So how much sleep does a baby really need?
Sleep matters! And baby’s sleep needs and the patterns might surprise you, especially as a new mamma.
Baby will sleep most of the time – on average 16 hours a day!
Of course, this routine is not a continuous 16 hours, it is divided between nighttime and daytime sleep with 2-6 (or more) naps per daytime sleeping.
Swaddling up baby when they are brand new gives security and comfort after being in the womb for 9 months - works for naps too.
Their sleep will be in short segments and as your little one grows, the total amount of needed sleep will decrease by 3 to 4 hours - 12 to 13 hours a day with nighttime sleep increasing.
Baby Moses basket is a close way to keep baby right by your side while they sleep.
See sleep chart to gauge a baby's sleep pattern.
|
Age |
Total Sleep Hours |
Nighttime Sleep |
Daytime Sleep |
|
Newborn |
16 |
8 to 9 |
8 |
|
1 month |
15.5 |
8 to 9 |
7 |
|
3 months |
15 |
9 to 10 |
4 to 5 |
|
6 months |
14 |
10 |
4 |
|
9 months |
14 |
11 |
3 |
|
1 year |
14 |
11 |
3 |
|
1.5 years |
13.5 |
11 |
2.5 |
|
2 years |
13 |
11 |
2 |
Most babies frequently do not sleep through the night until 6 months. Interesting information in a Stanford medicine journal report noted babies have less REM (rapid eye movement) sleep and shorter sleep cycles. Thus, baby tends to more sleep and waking up more often.
Around 6 months old life might change with a short and temporary period of “separation anxiety” when going to sleep. There can also be overstimulation and being overtired as baby is growing and learning new things.
There is so many different needs and expectations about baby's and sleep as new parents and every situations is a little different.
Here are some great resources to help you and your little one adjust to sleeping.
Baby Sleep 101 - Joleen Dik Salyn is a certified pediatric sleep consultant in Canada and offers a Free Guide to Sleep
Baby Sleep Love - Rosalee Lahaie Heraw is a certified sleep consultant in the USA and offers a ton of resources in her blog.
Sleepy Buds - Rute is a neonatal nurse for over 10 years and is also a sleep coach for families having difficulties with children's sleep habits and patterns. Find out more here Welcome to Sleepy Buds
We hope this helps in your sleep journey with a new little one.
xx, Wendy Anne