Most babies at this stage still need to nap at least twice a day, once in the morning and once in the afternoon. Some babies may take an additional nap in the late afternoon. Generally, as long as the baby can sleep well at night, it's best to let them nap for as long as they want during the day. However, if the baby has difficulty falling asleep at night, parents should consider waking them up a bit earlier from their afternoon nap.
Babies at this stage are more active and alert, making it challenging for them to settle down at night. Establishing a bedtime routine can help them relax and prepare for sleep. You can try different activities based on your daily routine and your child's personality to see what works best. Giving them a warm bath, gentle rocking, storytelling, or feeding can all help them relax.
Although your baby is growing older, all safety sleep rules still apply, except now they may be able to roll from tummy to back on their own. Place your baby in the crib while they are still awake so they can learn to fall asleep on their own. Gently lay them down, say "goodnight" softly, and then leave the room. If your baby starts to cry, check to see if something is bothering them, provide some comfort if needed, and then leave the room again. Over time, gradually reduce the attention given to the baby at night. With consistent parental behavior, most babies will reduce nighttime crying and eventually learn to fall asleep independently.