When the pattern changes
Choose the question you can describe: a daytime nap change, a different night, or a gap in the diary. These guides help separate those questions before you compare schedules.
The Cocoon guide library
Baby sleep
Understand newborn sleep, safer sleep setups and night wakings. Start with the question facing your family, then explore naps and flexible routines alongside your baby's care plan.
Agree on the setup and the handover
Give each caregiver the same source for sleep-space guidance and the same meaning for recorded times. A paper worksheet can be enough when an app is not convenient.
A worry in the night
Some night-time questions are about comfort and some are about health. These guides explain what's common, what helps and which signs need a doctor.
Tools for this
All baby sleep guides
SleepDevelopment
12-month sleep regression: walking, nap refusal and what helps
Why sleep can wobble around the first birthday, why refusing a nap doesn't always mean one nap is next, how separation plays in, and what helps.
SleepRoutines
12–18 month old sleep schedule: moving from two naps to one
How much toddlers sleep from 12 to 18 months, when and how to move from two naps to one, example days, bedtime, childcare naps and cot safety.
SleepRoutines
18 months to 3 years sleep schedule: one nap and example days
How much toddlers sleep from 18 months to 3, how long the single nap lasts and when it goes, example days, early waking, bedtime battles and moving to a bed.
SleepDevelopment
18-month sleep regression: bedtime battles, teeth and what helps
Why toddler sleep often gets bumpy around 18 months, from independence and separation to canine teeth and the one-nap switch, and how to hold bedtime limits kindly.
SleepBehavior
2-year sleep regression: fears, big changes and bedtime limits
Why sleep often wobbles around age 2, from fears and nightmares to a new sibling, toilet learning, a new bed and nap changes, and how to set kind bedtime limits.
SleepRoutines
3–5 month old sleep schedule: naps, wake windows and example days
How much babies sleep from 3 to 5 months, typical naps and wake windows, two example days, the 4-month sleep changes and night feeds.
SleepDevelopment
4-month sleep regression: signs, how long it lasts and what helps
Why sleep often gets choppier around 4 months, what the signs are, how long it tends to last, what helps and how to keep a rolling baby safe.
SleepRoutines
6–8 month old sleep schedule: naps, wake windows and example days
How much 6–8 month olds sleep, when babies move from three naps to two, wake windows, two example days and how solids and new skills affect sleep.
SleepDevelopment
8-month sleep regression: why it happens and what helps
Why sleep often gets harder around 8 to 10 months, how separation anxiety, new skills and nap changes play in, what helps, and when waking needs a doctor.
SleepRoutines
9–12 month old sleep schedule: two naps, wake windows and example days
How much babies sleep from 9 to 12 months, two-nap example days, wake windows, early waking, standing in the cot, night feeds and the 8–10 month sleep changes.
SleepRoutines
Baby bedtime routine: simple steps by age and why they help
How to build a calm, consistent bedtime routine for your baby or toddler, with steps by age, moving the feed earlier, and keeping it the same across carers.
SleepIllness
Baby coughing at night: causes, safe relief and when to worry
Why coughs seem worse at night, how to tell a cold from croup or whooping cough, what's safe to try, and which breathing signs need help now.
SleepSoothing
Baby crying in sleep: why it happens and when to go in
Why babies and toddlers whimper, cry or scream in their sleep, how long to pause before going in, and which cries mean hunger, pain or illness.
SleepSoothing
Baby gas at night: easing wind, evening fussing and red flags
Why wind and fussing often seem worse in the evening, how feeding, burping, massage and leg movements can help at night, and which tummy signs need a doctor.
SleepRoutines
Baby nap transitions: how many naps by age and when they drop
How many naps babies and toddlers usually take at each age, how long naps last, signs a nap is ending and how to handle each transition safely.
SleepBehavior
Baby night waking: what's normal by age and how to respond
How often babies and toddlers wake at night by age, the common causes, a calm night-waking routine, when to feed or resettle, and when waking needs a doctor.
SleepHealth
Baby noises while sleeping: grunting, twitching and breathing
Which grunts, snuffles, twitches, pauses and snores are normal when your baby sleeps, and which breathing signs need a doctor or an ambulance.
SleepSafe Sleep
Baby room temperature: what's safe for sleep, summer and winter
What room temperature each safe-sleep authority recommends for babies, plus thermometers, tog, heaters, fans and air-conditioning, and signs of too hot or cold.
