The Infant Sleep Diary below is for one day of data.  Keep this diary for 3-4 days, then take the time to analyze it.  The primary thing to look for is consistency:

  • Are the times the same each day?
  • Is the location of bedtime or naps the same each day?
  • Is the order of activities the same?

The answer to each of these questions should be yes.  Research into infant sleep has shown that many sleep routines work well, so long as they are consistent.  For sleep deprived parents, this consistency can be hard, but it will pay off in the end with a child who falls asleep more quickly, and has fewer night-time wakenings.

Naps During the Day

  Nap 1 Nap 2 Nap 3
Start time      
How long to fall asleep      
Total sleep      
Who put baby down      
Location      
Activities 10 minutes before sleep, in order      

 Evening Bedtime

Bedtime:

How long to fall asleep:

Who put baby down:

Location:

Activities 20 minutes before:

Wake time:

Wakenings During the Night

  Wakening 1 Wakening 2 Wakening 3
Wake at time      
How long awake      
Who cared for baby      
Activities during waking      

Total sleep for last 24 hours: