Baby Sleep Guide & Checklist
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The Baby Sleep Guide & Checklist
What to expect, how to build healthy habits, and how to dress your little one safely for every nap and night — from the fourth trimester to toddlerhood.
Start the Checklist ↓The Golden Rules of Safe Sleep
Before routines, schedules, or wardrobes — these pediatrician-recommended basics come first, at every age and every sleep.
Back to sleep, every sleep
Always place baby on their back for naps and nighttime — the single most protective habit you can build.
Bare is best in the crib
No loose blankets, pillows, bumpers, or stuffed animals for babies under 12 months. Wearable blankets — swaddles and sleep sacks — deliver the warmth without the risk.
Firm, flat surface
A safety-approved crib, bassinet, or play yard with a snug fitted sheet. Nothing soft, nothing inclined.
Room-share, don't bed-share
Keep baby's sleep space in your room — on their own surface — ideally for the first 6 months.
Watch the temperature
Aim for 68–72°F. Overheating is a risk factor, so favor light, breathable layers over piling on warmth.
The neck check
Feel the back of baby's neck or chest. Sweaty or hot to the touch? Remove a layer.
Your Sleep Checklist, from Newborn to Toddler
Check items off as you go — the progress bar at the top keeps score. Every stage tells you what to expect, what to do, and what baby should wear.
The Fourth Trimester
What to expect: 14–17 hours of sleep a day in short, unpredictable stretches. Day/night confusion is completely normal.
Building Rhythm
What to expect: Longer nighttime stretches begin — and baby may start rolling, a major safety milestone.
Sleep Consolidation
What to expect: Naps organize into 2–3 a day. The famous "4-month regression" may visit — it's actually a sign of maturing sleep cycles.
On the Move
What to expect: Crawling, pulling up, maybe standing in the crib — and separation anxiety that can disrupt sleep.
Toddler Territory
What to expect: One or two solid naps, longer nights — and growing opinions about everything.
What Should Baby Wear Tonight?
Slide to your nursery's temperature and we'll show you the safe, cozy combination — no loose blankets required.
🌡️ The Nursery Dressing Guide
Move the slider to match the room where baby sleeps.
Never add loose blankets to warm a cold room — layer clothing and choose a warmer-TOG sleep sack instead.
The Complete Sleep Wardrobe Checklist
One on baby, one in the wash, one ready to go — here's exactly how many of each to keep on hand at every stage.
🌑 Newborn Stage
- Swaddles 2–3
- Sleep gowns (effortless night changes) 2–3
- Sleep & plays 3–4
🌓 Post-Rolling (3+ Months)
- Sleep sacks, current size (rotate for laundry) 2
- Sleep sack in a second TOG for the season change 1
- Sleep & plays (they'll live in these) 4–5
🌕 12+ Months
- Toddler-size sleep sack 1–2
- Soft blankets (now crib-safe!) 1–2
💛 Babies go through sleepwear fast. Our Always-On Buy One, Get One Free deals mean the "one in the wash" backup is already covered — no flash sales, no racing the clock.
Shop Sleep EssentialsWhen to Call Your Pediatrician
Most sleep bumps are normal — but reach out to your pediatrician if your baby:
- Seems excessively sleepy or is hard to wake for feeds
- Has noisy, labored, or paused breathing during sleep
- Suddenly changes sleep patterns alongside fever or feeding refusal
- Isn't gaining weight as expected