Updated on
12.3.25
If you're the parent of a 2-month-old, you've probably heard the phrase "sleep when the baby sleeps." But let’s be honest: that’s easier said than done. You're in the middle of a sleep-deprived haze, half your wardrobe is covered in spit-up, and your newborn's idea of 'sleeping through the night' means just three hours at a stretch. So, how do you set up a sleep schedule that'll work for you and your little one?
Good news: You're not alone in this. And while your newborn might still wake up every few hours like a tiny alarm clock, there's light at the end of the tunnel.
Here's a guide to help you figure out a sleep schedule that might give you a little peace (and, dare we say it, some sleep!).
We know you're in survival mode, so we’ll make it short and sweet
Here's what's coming up:
Newborns need between 14 to 17 hours of sleep per day at two months old. Yes, you read that right. It sounds like a lot, but it's not all happening at once (sorry). Instead, it's spread out over two to four short naps during the day and slightly longer stretches at night. However, don't get too excited about those longer stretches just yet.
You might find that your newborn is waking up every 3-4 hours for a feed (because who needs a full night of sleep at 2 months, right?). But here's the good news: with some patience and a little routine, those longer sleep stretches will come. And maybe you'll even get to enjoy a nap yourself… in the distant future.
Now that you know how much sleep your newborn requires, let’s take a look at what a potential daily schedule might look like.
Every newborn is different, so this isn't a “one-size-fits-all" situation. But here's a sample schedule to give you a sense of what might work for your newborn. Feel free to adjust, especially if your little one has specific ideas about when they want to sleep (spoiler: babies are experts at that).
Wake window: 45 minutes
And if you're ever feeling uncertain about your newborn's sleep , Happy Baby is there to help you stay on track. It's like having a newborn sleep expert in your pocket (without the extra cost of hiring one).
Now that you've got an idea of what a schedule could look like, let's address one of the biggest questions parents have at this stage: Can you sleep-train a 2-month-old?
Ah, the big question: Can you sleep-train a 2-month-old? The short answer: It's a bit too early. At 2 months, your newborn's sleep cycles are still immature, and they're not yet ready for any sleep training methods.
But don't worry! You're not completely powerless here.However, you can start laying the groundwork by establishing a gentle bedtime routine and creating a calm, consistent sleep environment. This can help your newborn associate certain cues (like dimmed lights or a soft lullaby) with sleep. Think of it as "training for training" without the high expectations.
Don’t worry if your 2-month-old isn’t sleeping through the night yet—it’s completely normal! At this stage, your baby still needs to feed regularly, which naturally shortens sleep stretches. Their brain and body are also still learning to regulate sleep and wake cycles.
The good news? You’re already helping your little one develop healthy sleep habits. Keep going—you’ve got this!
So, if you're thinking, "Am I going to survive this period of forever waking up?"—the answer is yes, yes you will. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, even if it's a little blurry for now.
Read more: Sleeping through the night: How baby sleep develops
Let's talk about how you can encourage a healthy sleep routine.
At 2 months, your newborn is still trying to figure out what "night" even means, let alone sleep in a consistent pattern. But don't fret. You can help guide them toward better sleep habits. Here's what might help:
And if you ever need extra help keeping track of it all, such as feeding, naps, sleep cues, Happy Baby can help. It's like having a sleep coach, minus the pressure. You've got this!
At 2 months old, your newborn is still figuring out their sleep cycles, and so are you. There will be some bumps along the way, but rest assured, you're doing great. (Even if it doesn't feel like it during those 2 AM feedings.) Establishing a sleep routine at this stage is about consistency, patience, and a little humour. The days of long, uninterrupted nights of sleep are coming. You just have to hang in there a bit longer!
For a simpler approach to building healthy sleep habits, Happy Baby has personalized sleep plans, expert guidance, and intuitive tracking tools—so you can stop stressing and enjoy more peaceful nights.
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