Young parents often feel intense pressure when it comes to their baby's sleep patterns. Concerns about whether the baby sleeps through the night, the duration of naps, and whether the baby can fall asleep independently are common. Caroline Decré, a pediatric nurse and sleep specialist, explains that in the first few months, the best approach is to be patient and give oneself the time needed to adapt. During this period, a baby's sleep is still quite disorganized and evolves week by week. At three months, a baby sleeps between 14 and 17 hours over a 24-hour period. Some babies can sleep for 6 to 8 hours at a stretch without eating, while others have more fragmented sleep with a rhythm that is still inverted at this age. On average, a baby sleeps about 8 hours at night, with awakenings that are normal and physiological, as their sleep is still developing. During the day, a baby can sleep between 3 and 5 hours, sometimes up to 6 hours, spread over 3 to 5 naps. In the early months, the distinction between day and night sleep is still minimal. Before four months, a baby's sleep is heavily influenced by what is known as the 'sleep pressure'—the longer they stay awake, the more they need to sleep. Before three months, the child's sleep follows an ultradian rhythm, meaning sleep and wakefulness alternate frequently, regardless of the time of day. Between 1.5 months and 4 months, depending on the baby and their environment, a circadian rhythm—meaning a daily cycle—begins to develop. It is also important to note that melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep, starts to be produced by the baby's body only from around four months of age. This change leads to gradually longer periods of nighttime sleep. By three months, some babies can begin to sleep for two to four hours in a row, chaining several sleep cycles together. Recognizing the signs of fatigue in a three-month-old can be difficult for parents. Early signs include a slightly vacant look, slightly reddened eyebrows, rubbing the eyes, small grunts, and small jerky movements, especially in the hands. Catching the right moment to put the baby to sleep, even if it means doing so after 1 hour and 30 minutes of wakefulness, can result in a more peaceful and restorative sleep. Later signs of fatigue include nervousness, fidgeting, crying, and sometimes intense crying fits. These signs are generally easier to notice in the morning but can become more subtle as fatigue and stimulations build up. Parents should not feel guilty for missing these signs, as it is part of the learning process. At this age, the periods of wakefulness are short, and it is perfectly normal to sometimes miss the 'right moment' to put the baby to bed. The biological clock, or circadian rhythm, is influenced by what are called "time givers," with light being the most important. To help the baby gradually distinguish between day and night, parents can use landmarks such as opening the blinds, going out for a walk, and keeping the house active in the morning. At night, darkness and calm are encouraged. This helps the baby's internal clock settle into a regular rhythm, especially after three months. Some babies may have difficulty falling asleep during the day due to light, and in such cases, putting them to sleep in a dark room—perhaps even in complete darkness—can be acceptable, as long as they receive enough light during the day. Routines and small rituals are also recommended to provide the baby with landmarks and help them transition into sleep. For example, holding the baby, speaking softly, changing their diaper, explaining that it's time for sleep, and singing a lullaby can help the baby relax and prepare for rest. From three months, these routines can be intensified to clearly mark the difference between day and night, offering the baby a stable sleep environment. It is important to take the time to observe the baby and understand their unique needs.