Sleep Science
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Sleep ScienceWhy track · How much · Wake windows · Tips
Why track your baby's sleep?
Understanding your baby's sleep patterns helps you establish healthy routines and identify potential issues early. Tracking sleep duration and timing can reveal natural rhythms that make scheduling naps and bedtime easier for the whole family.
How much sleep does my baby need?
- Newborn (0-3 months): 14-17 hours per day, spread across many short sleep periods with 30-45 minute wake windows.
- Infant (3-12 months): 12-15 hours per day, including 2-4 naps with wake windows of 1.5-3.5 hours.
- Toddler (1-3 years): 11-14 hours per day, typically with 0-2 naps and wake windows of 3-6 hours.
Understanding wake windows
Wake windows are the time your baby is awake between sleep sessions. Getting these right is key to avoiding overtiredness. This tracker monitors wake windows in real time and alerts you when your baby may be approaching their limit based on WHO and AAP guidelines for their age.
Tips for better baby sleep
Establish a consistent bedtime routine, keep the room dark and cool, and watch for sleepy cues like yawning or eye rubbing. Use this tracker to identify your baby's natural sleep windows and build a schedule around them.
Whether you're tracking a newborn's erratic catnaps or a toddler's single afternoon nap, the tracker adapts to any age. Pair it with our soothing sounds for bedtime routines, or read our guide on reading your baby's sleep cues.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How much sleep does my baby need?
Newborns (0-3 months) need 14-17 hours, infants (4-11 months) need 12-15 hours, and toddlers (1-3 years) need 11-14 hours per day. This includes both naps and nighttime sleep.
What are wake windows?
Wake windows are the periods of time your baby is awake between sleep sessions. Appropriate wake windows vary by age: 30-45 minutes for newborns, up to 4-6 hours for toddlers. Keeping wake windows in the right range helps prevent overtiredness.
How is the sleep score calculated?
The sleep score (0-100) evaluates three factors: regularity (how close nap count is to age-expected), total sleep duration (compared to WHO/AAP guidelines), and wake window appropriateness.
Is my data private?
Yes. Your sleep log is stored in your private Babysential account, protected by row-level security so only you and caregivers you invite can see it. We never share or sell your data.
Can I share sleep logs with my partner?
Yes. From Hush settings you can invite a partner, grandparent, or caregiver by email. They see the same sleep log and can add sessions from their own device.
Where does the science come from?
Age-based sleep recommendations follow AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) and WHO guidance. See our guide on how the sleep score works for the full methodology.