Understanding Your Baby’s Sleep Patterns
Every baby is unique, and their sleep patterns are no exception. Some babies sleep for long periods, while others sleep in short bursts. Some soon sleep through the night, while others take a longer time. As a parent, it’s essential to understand that your baby’s sleep pattern will be different from others, and it may not fit in with your need for sleep.
Tips for Sleeping When Your Baby Sleeps
It’s often said that you should sleep when your baby sleeps. This is easier said than done, but it’s a great way to catch up on some rest. If you’re breastfeeding, your baby may doze off during a feed, and you can use this opportunity to get some rest. Continue feeding until you think your baby has finished or until they’re fully asleep.
If you’re not sleeping at the same time as your baby, don’t worry about keeping the house silent while they sleep. It’s good to get your baby used to sleeping through a certain amount of noise. This will help them develop good sleep habits and learn to sleep through distractions.
Teaching Your Baby the Difference Between Night and Day
It’s a good idea to teach your baby that nighttime is different from daytime from the start. During the day, open curtains, play games, and don’t worry too much about everyday noises when they sleep. At night, you can create a sleep-friendly environment by:
- Keeping the lights down low
- Not talking much and keeping your voice quiet
- Putting your baby down as soon as they’ve been fed and changed
- Not changing your baby unless they need it
- Not playing with your baby
Your baby will gradually learn that nighttime is for sleeping.
Where Should Your Baby Sleep?
For at least the first six months, your baby should be in the same room as you when they’re asleep, both day and night. This can reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). You may find that your baby only falls asleep in your or your partner’s arms, or when you’re standing by the cot. Make sure you use a baby sling safely if you need to carry your baby.
Establishing a Baby Bedtime Routine
Getting your baby into a simple, soothing bedtime routine may help them settle and can be a great opportunity to have one-to-one time with your baby. The routine could consist of:
- Having a bath
- Changing into night clothes and a fresh nappy
- Putting them to bed
- Reading a bedtime story
- Dimming the lights in the room to create a calm atmosphere
- Giving a goodnight kiss and cuddle
- Singing a lullaby or having a wind-up musical mobile you can turn on when you’ve put your baby to bed
- Brushing their teeth if they have any
As your child gets older, it can be helpful to keep to a similar bedtime routine. Too much excitement and stimulation just before bedtime can wake your child up again. Spend some time winding down and doing some calmer activities, like reading.
How Much Sleep Does Your Baby Need?
Just like adults, babies and children’s sleep patterns vary. From birth, some babies need more or less sleep than others. Here’s a breakdown of the average amount of sleep babies and children need during a 24-hour period, including daytime naps:
Newborn Sleep Needs
Most newborn babies are asleep more than they are awake. Their total daily sleep varies, but can be around 18 hours. Babies will wake during the night because they need to be fed. Being too hot or too cold can also disturb their sleep.
Sleep Requirements at 3 to 6 Months Old
As your baby grows, they’ll need fewer night feeds and may be able to sleep for longer. Some babies may sleep for 5 to 8 hours or longer at night, but not all.
Baby Sleep at 6 to 12 Months
For some babies aged 6 months to a year, night feeds may no longer be necessary, and some babies will sleep for around 15 hours, most of this at night. Teething discomfort or hunger may wake some babies during the night.
Sleep Requirements from 12 Months
Babies will sleep for around 12 to 15 hours in total after their first birthday.
2-Year-Old Sleep Needs
Most 2-year-olds need about 12 to 14 hours of sleep, including naps in the daytime.
Sleep Requirements for 3 to 5 Year Olds
Most children aged 3 to 5 will need about 12 hours of sleep. Some young children will still need a nap during the day.
Coping with Disturbed Nights
Newborn babies invariably wake up repeatedly in the night for the first few months, and disturbed nights can be very hard to cope with. If you have a partner, ask them to help. If you’re formula feeding, encourage your partner to share the feeds. If you’re breastfeeding, ask your partner to take over the early morning changing and dressing so you can go back to sleep.
Once you’re into a good breastfeeding routine, your partner could occasionally give a bottle of expressed breast milk during the night. If you’re on your own, you could ask a friend or relative to stay for a few days so you can get some sleep.
Dealing with Baby Sleep Pattern Changes
All babies change their sleep patterns. Be prepared to change routines as your baby grows and enters different stages. And remember, growth spurts, teething, and illnesses can all affect how your baby sleeps. If your baby is having problems sleeping or you need more advice about getting into a routine, speak to your health visitor.
Summary of Baby Sleep Needs
To summarize, the average amount of sleep babies and children need during a 24-hour period is:
- Newborns: 18 hours
- 3 to 6 months: varies, but may sleep for 5 to 8 hours at night
- 6 to 12 months: around 15 hours, most of this at night
- 1 to 2 years: 12 to 15 hours
- 2 years: 12 to 14 hours
- 3 to 5 years: 12 hours
By understanding your baby’s sleep patterns and establishing a bedtime routine, you can help your baby develop good sleep habits and get the rest they need.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I understand my baby’s sleep patterns?
Every baby is unique, and their sleep patterns vary. Understand that your baby’s sleep pattern will be different from others.
What are some tips for sleeping when my baby sleeps?
Sleep when your baby sleeps, and don’t worry about keeping the house silent while they sleep.
How can I teach my baby the difference between night and day?
Create a sleep-friendly environment at night by keeping lights low, talking quietly, and not playing with your baby.
Where should my baby sleep?
For at least the first six months, your baby should be in the same room as you when they’re asleep.
What is a good bedtime routine for my baby?
A simple, soothing bedtime routine could include a bath, changing into night clothes, reading a bedtime story, and dimming the lights.
How much sleep does my baby need?
The average amount of sleep varies by age: newborns need 18 hours, 3-6 months vary, 6-12 months need around 15 hours, and 1-5 years need 12-15 hours.
How can I cope with disturbed nights?
Ask your partner to help, share feeds, and take turns with nighttime duties. If you’re alone, ask a friend or relative to stay and help.
What if my baby’s sleep pattern changes?
Be prepared to change routines as your baby grows, and consult your health visitor if you need advice.