Month 2 Baby Sleep: What to Expect

Key Takeaways:

• During the second month, your baby is rapidly developing, which means they still need lots of sleep.
• Two-month-olds don’t have developed circadian rhythms, so it’s too early for a schedule, but starting a gentle routine can help soothe your baby.
• Hatch Baby can help create a comforting sleep environment with gentle light, calming audio, and expert support as your baby's sleep patterns evolve.

You made it through your baby’s first month! As you’ve probably picked up on by now, these hazy newborn days are often equal parts “How is this tiny human so perfect?” and “When will I ever sleep through the night again?”

We’ve been there, and we’re here to help. Your baby is rapidly developing, so they need lots of sleep. But with their internal clocks still developing, sleep patterns can be unpredictable, and nighttime wake-ups are common. As frustrating as this can feel, remember that it’s developmentally normal, temporary, and you’re not doing anything wrong.

Rather than trying to “fix” baby’s fussiness or create a strict schedule they’re not ready for, lean into learning and responding to their cues and slowly establishing gentle routines. Ahead, we’ll explore what to expect with 2-month-old baby sleep, and how Hatch Baby can support more restful moments with soothing audio, gentle light, and sleep guidance from experts.

Table of Contents

1. What to Expect During Baby’s Second Month
2. Tips for Baby Sleep at 2 Months
3. FAQs
4. References

What to Expect During Baby’s Second Month

Understanding what to expect during a baby’s second month can help you feel more prepared for these common milestones.

Milestones

• You may notice baby is fussy in the evenings from 5-11 PM, which is known as the “witching hour.” Evening crying is common and often happens from overstimulation from the day.
• Your baby will likely still wake up every few hours at night because they’re growing quickly.
• As baby’s brain develops, they may fight sleep even when they’re obviously overtired. (Newborns experience FOMO, too!)
• It’s common for newborns to sleep longer, 4-5 hour stretches, then start waking up more frequently again. Development isn’t always linear!

Sleep Goals

• Your newborn may be more awake and alert as they pass the one-month mark, but they still need 14-16 hours of sleep per 24 hours. During their brief wake windows, spend time cuddling, feeding, and offer short tummy time sessions.
• Nighttime wakings can be frustrating, but they’re common at this age. Try to focus on meeting your baby’s nutritional and attachment needs during this newborn stage. It gets better!
• A newborn’s wake windows during the second month are typically 45-60 minutes. Keeping an eye on these windows can prevent tiredness and may make evenings a little easier.
• Working toward two crib naps each day can ease the transition from contact naps as baby grows.

Tips for Baby Sleep at 2 Months

During your baby’s second month, small, consistent habits can help support their developing sleep patterns. From gentle bedtime routines to soothing strategies for fussy evenings, here are a few things to try.

Start Predictable Nighttime Habits

At two months, your baby is still too young for a sleep schedule. But starting a gentle sleep routine can create a sense of predictability, which is comforting for newborns during all these developmental changes. Before bedtime, try to follow the same few steps, like feeding, diaper change, bath, cuddles, then sleep. Now’s a great time to incorporate Hatch Baby audio into baby’s sleep routine, too. Try Pajama Pop to help keep them alert during nighttime feedings, then transition to a calming sound like brown or pink noise.

Prioritize Morning Light

Your baby’s circadian rhythm is still developing, and natural light can help them begin to recognize the difference between day and night. Open the blinds in the morning or head outside for a walk. A little daylight can help signal to you baby’s brain and body that morning means it’s time to wake up.

Use the 5 S’s During the Witching Hour

While it’s developmentally normal for 2-month-olds to fuss before bed, there’s a lot you can do to soothe them. The 5 S’s — swaddling, holding baby on their side in your arms, shushing, swaying, and allowing them to suck on a bottle or pacifier — are a great way to help your baby feel secure and ready for sleep. For an extra soothing touch, try playing the Hush Sounds on your Hatch Baby to create a calming atmosphere.

Need extra support during the newborn phase? Hatch Baby combines calming sound and light with expert guidance from Hatch Sleep Consultants to help support healthy sleep.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my 2-month-old grunt and squirm so much while sleeping?

It's normal for 2-month-old babies to grunt, wiggle, and make noises while sleeping. Newborns spend a significant amount of time in active sleep, a stage when they may move, twitch, or make sounds without actually waking up. If your baby seems comfortable, give them a moment before intervening. They may still be asleep!

Can a 2-month-old baby learn to self-soothe?

At 2 months old, babies are still developing the ability to regulate their emotions and settle themselves to sleep. While you may notice occasional signs of self-soothing, like sucking on their hands, most babies this age still need plenty of caregiver support. Responding to your baby's needs helps build a sense of safety and security.

When should I move my 2-month-old baby from a bassinet to a crib?

There's no specific age when babies need to transition from a bassinet to a crib. The right time depends on your baby's size, development, and the manufacturer's safety guidelines. If your baby starts rolling, reaches the bassinet's weight or height limit, or shows other signs they've outgrown it, it's time to transition to a safe crib.

References

1. Henderson, J. M. T., France, K. G., & Blampied, N. M. (2011). The consolidation of infants’ nocturnal sleep across the first year of life. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 15(4), 211–220. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2010.08.003
2. Henderson, J. M. T., France, K. G., Owens, J. L., & Blampied, N. M. (2010). Sleeping through the night: The consolidation of self-regulated sleep across the first year of life. Pediatrics, 126(5), e1081–e1087. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2010-0976
3. Stanford Medicine Children’s Health. (n.d.). Infant sleep. https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=infant-sleep-90-P02237
4. Jenni, O. G., & Carskadon, M. A. (2007). Sleep behavior and sleep regulation from infancy through adolescence: Normative aspects. Sleep Medicine Clinics. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1556407X07000501