Quick reference
Bedside tables to consult fast
The key tables from the guide in one place — sleep by age, tummy time, motor and language milestones, and pediatric visit calendar.
The tables below summarize the essentials. Use as a bedside checklist — for deeper exploration, each table points to the corresponding article.
Sleep recommended by age
| Age | Total in 24h (including naps) |
|---|---|
| 0-3 months | 14-17 hours (frequent naps, 2-4h each) |
| 4-11 months | 12-16 hours (3-4 naps → 2 naps) |
| 1-2 years | 11-14 hours (1-2 naps) |
| 3-5 years | 10-13 hours (with or without nap) |
Source: AAP / National Sleep Foundation.
Tummy time (awake and supervised)
| Age | Total time per day | How to |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn | 1-3 minutes several times/day | Baby belly-down on parent's chest while reclined |
| 1-2 months | 10-15 minutes/day | Short sessions of 2-5 minutes on a mat |
| 3 months | 30-60 minutes/day | Spread across several sessions; objects of interest at eye level |
| 4-6 months | 60-90 minutes/day | Includes transitions to sitting and rolling |
Always awake. Wait 20-30 minutes after feeding to avoid reflux.
Language by age
| Age | What to expect |
|---|---|
| 2 months | Vowel sounds (aaa, ooo); reacts to familiar voice |
| 4 months | Laughs out loud; babbles with vowels |
| 6 months | Babbles with consonants (ba, da, ga); responds to own name |
| 9 months | Double syllables (mama, papa); points to want |
| 12 months | 1-3 meaningful words; points to show (declarative gesture) |
| 18 months | 3-10 words; follows simple commands |
| 24 months | 50+ words; combines two words |
Average motor milestones
| Milestone | Average age | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Holds head | 2 months | 1-3 months |
| Rolls | 4 months | 3-6 months |
| Sits without support | 6-7 months | 5-9 months |
| Crawls | 9 months | 7-11 months |
| Stands with support | 9 months | 7-12 months |
| Walks alone | 12-13 months | 9-18 months |
Variations within the range are normal. Crossing two lines on the WHO growth chart and/or losing previously acquired skills warrant investigation.
Pediatric visits (typical schedule)
| Age | Frequency |
|---|---|
| First week | Initial visit (within 7 days after discharge) |
| 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12 months | Monthly/bimonthly |
| 18 months | Transition visit |
| 2 to 3 years | Every 6 months |
| 4 years onward | Annual |
Extra visits for vaccinations, illness, or specific concerns do not replace routine visits.
Vitamin D supplementation
| Age | Daily dose |
|---|---|
| 0-12 months (breastfed or mixed) | 400 IU/day |
| 12-24 months | 600 IU/day |
Formula-fed babies typically reach this dose after consuming ~1L/day. When in doubt, continue supplementation and ask your pediatrician.
References
- American Academy of Pediatrics — Task Force on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (2022). Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Updated 2022 Recommendations for Reducing Infant Deaths in the Sleep Environment. Pediatrics, 150(1). doi:10.1542/peds.2022-057990
- Hewitt, L. et al. (2020). Tummy time and infant health outcomes: A systematic review. Pediatrics, 145(6). doi:10.1542/peds.2019-2168
- Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria — Departamento Científico de Nutrologia (2024). Suplementação de vitamina D na infância — recomendações atualizadas. https://www.sbp.com.br/especiais/pediatria-para-familias/
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