Baby Sleep Patterns

Newborn Baby Sleep Patterns

A newborn baby may sleep as much as eighteen to twenty hours per day, but as any new parent will tell you, this is done in short amounts of time. A newborn baby doesn't have the ability to fall into a deep sleep for long periods of several hours like an adult can. Newborns have periods of light sleep as well as deep sleep, just as adults do. However, newborns don't spend a lot of time in deep sleep, so they awaken easily.

Remember, a newborn baby's tummy is small, and she will be hungry every two to three hours. This doesn't allow for very long periods of sleep. Once your baby has been fed and her diaper is dry, you can help her go to sleep by rocking her, cuddling her, singing to her, etc. The trick is to put her down once she is asleep.

Many parents are surprised at how their babies appear to be deeply asleep only to wake suddenly as soon as their head hits the mattress. What happened? Well, although your baby appeared to be in a deep sleep, she was actually only in a light sleep. If you want to test your baby's level of sleeping before you lay her down, try lifting an arm or a leg. If it is floppy and you can drop it without waking baby, she is probably in a deep sleep, and you'll have a much easier time laying her down. Until your newborn is a little older, you will need to help her go to sleep.

Three to Six Month Old Baby Sleep Patterns

By the time your baby is three or four months old, he should have his days and nights straightened out. He should be sleeping about nine or ten hours at night and taking at least three naps during the day.

He may still be waking up at least once at night to eat, especially if he goes to bed early. This nighttime feeding should taper off, however, as your baby nears his six month's birthday. By the time he is six months old, he should be sleeping through the night, even though he may be an early riser. He should also be taking two good naps during the day, although he may need another short nap in the evening to tide him over till bedtime.

Six to Ten Months Old Baby Sleep Patterns

Once your baby passes six months of age, you should eventually begin to see that she is able to stay awake for even longer periods during the day. She still needs at least two good naps during the day, and she still may need a short catnap in the evening, especially if she doesn't go to bed until eight o'clock or so.

You may notice that she stays awake for two to three hours at a stretch during the day before she needs another nap. Her nightime sleeping should last nine to eleven hours at night, and while she may wake up during the night, she doesn't need to be fed. As long as she is well, warm, and comfortable, you shouldn't go to her when she awakens. Let her learn to settle herself back to sleep.

Ten to Twelve Months Old Baby Sleep Patterns

Once your baby is nearing his first birthday, he should be taking two good naps a day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. You probably don't want him to sleep past four o'clock or so in the afternoon if you are putting him to bed by eight o'clock at night. However, each child is different, and you will know what is best for your child. Your baby will also be sleeping close to eleven hours at night.

Baby Sleep Pattern Interruptions

Obviously, your baby won't follow these guidelines exactly, and there may be periods in which your baby gets out of his routine. If you have moved to a new house or just returned from a vacation, it may take your child a little while to fall back into his routine. Likewise, if he has been sick, it may take a few days for him to get back into his regular sleep patterns. Just be patient and work with your child. He'll become a sleepy little angel again in no time.

Related Baby Links

• Newborn Baby Care
• Newborn Baby Sleep Habits
• Breastfeeding Basics
• Starting Baby on Solid Foods
• Baby Development Stage for the First Six Months
• Baby Development Stage for Ages Seven Through Twelve Months
• Baby Development Stage for Ages Twelve to Twenty-four Months