SleepHealth
Baby sleep after vaccinations: sleepiness, fever and red flags
Why babies can be sleepy or unsettled after vaccinations, how long it usually lasts, how to comfort them safely and which signs need urgent help.
Sleep
Baby sleep myths: 10 common beliefs and what the evidence says
Ten popular baby sleep beliefs, from cereal in the bottle to swaddling a roller, checked against AAP, NHS, Red Nose, ABA and Lullaby Trust guidance.
SleepRoutines
Baby sleep schedule by age: hours, naps and wake windows
How much babies and toddlers sleep from birth to 3, with nap counts, wake windows and a link to a detailed schedule for each stage.
SleepTravel
Baby sleep when travelling: travel cots, jet lag and naps on the go
How to keep your baby sleeping safely and well away from home, from travel and hotel cots to car seats, plane bassinets, time zones and staying with family.
SleepHealth
Baby sleeping with mouth open: causes, snoring and when to worry
Why babies and toddlers breathe through their mouth in sleep, from blocked noses to big adenoids, and when snoring, gasps or pauses need a doctor.
SleepIllness
Baby stuffy nose at night: how to help them sleep safely
Safe ways to clear a blocked nose before sleep, keep feeds going, avoid risky propping and rubs, and know when congestion is affecting feeding or breathing.
SleepSafe Sleep
Baby sweating at night: causes, overheating and when to worry
Why babies sweat in their sleep, how to check if your baby is too hot, what to change, and when night sweating is a sign of illness.
SleepSafe Sleep
Bed-sharing and co-sleeping: the risks and what guidelines say
What co-sleeping, bed-sharing and room-sharing mean, what AU, UK and US guidelines say, the highest-risk situations and how to make a bed safer.
SleepRoutines
Bedtime fading: a gentle method for long, difficult bedtimes
How bedtime fading works for babies and toddlers who take ages to fall asleep, with steps, a worked example, the research and how it compares with other methods.
SleepBehavior
Chair method and camping out: a gradual retreat sleep plan
How the chair method, camping out and parental presence work, with a step-by-step plan across nights, how long it takes, naps, pros and cons.
SleepSafe Sleep
Contact napping: why newborns nap on you and how to stay safe
Why newborns often only nap on a parent, why it isn't a bad habit, how to keep contact naps and babywearing safe, and how to move a sleeping baby to the cot.
SleepBehavior
Cry it out (extinction): how it works, ages and the evidence
What the cry-it-out (extinction) sleep method involves, the ages sources discuss, how it differs from controlled comforting and what research has found.
SleepRoutines
Daylight saving and baby sleep: how to handle the clock change
How to move your baby's or toddler's sleep when the clocks change, with a gradual plan, the switch-on-the-day option, light tips and dates by country.
SleepBreastfeeding
Dream feed: what it is, how to do it safely and when to stop
What a dream feed is, what the limited evidence says, how to give one safely by breast or bottle, when it helps or doesn't, and when to stop.
SleepRoutines
Dropping the nap: when toddlers stop napping and what helps
When toddlers and preschoolers usually stop napping, the signs they're ready, how quiet time and an earlier bedtime help, and handling in-between days.
SleepSoothing
Drowsy but awake: what it means and how to practise it gently
What "put your baby down drowsy but awake" means, what the advice is based on, how to practise it gently at each age, and why it's fine if it doesn't work yet.
SleepSoothing
Dummies for babies: SIDS, safe use and when to stop
What the evidence says about dummies and SIDS, when to start if you're breastfeeding, how to use one safely for sleep, and how and when to wean off it.
SleepRoutines
Early morning waking: why babies and toddlers wake at 5 am
What counts as early waking, the common causes in babies and toddlers, step-by-step changes to try, toddler clocks and when it's just their body clock.
RoutinesSleep
Eat-play-sleep routine: a flexible daily rhythm for babies
How the eat-play-sleep (EASY) routine works, where it helps and where it doesn't, and how to build a flexible daily rhythm that keeps feeding responsive.
SleepRoutines
False starts: why your baby wakes soon after bedtime
Why babies wake 20–60 minutes after going down at bedtime, how to spot the cause, a step-by-step plan with example changes, and how long to try each one.
SleepBehavior
Ferber method and controlled comforting: how check-and-console works
How the Ferber method, controlled comforting and controlled crying work, with the age to start, step-by-step checks, example intervals and when to stop.
Mental HealthPostpartum
How a partner can help after the birth: feeds, nights and mood
Practical ways a partner or support person can share feeds, nights and recovery, and spot postnatal depression or anxiety in either parent.
