Large dataset shows infant sleep stabilizes within first year

Owlet, Inc. released its first annual Baby Sleep Report, analyzing sleep data from more than 1.2 million infants monitored in 2025. The report draws on nearly 900 million hours of infant sleep data collected across 200 geographic regions and examines trends in bedtimes, nighttime awakenings, sleep consolidation, and biometric patterns.¹

According to the report, approximately 40% of infants aged 4 to 11 months experience short sleep duration, a concern previously linked to physical health, mental health, and cognitive development.² The company noted that many parents perceive their child’s sleep as problematic but may lack clear reference points for what constitutes typical sleep development.

The analysis is based on aggregated data from infants using Owlet monitoring products, including the Dream Sock, which is currently the only FDA-cleared smart infant wearable monitor available in the United States. Using longitudinal monitoring, the report describes how infant sleep patterns change during the first year of life and how physiologic measures evolve alongside sleep consolidation.

Several findings highlighted rapid changes early in infancy. The report found that approximately 80% of bedtime changes occurred within the first 6 months of life, with both bedtimes and morning wake times stabilizing by mid–first year. Median longest nighttime sleep stretches increased from about 4 hours in early infancy to nearly 9 hours by 6 to 8 months of age, despite the persistence of some nighttime awakenings.

Nighttime awakenings declined substantially over time. By approximately 9 months of age, the number of night wakings decreased by more than half, representing a major shift in sleep continuity for many infants.

The report also noted that the most pronounced changes in sleep patterns and pulse rate occurred within the first 2 months of life, with more gradual changes thereafter.

Biometric data showed that higher pulse rates were common in younger infants and generally reflected age-typical patterns. These pulse rates tended to stabilize by around 6 months of age as sleep became more consistent.

Pulse rate was also higher during light sleep compared with deep sleep, aligning with greater physiologic activity during lighter sleep stages. As infants aged and spent less time in light sleep, both sleep and pulse rate patterns became more stable.

“Our first-ever Baby Sleep Report reinforces Owlet’s leadership in data-driven infant sleep and wellness,” said Jonathan Harris, president and CEO of Owlet. “By leveraging insights from more than 1.2 million babies monitored last year alone, we provide parents with reassurance, context, and clearer insights, transforming nights into clarity and peace of mind. We are helping families interpret sleep patterns over time and recognize meaningful changes to better support more informed pediatric conversations and greater awareness of how sleep fits into overall wellness.”

The company stated that findings from the report are supported within the Dream App experience, including enhanced analytics available through an Owlet360 membership in the United States and select international markets.

The report emphasizes that the data reflect patterns observed among Owlet users and may not represent all infants, noting that individual sleep patterns vary.

References

1. Owlet Inc. Baby Sleep Report. Owlet Inc. January 21, 2026. Accessed January 21, 2206. https://babysleepreport.owletcare.com/
2. Shah AS, Pant MR, Bommasamudram T, et al. Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Physical and Mental Health Outcomes: An Umbrella Review. Am J Lifestyle Med. Published online May 27, 2025. doi:10.1177/15598276251346752