What Age Should Baby Have a Bedtime? (And What Time on the Clock Works Best)

One of the questions I get asked constantly is: What age should baby have a bedtime? And not just “a bedtime routine,” but an actual time on the clock when parents can count on putting their baby down.

It makes sense. Without a clear bedtime, evenings feel chaotic. You don’t know whether you’ll be holding a fussy baby until 11 p.m. or if you’ll actually get to watch a show, clean up the kitchen, or, hear me out.. go to bed yourself.

So let’s break this down with evidence-based guidelines on when babies are ready for a bedtime, what time that bedtime should be, and how you can help set the stage for consistent, restorative sleep.

Newborns (0–2 months): Bedtime is flexible

Here’s the truth: newborns don’t have a set bedtime yet. Their circadian rhythms (internal body clocks) aren’t developed enough to regulate sleep the way older babies do.

Studies show that circadian rhythms begin to emerge around 6–8 weeks, becoming more predictable by 3–4 months (Rivkees, 2003). Until then, sleep is distributed fairly evenly across the 24-hour day.

👉 Instead of a set 7:30 p.m. bedtime, focus on:

• Lots of daytime light exposure to help those circadian rhythms develop

• A consistent bedtime routine (short and sweet) so your baby learns sleep cues early

• Keeping bedtime flexible, usually falling between 9:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m.

💡 Related blog: Why Won’t My Baby Sleep on Their Back?

Babies 3–4 months: Earlier bedtimes start to emerge

Around 3–4 months, most babies begin consolidating night sleep. The time on the clock starts to matter. This is when a true bedtime often develops between 7:00–9:00 p.m.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine notes that infants (4–12 months) need 12–16 hours of total sleep in 24 hours, including naps. Earlier bedtimes help babies reach these totals by preventing overtiredness, which research shows can actually make it harder for them to fall asleep and stay asleep (Mindell & Owens, A Clinical Guide to Pediatric Sleep).

💡 Related blog: Dark Room for Daytime Naps

Babies 6–12 months: Sweet spot is 6:00–8:00 p.m.

This is the age range where bedtime consistency makes the biggest difference. By now, circadian rhythms are well established, and most babies thrive with a bedtime between 6:00–8:00 p.m.

Why? Research shows that children who go to bed earlier (and get adequate sleep) have better emotional regulation, cognitive development, and behavior during the day (Iglowstein et al., Pediatrics, 2003).

In practice, the “sweet spot” bedtime is often tied to wake windows and naps. If your baby’s last nap ends at 3:00 p.m., aiming for a 7:00 p.m. bedtime usually works best. If that nap ends at 4:00 p.m., bedtime may shift closer to 7:30–8:00 p.m.

Toddlers (12 months–3 years): Keep it early and consistent

Toddlers typically still need 11–14 hours of total sleep (AASM, 2016). Bedtime between 7:00–8:30 p.m. supports that, especially as naps consolidate.

Too late of a bedtime often leads to:

• Overtiredness and early morning wakes

• Night wakings due to cortisol spikes

• Bedtime battles (which many parents assume are behavioral, when really it’s just biology)

💡 Related blog: What Does a One Nap Schedule Look Like?

Signs your baby’s bedtime is too late

• Bedtime battles or lots of tears at the end of the day

• Frequent night wakings

• Early morning wakes (before 6:00 a.m.)

• Short naps or difficulty settling during the day

These aren’t just random. They’re cues that your baby’s bedtime on the clock may need to shift earlier.

Real parents, real results

You don’t have to take my word for it. Here’s what parents have shared about working with me at Heaven Sent Sleep:

“Ashley helped us set a 7:00 p.m. bedtime that actually worked with my baby’s schedule. She went from fighting sleep every night to being out within minutes. I can finally enjoy my evenings again.” — Heaven Sent Sleep Client

“We used to wait until 10:00 p.m. because that’s when our baby seemed tired. Ashley showed us how to read cues and adjust bedtime earlier. He now sleeps 11 hours straight.” — Heaven Sent Sleep Client

How to choose the right bedtime for your baby

1. Look at age: Under 2 months, bedtime is flexible. By 3–4 months, aim for 7:00–9:00 p.m. By 6–12 months, settle into 6:30–8:00 p.m.

2. Watch last nap timing: Most babies do best with 2.5–4 hours between the last nap and bedtime.

3. Notice patterns: Early wakes, night wakings, or meltdowns at bedtime often point to bedtime being too late.

Related blogs to support your bedtime journey

• Dark Room for Daytime Naps

• How to Determine Baby’s Temperament (because temperament can influence how easily babies adjust to new routines)

• Why Won’t My Baby Sleep on Their Back?

Bottom line

So, what age should baby have a bedtime?

• 0–2 months: no set bedtime, usually 9–11 p.m.

• 3–4 months: bedtime emerges between 7–9 p.m.

• 6–12 months: ideal bedtime is 6:30–8 p.m.

• Toddlers: bedtime stays consistent between 7–8:30 p.m.

Remember: it’s not about a perfect time for every baby. It’s about finding the age-appropriate range that works for your child and family.

If you’re struggling with early wakes, night wakings, or a baby who seems overtired no matter what time you put them down, you don’t have to figure it out alone. This is exactly what I help families with inside my 1:1 sleep coaching programs.

👉 Learn more about support options here.

Because a predictable bedtime isn’t just about more sleep — it’s about restoring peace to your evenings and giving your whole family the rest you deserve.