SleepSafe Sleep
How to dress a baby for sleep: layers, sleeping bags and temperature
What to dress your baby in for sleep in warm and cool weather, how to use sleeping bags and tog, and how to check your baby isn't too hot or cold.
SleepSoothing
Is it OK to feed or rock your baby to sleep?
Why feeding, rocking and holding babies to sleep is normal, what sleep associations really mean, how to do it safely and gentle ways to change it if you want to.
SleepHealth
Melatonin and sleep aids for babies and toddlers: what's safe?
What AU, UK and US guidance says about melatonin, sedating antihistamines, cough medicines, herbal remedies and essential oils as sleep aids for young children.
SleepRoutines
Moving from cot to bed: when, how and toddler-proofing
When to move your toddler from a cot to a bed, how to set up the bed and bedroom safely, and how to help them stay in bed once they can get out.
SleepSafe Sleep
Naps on the go: safe sleep in the car seat, pram and carrier
How to keep naps in the car seat, pram, stroller and carrier safe, when to move your baby to a flat surface, and how outings fit around the day's sleep.
SleepRoutines
Newborn day-night confusion: why it happens and how to fix it
Why newborns sleep all day and wake all night, how long it usually lasts, what helps their body clock along, what doesn't, and how to keep nights safe.
SleepDevelopment
Newborn sleep patterns: what to expect from 0 to 12 weeks
How much newborns sleep, why they wake so often, what normal sleep noises look like, and how sleep changes over the first 12 weeks.
SleepSafe Sleep
Newborn sleep week by week: what to expect from week 1 to 12
A stage-by-stage guide to newborn sleep from week 1 to 12, with sleep totals, feeds, day-night changes, the crying peak, safe sleep and red flags.
SleepSoothing
Newborn won't sleep unless held: why, and safe ways through it
Why newborns want to be held to sleep, how to make contact naps, transfers, swaddling, dummies and slings safer, and what to do if you might fall asleep.
SleepBehavior
Night terrors vs nightmares in toddlers: how to tell and what to do
How to tell night terrors from nightmares, what to do for each, sleepwalking safety, common triggers, typical ages and when to see a doctor.
SleepBreastfeeding
Night weaning: gentle step-by-step plans for breast and bottle
Step-by-step ways to cut night feeds gradually — shortening feeds, stretching the gap, partner resettling — plus what to expect and when to pause.
SleepSoothing
Overtired baby: signs by age and how to help them settle
How to tell an overtired baby or toddler from a tired one, why overtiredness makes settling harder, how to calm them, and how to stop it happening.
SleepSoothing
Pick up, put down method: steps, ages and does it work?
How the pick-up-put-down settling method works, where it comes from, the ages it's used at, step-by-step instructions and what the evidence does and doesn't show.
SleepSoothing
Responsive settling by age: gentle ways to help your baby sleep
How responsive settling works from newborn to toddler, from settling in arms to hands-on and comfort settling, and how it differs from sleep training.
Safe SleepSleep
Safe sleep for babies: the rules for every sleep, and why
The safe sleep recommendations from Red Nose, the NHS, the Lullaby Trust, the AAP and NICHD, explained for every nap and night in the first year.
BehaviorDevelopment
Screen time for babies and toddlers: guidelines by age
What the WHO, AAP and Australian guidance say about screens from birth to 5, plus video calls, co-viewing, background TV, sleep and a simple family plan.
BehaviorDevelopment
Separation anxiety in babies and toddlers: ages, drop-off and sleep
When separation anxiety starts and peaks, what it looks like, how to handle goodbyes, bedtime and childcare, and when it's more than a normal stage.
SleepSafe Sleep
Setting up your baby's sleep space: cot, mattress and room
How to choose and set up a safe cot, bassinet and mattress, where to put the cot, and how to make the room dark, quiet and comfortable for sleep.
SleepSoothing
Short baby naps: why catnapping happens and what helps
Why many babies wake after one sleep cycle, how long naps usually last by age, what to try when short naps leave your baby tired, and when it's fine.
SleepSoothing
Shush-pat settling: how to do it safely, step by step
How to settle your baby with shushing and rhythmic patting in the cot or in your arms, which ages it suits, what the evidence says and the safety rules.
SleepSafe Sleep
Siblings sharing a room: when it's safe and how to make it work
When a baby can share a bedroom with an older sibling, the safe-sleep rules, bunk bed ages, staggered bedtimes and what to do when one child wakes the other.
