Baby Sleep Schedules - Naps, Sleep Training & More - Motherly
×

Your Guide to Baby Sleep

Sleep: possibly the hottest topic for new parents. How much sleep does my baby need? What’s a healthy sleep and nap schedule to set? When will my baby start sleeping through the night? We’re here to help you and your baby snag a few more zzz’s with baby sleep schedules, sleep tips and more. You got this, Mama!

Postpartum insomnia

The secret sleep thief no one warned you about: Postpartum insomnia

Postpartum insomnia is real, and it’s not just because your baby is crying every few hours (although that doesn’t help).

Updated Nov. 26, 2024
mom holding toddler trying to sleep wondering why is sleep training so hard

Sleep training is still the hardest part of parenting for me

It’s the one thing that overwhelms me and brings me to the point of tears at times.

Updated Aug. 16, 2024
baby fomo

Mom tries to put her ‘FOMO baby’ to sleep—but his reaction is next level

According to pediatric sleep experts, babies experience FOMO (fear of missing out) because they’re naturally curious

Updated Mar. 14, 2025
child sleeping in bed in daylight- daylight savings 2023

Spring forward without losing sleep: 5 tricks to adjusting to Daylight Saving Time with kids

DST is around the corner, and sadly, there are no exemptions for the already-sleep-deprived.

Updated Feb. 25, 2025
Photo Credit: Canva / Motherly

Infant mortality rates are dropping, but sleep-related deaths are rising

Sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) rates increased by nearly 12% between 2020 and 2022.

Updated Jan. 31, 2025
woman breastfeeding baby better sleep

Try these 3 foundational steps with your baby to get better sleep, according to a lactation consultant

Here’s how to build confidence, establish a feeding routine, and yes, get more sleep at night.

Updated Jan. 24, 2024

Explore More

ticks - Motherly

Ticks can hide in lashes: simple steps for after-outdoor checks and when to seek care

Even hidden places like eyelashes require a tick check after outdoor play

Updated Aug. 29, 2025
cats - Motherly

Why pets are drawn to pregnant bellies—and what it means for baby

As their paws pressed down, her unborn baby kicked back, as if saying hello to his furry siblings.

Updated Aug. 29, 2025
bagpack

Why some moms check every backpack on a playdate—and what it says about parenting today

When does checking a child’s belongings become a tool for guidance, and when does it cross the line?

Updated Aug. 28, 2025
Woman describing her 6 year old's questions

Mom’s 6-year-old asks the kind of questions that leave parents laughing—and low-key rethinking life

“Why are you always going to work but never have any money?” to “When I sneeze do my bones come out?”

Updated Aug. 28, 2025
Mother giving birthday gift to child

The hidden labor behind kids’ birthdays—and why moms are done carrying it alone

A mom’s Reddit post reveals the hidden labor behind kids’ birthdays, from planning to presents, and why recognition matters.

Updated Aug. 28, 2025
makeup - Motherly

Mom finally discovers where her missing makeup went—and parents can’t stop laughing at the culprit

Her husband pulled out the vase’s decorative sticks, and sure enough—there was a treasure trove of stolen makeup, carefully tucked away.

Updated Aug. 28, 2025
Baby comes home

They went in for a 38-week appointment… and came home with a baby

At 38 weeks pregnant, they expected a quick check-in with their doctor and then to head back home to keep preparing for their baby’s arrival.

Updated Aug. 27, 2025
A mom talking about six grade kids

Why sixth grade is the year your tween’s confidence needs the most protection

The “sixth grade social shake-up” is real—here’s how parents can help their kids navigate it.

Updated Aug. 27, 2025
A dad with his kids

When kids call for mom nonstop, this dad knew exactly what to do

In the reel, Mom is working, cooking, or maybe just sitting down for 90 seconds of peace, and the kids are calling her nonstop.

Updated Aug. 27, 2025
debt - Motherly

Most parents are now going into debt to raise their kids—and it’s reshaping family life

Parenting, in 2025, is starting to feel like a luxury purchase.

Updated Aug. 27, 2025
foster care - Motherly

This 9-year-old’s first words to his foster baby brother will stay with you

“It was a Sunday and he wanted to stay in his Sunday best, suit and tie, to meet his newborn foster baby brother,” Garcia said.

Updated Aug. 27, 2025
baby smile - Motherly

The joy in a baby’s smile: What a viral reunion teaches us about infant bonding

Joy. Recognition. Relief. All in under seven seconds.

Updated Aug. 27, 2025
Big brother

Big brother gathers his friends to walk sister to kindergarten—moms can’t stop crying

There’s something about the mix of big-hearted protectiveness, sibling teamwork, and tiny hands holding tight that makes this clip impossible to scroll past without smiling or tearing up a little.

Updated Aug. 27, 2025
Mom holding infant's hands

Mississippi declares emergency as infant deaths rise—the crisis every parent should know about

Since 2014, more than 3,500 Mississippi infants have died before their first birthday.

Updated Aug. 26, 2025
dwayne johnson - Motherly

Dwayne Johnson shares emotional moment performing sacred Samoan dance with his mom and daughters

“Special moments like this mean the world to me, to honor our family, our culture,” the actor wrote on Instagram

Updated Aug. 26, 2025
Boy in red shirt

Why a little boy’s garbage truck birthday shows the power of raising kids to value every job

When a toddler's birthday wish is a garbage truck, it's more than a cute moment—it's a lesson in empathy, connection, and the value of every job.

Updated Aug. 25, 2025
Baby with dad

Dad’s Amazon-style baby review hilariously captures the truths of baby’s first five weeks

“Arrived after nine months. Packaging slightly damaged.”

Updated Aug. 25, 2025
mom work load - Motherly

New data shows moms carry the ‘invisible work’ of family life

“Moms plan 72.6% of everything—and parents can barely plan dinner.”

Updated Aug. 26, 2025
×