Dream feed: Feeding baby while they're still asleep (or barely awake) around 10-11pm before parents go to bed. Goal is to tank baby up so they sleep longer stretch without waking hungry. Works for some babies 6 weeks to 6-7 months. May help baby sleep from 11pm to 5-6am instead of waking at 2-3am. Not a magic solution - some babies wake anyway, some wake more frequently after dream feed. Best for babies who wake consistently hungry after a few hours. Less effective once baby starts sleeping through night naturally.

"Drowsy but awake" means putting baby in crib sleepy but not fully asleep. Baby's eyes may be closing but they're still somewhat aware. This teaches baby to fall asleep independently without always needing feeding/rocking. Foundational skill for good sleep habits. Baby learns to self-soothe and put themselves to sleep. Makes it easier when baby wakes between sleep cycles at night. Confusing concept for parents - how drowsy is drowsy enough? Takes practice and won't work every time, especially with newborns.

Early morning waking: Baby consistently wakes 5-6am and won't go back to sleep, despite appropriate bedtime. Very common complaint in 6-12 month olds. Causes: Bedtime too early or too late, morning light in room, hunger (if dropped night feeding too soon), overtiredness, developmental leaps, learned habit. Biologically, lightest sleep occurs 4-6am (end of sleep cycle). Easier for baby to wake then vs. middle of night. Some babies are natural early risers.

Babies go through several nap transitions in first 2 years: 4→3 naps (~4 months), 3→2 naps (~6-9 months), 2→1 nap (~12-18 months). Signs ready to drop nap: Refuses one nap consistently, takes forever to fall asleep for naps, naps become very short, nighttime sleep disrupted, not tired at nap time. Transitions are gradual - takes 2-3 weeks of adjustment. Expect some crankiness and schedule chaos during transition period.

Nap evolution by age: • 0-3 months: 4-5 short naps (cat naps) • 3-4 months: 3-4 naps (one may lengthen to 1-2 hours) • 5-8 months: 3 naps (morning, afternoon, evening) • 9-12 months: 2 naps (morning, afternoon) • 15-18 months: 1 afternoon nap Many babies resist naps even when tired - watch for sleep cues and act quickly. Overtired babies have harder time sleeping.

Newborns sleep 16-17 hours daily in short periods. What's normal: • No set schedule at first • Often have day/night confusion • Wake every 2-3 hours to feed • Sleep cycles are 40-60 minutes Don't expect sleeping through the night (6+ hours) until at least 3 months — often longer. This is completely normal and healthy.

AAP recommends pacifier at all sleep times - reduces SIDS risk by ~50%. For breastfed babies: wait until 1 month to establish nursing first. Doesn't need reinserting if falls out during sleep. Never attach to clothing or around neck (strangulation risk). Can stop when baby rolls over (3-4 months). Benefits outweigh nipple confusion concerns.

ABC's of safe sleep: Alone, on Back, in Crib Safe sleep essentials: • Firm, flat surface with fitted sheet only • No blankets, pillows, bumpers, or toys • Room-share but not bed-share (first 6-12 months) • Don't overheat — dress in light layers • Never cover baby's head These practices significantly reduce SIDS risk.

Total sleep by age (24 hours): • Newborn (0-3 months): 14-17 hours • 4-11 months: 12-15 hours Wake windows (time awake between naps): • 0-6 weeks: 45-60 minutes • 2-3 months: 1-1.5 hours • 4-5 months: 1.5-2.5 hours • 6-8 months: 2-3 hours Watch for sleep cues: yawning, eye rubbing, fussiness, staring into space.

Sleep regression is when baby who was sleeping well suddenly starts waking frequently. Most common at 4 months (developmental leap + permanent change in sleep cycles), 8-10 months (separation anxiety + new skills like crawling), and 18 months (teething + independence). 4-month regression is permanent shift in sleep architecture. Others usually last 2-4 weeks. Signs: Increased night waking, shorter naps, fighting sleep, more fussy.

Swaddling calms Moro reflex and improves sleep. STOP IMMEDIATELY when baby shows ANY signs of rolling (typically 2-4 months) - rolling while swaddled = suffocation risk. Never use weighted swaddles. Hips should have room to move (not too tight). Arms can come out at 8-12 weeks if desired. Always place on back to sleep.