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#27 in popularitySince 2008Timing-based, no-cry

The 90-Minute Sleep Program

Polly Moore, PhD

Put baby down for a nap about 90 minutes after they wake, following natural alertness cycles.

Find the book
Starts
Birth
Results in
No set timeline
Crying
Gentle, low-cry
Evidence
Weak

Overview

Sleep researcher Polly Moore bases this program on the idea that alertness rises and falls in roughly 90-minute cycles through the day. Parents note when baby wakes, watch for tiredness about 90 minutes later, and put them down for a nap at that point, repeating through the day.

It's a simple rule with no crying involved. The 90-minute pattern doesn't fit every baby, especially older ones whose wake windows lengthen, and the program hasn't been tested in trials.

How it works

  1. Note when baby wakes.
  2. Watch for tiredness ~90 minutes later.
  3. Put down for a nap at that point.
  4. Repeat in 90-minute cycles.

Pros

  • Simple rule
  • No crying

Cons

  • 90-minute rule doesn't fit all babies, especially older ones

Evidence

Weak. Based on sleep-cycle theory; not trialed.

Details

Popularity
#27 of 39 · Low (estimated)
Since
2008 (18 years)
When to start
From birth
Day structure
Sleep-timing biology
Format
Book
Good fit for
Parents of young babies who want a simple rule for nap timing.

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