Sleep Patterns – Day vs. Night Confusion Begins to Fade

Reviewed by: HiMommy Expert Board

3 min read

May 13, 2025

In the early weeks, sleep can feel like a guessing game. Babies sleep in short bursts, day and night, seemingly unaware of any difference. But by Week 11, your baby is beginning to show signs of a more mature sleep-wake cycle.

What’s Changing This Week?

Your baby’s internal clock — called the circadian rhythm — is slowly developing. This means they’re beginning to:

Sleep longer stretches at night
Stay awake slightly longer during the day
Show signs of sleepiness at predictable times

You might also notice clearer “sleep cues”: yawning, rubbing eyes, fussiness, or zoning out.

How to Support Healthy Sleep Habits

You can gently guide your baby toward more restful nights with simple routines:

Create contrast: Keep days bright and active, nights dim and calm.
Establish a bedtime routine: Bath, song, cuddles — consistency helps.
Lay baby down drowsy but awake: It encourages self-soothing.
Avoid overstimulation close to bedtime.

Remember: Progress, Not Perfection

Some babies still wake frequently, and that’s okay. Night wakings are normal and necessary for feeding and comfort. But even small improvements — like one longer stretch of sleep — are signs that your baby’s rhythm is shifting.

Keep nurturing good sleep habits now, and you’ll set the stage for better nights ahead.