Mental HealthPostpartum
Sleep deprivation with a newborn: coping, safety and when to get help
How broken sleep affects new parents, practical ways to get more rest, staying safe with your baby and on the road, and when exhaustion needs help.
SleepDevelopment
Sleep regression ages: 4, 8, 12, 18 months and 2 years explained
The ages sleep regressions are said to happen, what is really changing at each one, how to tell them from teething or illness, and what helps.
SleepBehavior
Sleep training methods compared: ages, crying and evidence
Compare every popular baby sleep and settling method side by side, with the ages sources give, how much crying each plans for, and what research shows.
SleepIllness
Sleep when your baby is sick: keeping nights safe and calm
How to help a sick baby sleep safely, from flat cots and extra feeds to night checks, fever and medicine, getting back to normal and when to get help.
PregnancySleep
Sleeping on your side in pregnancy: why it matters from 28 weeks
Why the advice is to go to sleep on your side from 28 weeks, which side to choose, what to do if you wake on your back, and how to get comfortable.
SleepRoutines
Split nights: why your baby is awake for hours at night
Why babies and toddlers wake happily for an hour or more mid-night, how to check their total sleep against age needs, and how to rebalance naps and bedtime.
SleepSafe Sleep
Swaddling a baby: how to wrap safely and when to stop
How to swaddle or wrap your baby safely for sleep, which wraps to use, hip-healthy technique, and when and how to stop once rolling begins.
SleepTeething
Teething and sleep: safe comfort and when it's really illness
What sources say about teething and night waking, how long it usually lasts, safe comfort at bedtime, products to avoid and signs that point to illness.
SleepSoothing
The Possums sleep approach (NDC): what it is and what research shows
A neutral look at the Australian Possums approach to baby sleep, also called Neuroprotective Developmental Care, its main ideas and what studies have found.
SleepRoutines
Three to two naps: when babies drop the third nap and how
When babies usually move from three naps to two, the signs they're ready, a step-by-step plan, example days and how to handle the tired late afternoon.
SleepBehavior
Toddler bedtime stalling: curtain calls, limits and what helps
Why toddlers stall at bedtime and keep getting out of bed, and calm ways to handle it, from routines and picture charts to bedtime passes and fears.
SleepBehavior
Toddler sleep from 18 months to 3: bedtime battles and night waking
How much sleep toddlers need, an example day, and calm ways to handle bedtime stalling, night waking, nightmares, night terrors and climbing out of the cot.
SleepRoutines
Two naps to one: when toddlers switch and how to make it easier
When toddlers usually move from two naps to one, readiness signs, gradual and quicker approaches, example days, earlier bedtimes and childcare.
Safe SleepSleep
Unsafe baby sleep products: what to avoid and why
Which baby sleep products safe-sleep bodies in Australia, the UK and US say to avoid, from inclined sleepers and nests to weighted sacks, and why.
SleepRoutines
Wake to sleep: does it work for night waking and early starts?
What the wake-to-sleep technique involves, how it relates to the scheduled awakenings studied in research, how to try it and what the evidence shows.
SleepDevelopment
Wake windows by age: chart, tired cues and how to use them
How long babies usually stay awake between sleeps from birth to 3, with tired and overtired cues and how to use the ranges without clock-watching.
SleepRoutines
When do babies sleep through the night? What's normal by age
What "sleeping through the night" really means, when babies start sleeping longer stretches, why night waking is normal, and safe ways to encourage longer sleep.
SleepBreastfeeding
When do babies stop night feeds? Signs your baby may be ready
When babies still need night feeds, how breastfed and formula-fed babies differ, signs a baby may be ready to drop one, and when to wait.
SleepSafe Sleep
When to move your baby to their own room, and how
How long to room-share, how to tell when your family is ready to move baby into their own room, and how to set up the nursery and make the switch safely.
SleepSoothing
White noise for babies: does it help, and how loud is safe?
What white noise is, what the research says about babies' sleep, the hearing concerns about sleep machines, and how to set one up and wean off it.
Key terms
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Baby healthStarting solidsDaily routinesBreastfeedingDevelopment & milestonesSafe sleepBehaviourSoothing & cryingBottle feedingWhen baby is unwellPostpartum recoveryPregnancy & birthTravel & outingsGrowth & percentilesWeaningPumping & milk supplyDiapers & nappiesParent mental healthTeethingAll guides
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