Infant sleep patterns are characterized by shorter sleep cycles compared to adults. Newborns typically sleep 14 to 17 hours a day, but this sleep is divided into multiple short periods, often lasting 2 to 4 hours. They spend more time in REM sleep, which is essential for brain development. As infants grow, their sleep patterns gradually change. By around 6 months, many infants begin to sleep for longer stretches at night, totaling about 12 to 15 hours of sleep, including daytime naps. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can help promote better sleep habits as they develop.