One of the biggest challenges for new parents is adjusting to their baby’s sleep schedule. Understanding when babies develop waking and sleeping patterns can help parents navigate this challenge with ease.
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Newborn Sleep
Newborns typically sleep for 16-17 hours a day, but they don’t sleep for long periods at a stretch. They will wake up every 2-3 hours to feed, and then go back to sleep. Newborns don’t have a circadian rhythm yet, so they don’t distinguish between day and night.
Source: bing.com6-8 Week Sleep Patterns
At around 6-8 weeks, babies start to develop a more regular sleep pattern. They begin to sleep for longer stretches at night, and may even start to sleep through the night for 6-8 hours. However, they still need to feed every 2-3 hours during the day.
3-4 Month Sleep Patterns
By 3-4 months, most babies are sleeping for longer periods at night and taking shorter naps during the day. They may start to sleep for 5-6 hours at night without waking up to feed. At this age, they may also start to develop a bedtime routine, such as a bath and a story before bed.
6-9 Month Sleep Patterns
By 6-9 months, babies are typically sleeping through the night for 10-12 hours. They may also start to take longer naps during the day, and may be able to stay awake for longer periods. At this age, they may also start to sleep in their own room.
12 Month Sleep Patterns
By 12 months, babies are typically taking one or two naps during the day and sleeping through the night for 10-12 hours. They may still wake up occasionally during the night, but they should be able to fall back asleep on their own.
It’s important to note that every baby is different, and these timelines are just a guideline. Some babies may take longer to develop regular sleep patterns, while others may develop them earlier.
Tips For Developing Healthy Sleep Habits
Parents can help their infants develop healthy sleep habits by establishing a consistent bedtime routine, creating a sleep-conducive environment, and teaching their baby to self-soothe.
A consistent bedtime routine can include a bath, a story, and some quiet time before bed. Creating a sleep-conducive environment means keeping the room dark, cool, and quiet. And teaching the baby to self-soothe means allowing them to fall asleep on their own, without being rocked or held to sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When do babies start sleeping through the night?
A: Most babies start sleeping through the night for 6-8 hours at around 6-8 weeks. By 3-4 months, they may be able to sleep for 5-6 hours at a stretch, and by 6-9 months, they may be sleeping through the night for 10-12 hours. However, every baby is different, so these timelines are just a guideline.
Q: How can I help my baby sleep through the night?
A: Parents can help their baby sleep through the night by establishing a consistent bedtime routine, creating a sleep-conducive environment, and teaching their baby to self-soothe. This means keeping the room dark, cool, and quiet, and allowing the baby to fall asleep on their own without being rocked or held to sleep.
Q: Why do babies wake up at night?
A: Babies wake up at night to feed, and also because they haven’t yet developed a circadian rhythm. This means they don’t distinguish between day and night, and may wake up at any time. As they get older and develop a regular sleep pattern, they will start to sleep for longer stretches at night.
Q: Is it normal for my baby to take short naps during the day?
A: Yes, it’s normal for babies to take short naps during the day, especially in the first few months. As they get older and develop a more regular sleep pattern, they may start to take longer naps during the day.
Q: How can I tell if my baby is getting enough sleep?
A: Signs that your baby is getting enough sleep include being happy and alert during the day, having regular bowel movements, and gaining weight at a steady rate. If you’re concerned about your baby’s sleep patterns, talk to your pediatrician.