can feel like the ultimate sleep sabotage. The best strategy is to shift bedtime in small increments—about 10–15 minutes earlier or later in the days leading up to the change. Keep wake-up, nap, and meal times consistent. Within a week, most kids adjust. In the meantime, pour yourself an extra cup of coffee and know you’re not the only one with a cranky toddler on Monday morning.

Sleep regressions are temporary periods (often around 4, 8, 12, or 18 months, but they can pop up anytime) when your child suddenly starts waking more, fighting naps, or struggling with bedtime. They usually happen during big developmental leaps—like learning to roll, crawl, or talk. Survival tips: keep routines consistent, offer extra comfort, and remind yourself it’s a phase (really). Most regressions pass within 2–6 weeks. Here’s a sleep regression survival guide. 

Seasons can throw everyone off. In summer, longer daylight means blackout curtains are your best friend. (We wrote about how to navigate this here.) In winter, earlier sunsets can help with bedtime, but chilly nights may call for a wearable blanket instead of loose covers. Spring and fall bring daylight savings—so adjust bedtime gradually, in 10–15 minute increments, to ease the shift. The bottom line: keep routines steady, tweak the environment as needed, and give yourself (and yourkiddo) grace during transitions.