Children
Your toddler's first words: what's typical by age two
Typical speech milestones, and when to check in with your provider.
5 min read
ChildrenAI voice5 min read
Children's sleep: what normal rhythms look like at 6 months
How much sleep babies need, and why night waking is still normal.
Read it, or listen hands-free.
Quick answer
- Babies 4 to 11 months usually need 12 to 16 hours of sleep a day, including naps.
- Waking in the night is still common at this age.
- Always put your baby to sleep on their back, in their own crib.
What's happening
Around six months, many babies settle into two or three naps a day and a longer stretch of sleep at night.
Key facts
Safe sleep lowers risk.
A firm, flat crib with no pillows, bumpers or toys is safest.
Growth spurts disrupt sleep.
Short patches of more waking are normal.
What you can do
- Keep a simple, calm bedtime routine.
- Put baby down drowsy but awake.
- Keep night feeds quiet and dim.
When to get help
- Breathing pauses, very noisy breathing, or your baby is hard to wake.
This guide is for general information. Check with your health provider about your own situation. Facts checked against the Canadian Paediatric Society.
Related guides
Children
Bedtime battles: building a routine that sticks
Simple steps for calmer evenings and better sleep.
5 min read
General information only, not medical advice. Need help now? Emergency 911. Nurse advice 811. Suicide crisis: call or text 988.