2-Month-Old Sleep Schedule and Healthy Routines

Sleep can be one of the biggest mysteries for parents with a two-month-old baby. At this stage, many parents are still learning about their baby’s unique sleep patterns and needs, all while trying to make sure their little one stays safe during every nap and stretch of night sleep.

Understanding baby sleep helps parents practice sleep safety and reduce risks like sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Parents can adjust the sleep environment, follow safe swaddling practices, and rely on expert-backed guidance to provide safe and comfortable places for their babies to sleep. Helpful advice can boost parents’ confidence as they navigate these early months.

Baby’s Ninth Week

Sleep Patterns at Week 9

At nine weeks old, babies may sleep from 14 to 17 hours in a 24-hour period. Most stay awake between 45 minutes and 1 hour, 45 minutes at a time. Daytime naps may occur two to four times a day, and overnight sleep can last up to eight hours, though many wake once or twice. Parents can create a calming routine before bedtime, such as a gentle massage or a warm bath, to signal to the baby that it’s almost time to sleep and support better rest.

Feeding at Week 9

Babies at this age usually feed every two to four hours if breastfeeding, totaling about seven to 12 sessions daily. Parents who exclusively pump often express milk for 15 to 20 minutes per session, 8 to 10 times per day, and avoid waiting more than five or six hours between sessions. Babies on formula may take 120 to 180 mL (4 to 6 ounces) per feeding, usually about six to eight times throughout the day. Frequent feeding keeps up with growth and development needs.

Baby’s 10th Week

Sleep Patterns at Week 10

At 10 weeks old, babies often need between 14 to 17 hours of sleep each day. They are likely to take two or three naps during the day, with each nap ranging from about one to two hours. Some infants sleep for stretches of up to eight hours at night, though many still wake up once or twice for feeding. Most babies this age can stay awake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes at a time before showing signs of tiredness.

Feeding at Week 10

At this stage, breastfed babies feed about every two to four hours, totaling seven to 12 feeds per day. Babies fed with formula may take about 120 to 180 mL (4 to 6 ounces) per feed, usually six to eight times each day. Parents who exclusively pump should aim for eight to 10 sessions in 24 hours and avoid going longer than five to six hours without pumping. Babies are more alert now and may eat more in one sitting, which can make feeding sessions a little more spaced out.

Baby’s 11th week

Sleep Patterns at Week 11

Most babies at this stage sleep between 14 and 17 hours each day. Nighttime stretches may reach up to four to eight hours, with daytime broken into two to four naps. Nap times can be short, sometimes just 30 minutes, especially for babies who are light sleepers or wake easily.

Parents might try dimming the room with blackout curtains or using a gentle white-noise machine to help babies rest longer during naps. Giving the baby a few minutes before going in if they wake can help some fall back asleep on their own. Soft singing or quiet humming may also help them settle.

The typical awake window is about 1 hour to 1 hour and 45 minutes, so watching for sleepy cues like rubbing eyes or yawning can help with timing naps. Babies who wake once or twice at night still follow a normal schedule at this age.

Feeding at Week 11

Feeding remains on demand this week. Most breastfed babies need to eat every two to four hours, amounting to about seven to 12 feeds per day. Babies who get formula usually feed six to eight times in 24 hours, with each meal around 120 to 180 mL (4 to 6 ounces).

Parents who bottle-feed by pumping may need eight to 10 sessions a day, with each lasting 15 to 20 minutes per side. They should avoid going longer than five or six hours without pumping to keep up the milk supply.

Keeping a simple log of nap and feeding times may help spot patterns or notice if the baby’s needs are changing. Parents should continue to watch their baby’s cues, as every child’s routine can be a bit different.

Baby’s 12th Week

Sleep Patterns at Week 12

At 12 weeks, most babies are awake for 1 hour to 1 hour and 45 minutes at a time. Daytime usually includes two or three naps, with each nap lasting variable lengths. Night sleep may stretch from four to eight hours, though some babies may still wake once or twice. The total amount of sleep in a 24-hour period tends to fall between 14 and 17 hours. Many babies are not yet sleeping through the night, but some are learning to self-soothe if given the opportunity.

Feeding at Week 12

Babies at this stage may feed seven to 12 times a day if breastfed on demand, typically every two to four hours. Parents who use a pump typically pump for 15 to 20 minutes per session, eight to 10 times daily, and should avoid long stretches without pumping. Babies who receive formula generally take 120 to 180 mL (about 4 to 6 ounces) per feed, around six to eight times in 24 hours. Each child’s feeding needs can vary, and hunger cues often provide the best guide for when and how much to feed.