Navigating the First 12 Months with Confidence
Your baby’s first year is an exciting journey filled with milestones, discoveries, and, of course, plenty of questions. From sleep routines to feeding schedules, every day brings something new. To help you feel more confident, we’ve gathered expert answers to some of the most common daily questions parents ask during their baby’s first year.
The Most Common Questions (And Expert Answers!)
1. How much should my baby sleep?
Newborns sleep a lot—typically 14 to 17 hours a day—but their sleep patterns are unpredictable. As they grow, sleep becomes more structured:
- 0-3 months: 14-17 hours, with naps throughout the day and night
- 4-6 months: 12-16 hours, with longer nighttime stretches
- 7-12 months: 11-14 hours, including 2-3 naps a day
Establishing a bedtime routine early can help encourage healthy sleep habits.
2. How often should I feed my baby?
Feeding frequency depends on your baby’s age and whether they’re breastfed or formula-fed:
- Newborns: Every 2-3 hours (breastfed) or every 3-4 hours (formula-fed)
- 3-6 months: Every 3-4 hours as solid foods start being introduced
- 6-12 months: Around 3 meals a day, supplemented with breast milk or formula
Watch for hunger cues like sucking on hands or rooting, and let your baby guide you.
3. When should my baby start solid foods?
Most babies are ready for solids around 6 months, but look for these signs:
- Sitting up with minimal support
- Showing interest in your food
- Losing the tongue-thrust reflex
Start with single-ingredient purees before gradually introducing more variety.
4. What milestones should I expect in the first year?
Every baby develops at their own pace, but here are general milestones:
- 3 months: Smiling, cooing, lifting their head
- 6 months: Rolling over, sitting up, babbling
- 9 months: Crawling, pulling to stand, grasping small objects
- 12 months: Taking first steps, saying simple words, waving goodbye
If you have concerns about development, consult your pediatrician.
You’ve Got Questions, We’ve Got Answers
Parenting is a learning experience, and it’s okay to have questions—lots of them! AMA’s AI is here to provide trusted, real-time answers, so you’re never left wondering. Whether it’s a late-night feeding worry or a milestone check-in, we’re with you every step of the way.
Have more questions? Ask away—we’re always here to help!
