Introduction
As parents, we all desire the best sleep for our children. But with so much advice out there, it can be hard to know what the best approach is. To help, we’ve put together a guide to demystifying the science behind baby sleep.
Read on to learn what parents should know about their baby’s sleep needs.
How Much Sleep Do Babies Need?
0 to 3 months
Babies aged 0 to 3 months need an average of 14-17 hours of sleep each day. This includes nighttime sleep and naps. During the first few weeks, babies may sleep up to 18 hours per day.
As they get older, their sleep needs will decrease slightly. During this time, it is important to establish a consistent sleep routine. This can help ensure that your baby is getting the proper amount of sleep.
3 to 6 months
Babies between the ages of 3 to 6 months need a considerable amount of sleep in order to grow and develop properly.
During this period, babies typically sleep for 12 to 15 hours per day, with shorter periods of wakefulness in between. It is important for babies to get the right amount of sleep during this period, as it helps them to build their immune systems and learn how to regulate their emotions.
Additionally, it helps them to gain weight, develop motor skills, and become more alert.
6 to 12 months
Babies aged 6 to 12 months need an average of 11 to 14 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period, including daytime naps.
During this period, babies should have regular sleep-wake cycles and be able to sleep through the night. This helps them to develop healthy sleep habits and can lead to better overall health and development.
During this period, babies may still wake up during the night, but they should be able to settle back to sleep with minimal help.
What Should You Do If Your Infant Isn’t Sleeping Well?
1. Establish a consistent sleep routine.
If your infant isn’t sleeping well, one of the most major considerations you can make is to establish a consistent sleep regimen. A consistent sleep routine helps your baby learn to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Begin by setting a regular bedtime and sticking to it as much as possible. Make sure that the environment around your baby is conducive to sleep, such as keeping the room dark and quiet. You can also create a calming bedtime routine, such as giving your baby a warm bath, reading a book, and singing a lullaby.
If your baby still isn’t sleeping well, try to avoid rocking or nursing your baby to sleep.
2. Create a comfortable sleep environment.
Creating a comfortable sleep environment for your baby is an essential step in helping them get a good night’s sleep.
Start by making sure the temperature in the room is comfortable. The ideal temperature for a baby’s sleep is between 18 to 22 degrees Celsius (68-72 Fahrenheit). Ensure the room is dark and free from any noise or light that may be disruptive. Consider using blackout curtains or a nightlight to help keep the room dark. Additionally, make sure your baby is in a comfortable sleep position and that their mattress is supportive and firm.
To create a calming atmosphere, you can use a white noise machine or a sound machine to help your baby relax and drift off to sleep.
3. Pay attention to sleep cues.
Paying attention to sleep cues is an important thing to do if your baby isn’t sleeping well.
Sleep cues are signs that indicate when your baby is ready for sleep, such as yawning, rubbing eyes, or fussing. If you recognise these cues, you can help your baby settle into sleep more easily. You can also create a consistent bedtime routine with activities like a warm bath, quiet time, and a bedtime story. This can help your baby understand that sleep is coming and help them relax.
By paying attention to sleep cues and creating a consistent routine, your baby’s sleep can be improved.
4. Adjust feeding patterns
Adjusting feeding patterns is a great way to help your baby sleep better.
Start by ensuring that your baby is getting enough food during the day. If your baby is still hungry after a feeding, try offering a snack before bedtime. Additionally, make sure that your baby is not overfeeding at night.
If your baby is having difficulty sleeping, try to avoid feeding them right before bedtime. Instead, feed your baby earlier in the evening and then provide them with a snack before bed. This will keep your baby’s stomach full and provide the energy he or she needs to sleep through the night.
Making sure that your baby is getting enough food throughout the day and avoiding late-night feedings can help them sleep better and be more rested.
5. Practice safe sleep
Practising safe sleep is essential for the health and well-being of a baby who isn’t sleeping well.
All babies should sleep on their backs, on a solid mattress with a fitted sheet, with no pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals. The crib should be free of any toys or objects that could potentially block the baby’s airway.
Make sure the room temperature is comfortable and not too hot or cold. It’s also important to avoid smoking around your baby and keep the crib away from windows, blinds, and cords.
6. Seek support
Seeking support when your baby isn’t sleeping well is an important step to take.
When your kid isn’t sleeping, it can be tough to know what to do, and it can be an emotional period for parents. Seeking help from a health professional, such as a pediatrician or a sleep consultant, can be beneficial.
These professionals can provide guidance on how to address your baby’s sleep issues and provide advice on how to create a sleep routine that works for your family. They can also provide emotional support and help you to manage the stress of your baby’s sleep issues.
Seeking support is an important part of helping your baby get the sleep they need and helping you to feel more in control.
Conclusion
All in all, ensuring that your baby’s sleep is safe and sound is an important part of being a parent. You’ll have a reasonable grasp of how to do so after reading this article.
By following the tips outlined above, you’ll be better equipped to provide your little one with the best sleep possible. This will help them grow and develop healthily while maximising their quality of sleep and helping them to feel well-rested each morning.
