A good night’s sleep for your baby means a peaceful slumber for you. In the first year of parenthood, getting a few hours of unbroken rest every so often is vital for your physical and mental wellbeing. Initially, I worried that my baby was waking up through the night, but I soon learned that this was completely normal and discovered some simple things that would help her sleep through the night.
How Much Sleep Does My Baby Need?
Depending on the age of your baby, they will require different amounts of sleep. Here is some guidance based on my learnings:
Newborns: 16.5 hours, including regular naps.
One to three months: 14 to 16 hours, including three naps.
Six to twelve months: 13.5 hours, including two or three naps.
One year: 12 to 15 hours, including two naps.
Every baby is different, and it is perfectly normal for your little one to sleep for less time (or, if you’re lucky, longer!) than the suggested amount.
How Can I Help My Baby Sleep for Longer?
It is natural for your baby’s sleeping habits to be a bit random at first. While my baby sometimes slept soundly every night for a week, she would also start to wake up for three hours at a stretch on other days. You cannot magically change your child’s sleeping pattern, but you can implement these simple tips to help them (and you) get as much sleep as possible.
Distinguish Between Night and Day: Babies do not have a natural sense of night and day. To make it clear, make daytime feeds chatty and interactive, while keeping nighttime feeds quiet and calm. If you only play with your little one during the day, they are less likely to stir at night for attention.
Establish a Bedtime Routine: Simple routines like giving a bath, dressing in fresh pajamas, and placing your baby in a comfy sleeping sack can help signal that it’s time to sleep. A consistent bedtime routine is an effective method for regulating your baby’s sleeping pattern.
Use a Sleeping Bag: Sleeping sacks provide comfort and help regulate your baby’s body temperature, keeping them from getting too hot or cold. This helps them sleep through the night without unnecessary interruptions.
Remember, you cannot expect your baby to settle down instantly and not make a peep all night. If they are hungry, wet, cold, hot, or just wide awake, they will let you know. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your baby gets the amount of sleep they need and hopefully normalise their sleeping pattern, allowing you to get some well-deserved rest too!
