Sleep is important for helping babies develop good sleep health habits and achieving milestones during first few years when their brain and body is working continuously to perfect different physical and emotional skills. Being aware of how much sleep your baby needs can help you to give them the best start possible.
Babies' sleep cycles
Because babies love routine and structure, they will thrive on a sleep schedule that they can predict. A baby’s sleep cycle is around 45 minutes. If your baby is waking before the 40 minute mark they are catnapping and need to learn the skills to consolidate two sleep cycles to have one solid nap. This skill is not achieved overnight but through being consistent and encouraging self-settling.
Too much or too little sleep
Every baby is different and some might need a little less sleep and some might need little more than others. By keeping an eye on your baby’s tiredness signals, you can learn how long your baby needs to be awake for. If you suspect they are getting overtired try shortening the length of time they are awake for. Try putting your baby to sleep just 10-15 mins earlier and monitor the results. A baby who sleeps less in the day will not necessarily sleep better during the night. The old saying that “sleep begets sleep” has a lot of truth to it. If a baby is overtired they will take longer to get to sleep and may not sleep for long periods of time at night.
Crying at bedtime
A crying baby is heartbreaking for any parent. Remember that crying is the only way that your baby knows to communicate. Don’t be upset or alarmed if your baby makes a little bit of a fuss at bed time. As long as you know they are safe in their cot and not hungry or uncomfortable then try giving them a minute to settle themselves. If your baby is very upset or can’t stop crying, giving them reassuring hugs and pats to help them calm down will make them feel secure and comforted.
How much sleep does a baby need?
Please note that the times in this table are just an estimate. All babies have different requirements. If you feel you and your baby need personalised sleeping assistance please see a sleep consultant or your doctor.
Sleep Times Table Notes
Newborns won’t sleep through the night because they will wake for feeds. But starting a bedtime routine and keeping night feeds calm, quiet and dark (dim the lights a little) from about 4 weeks will help your baby understand the difference between night and day time.
Around 8 or 9 months your baby will transition from 3 to 2 naps per day. Your child might catnap for 15-20 minutes in place of their third nap during this transition. This is fine. You can also use this stage to move bed time to a little bit earlier.
Around 15 to 18 months is the time when your baby will transition from 2 to 1 nap per day. Again you might find your child will catnap for 15-20 minutes during their second nap time. A slightly earlier bedtime might help to smooth out this transition for you and your baby.
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