Because babies need a lot of sleep and they don't get all of their sleep at night, regular naps are an important part of your baby's sleep schedule. In the first few weeks and months, as your baby is still in a regular sleeping, waking, and eating cycle, you don't have to think of daytime sleep as naps. They are just another part of your baby's overall need for sleep.

Later on, by three to four months, your baby's sleep will become more organized. You can then expect her to sleep more at night, and have three regular naps during the day. Although the length of naps varies, they are usually about one and a half hours each.

By six months, most infants only require two daytime naps and they are sleeping even longer at night. This routine of an early morning and early afternoon nap will probably continue until your child is well into his toddler years. If your baby doesn't nap well, make sure that you are not waiting until she is overtired before putting her down, and that you have a regular and strict routine for naps. Your infant is less likely to take good naps if she sometimes takes a nap at home, sometimes in the car, and falls asleep in her stroller other times. Try to organize your daytime schedule around your baby's naps.