As a sleep expert with years of experience in pediatric sleep patterns, I can provide you with a comprehensive answer regarding a good bedtime for a 3-month-old baby. It's crucial for infants to establish a regular sleep routine early on to support their growth and development. Sleep is not just rest; it's a time when the brain consolidates learning and the body grows and heals.

Establishing a Routine
Firstly, it's important to establish a consistent bedtime routine. This routine should include calming activities such as a warm bath, gentle massage, reading a book, or singing lullabies. Consistency helps signal to the baby that it's time to wind down and prepare for sleep.

Sleep Duration
At three months, babies typically need between 14 to 17 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period. This includes nighttime sleep and naps. The quality of sleep is as important as the quantity. Deep sleep is when the most growth and development occur.

Nap Schedule
Around this age, babies usually take 3 to 4 naps per day. The last nap should end around 5:00 pm to ensure that it doesn't interfere with nighttime sleep. Naps should be spaced out evenly throughout the day to prevent overtiredness and to support nighttime sleep.

Bedtime
The bedtime for a 3-month-old should be no later than 1.5 hours after the last nap ends. If the last nap ends at 5:00 pm, then bedtime should be between 6:30 pm and 7:00 pm. However, this can vary slightly depending on the baby's individual sleep needs and the family's schedule.

Darkness and Quiet
The sleep environment is also a critical factor. A dark, quiet room helps the baby differentiate between night and day. Using blackout curtains can be beneficial, and white noise machines can help drown out any background noise that might wake the baby.

Feeding and Sleep
Feeding just before bedtime can also help the baby sleep longer. The full feeling can provide comfort and a sense of fullness that can prolong the duration between nighttime wakings.

Responding to Night Wakings
It's common for 3-month-olds to wake up a few times during the night. However, it's essential to avoid creating a habit of feeding or rocking the baby to sleep every time they wake. This can lead to a reliance on these interventions to fall back asleep, which can disrupt the natural development of self-soothing skills.

Sleep Regressions
Around 3 to 4 months, babies often experience a sleep regression, which can disrupt their previously established sleep patterns. This is a normal part of development and usually resolves on its own. During this time, it's even more important to maintain a consistent bedtime routine and not to overreact to changes in sleep patterns.

Professional Advice
If you have concerns about your baby's sleep habits or if sleep issues persist, it's always a good idea to consult with a pediatrician or a sleep consultant. They can provide personalized advice based on your baby's specific needs.

Remember, every baby is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. It's about finding the right balance that fits your baby's individual sleep patterns and your family's lifestyle.

Now, let's move on to translating this into Chinese.

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By 2 months, baby's bedtime should be between 6:00-8:00pm and should occur about 1 hour after the last nap ends. 3 months: babies this age should be on a solid 4 nap schedule with the last nap of the day ending by 5:00pm. Bedtime should be no later than 1.5 hours after the last nap ends.Feb 19, 2014read more >>