The first few months of life can mean many sleepless nights for parents. Newborn babies need 14 to 17 hours of sleep daily, but for the first two months, they often only sleep for one to two hours at a time. Some babies will start sleeping for five to six hours straight by three months, but many do not. In time, you can help your baby develop a consistent sleep schedule. When you know more about how newborns sleep, you can learn how to get a baby to sleep.
Newborn Babies Sleep Differently
Babies have shorter sleep cycles and spend more time in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep than adults. REM sleep is the period of sleep when vivid dreams occur and is important for learning and memory.
Until about three months old, newborns also lack certain hormones that help the body tell the difference between night and day.
Feeding schedules almost always impact sleep, too. Breastfed babies typically wake up for night feedings about every two to three hours. Bottle-fed babies usually wake up every three to four hours. Newborns who sleep longer should be woken up to eat every three to four hours until they show regular weight gain.
It is also normal for babies to wake up during the night if they:
- Are too hot or too cold
- Experience a normal startle response called a Moro reflex
- Need to be changed
Older Babies Sleep for Longer Periods
Babies 4 to 7 months old need about 12 to 16 hours of sleep each day, including naps.
At six months, babies often begin sleeping up to nine hours overnight. But they have trouble staying asleep and may wake up throughout the night. Six-month-old babies can typically go back to sleep without help. And most sleep through the night by 9 months.
Some babies continue to need nighttime feeding until they are a year old, but many will stop this earlier.
Start following a consistent sleep schedule when your baby is between 4 and 7 months old. If your baby is fussy after going to bed, wait a few minutes to see if they settle. If not, check on them quietly. To teach them to calm themself, talk to them in a soothing voice and try to help calm them without picking them up.
Putting Your Baby to Sleep Safely
It can take time to develop healthy sleeping habits, but there are things you can do to encourage sleep and keep your baby safe.
Reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or other sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) by always putting your baby to sleep on their back on a firm, flat mattress that fits tightly into a crib, bassinet or cradle. Keep loose bedding or other soft items away from babies. Use this checklist to learn more about safety in your baby’s room.
It is not safe for a baby to sleep in your bed. Also, sharing a bed may make sleep issues worse for both you and your child. However, placing your baby’s crib in your bedroom for 6-12 months may help you both get more sleep.
Putting your baby down to sleep at the first signs of sleepiness, before they get overtired, may also make bedtime easier for everyone.
You can also encourage sleep by doing the following:
- Be quiet and calm during night feedings or changing
- Hold your newborn during the day to calm their colic—which is defined as crying for three or more hours a day, three or more days a week with no known reason
- Give your baby a pacifier when putting them to sleep (if breastfeeding, wait until breastfeeding is well established)
- Place newborns in their crib when they are almost, but not quite asleep to teach them how to fall asleep independently
Toddlers Need a Lot of Sleep
Most toddlers sleep for 12 to 14 hours a day, including one or two naps. Avoid naps close to bedtime.
It is normal for toddlers to resist bedtime. Having a consistent routine and sleep schedule can help. Put your toddler to bed at the same time every night. Choose a quiet activity before bed, like reading a book. And give your toddler a warning when it is almost time to sleep.
Toddlers can sleep with a light blanket and should continue to use a crib with the mattress in the lowest position. If your child starts to climb out, it may be time to switch to a bed with side rails. It is essential to childproof your home once your toddler can get out of bed independently.
To help your toddler make the transition from crib to bed, place a stuffed animal, special blanket or toy in the bed. It may also help soothe them during the night. Avoid items with buttons, ribbons or small parts that could be a choking hazard.
Toddlers often find excuses to get out of bed. Make sure they have all the things they need to feel comfortable during the night before you leave the room. If your child calls out after saying goodnight, wait a moment before responding. This gives them a chance to settle and fall asleep by themself.
Let your child know that you are there but limit the amount of time you spend in their room and avoid turning the light on. Dreams and nightmares may upset toddlers learning the difference between real and imaginary. Avoid books that may be scary right before bedtime. Do not put a TV or other device in your child’s room.
Let your child know that you are proud of them whenever they successfully go to bed or calm themself down for sleep. Be patient with your toddler and yourself. It is normal for them to go through this stage. It is also normal for you to feel stressed about it. Remain calm and consistent. If you get worked up, they will likely respond with the same.
When to Talk with Your Child’s Pediatrician
Most children will settle into a bedtime routine with consistency and patience. But some may have a sleep disorder or other health condition that gets in the way of sleep.
Talk with your child’s pediatrician if your child:
- Frequently wakes up terrified or panicking
- Is hyperactive or lethargic when awake
- Is not growing steadily
- Is not reaching developmental milestones
- Frequently wets the bed after being potty trained and had been consistently dry overnight
- Sleepwalks
- Stops breathing or gasps for air during sleep
- Consistent snoring with pauses in breathing or stops breathing throughout the night
If your child is having these symptoms, the provider will perform a physical exam and may order a sleep study to get more information.
There are many treatments available for sleep disorders. Your child’s provider will work with you and your child to find the best options for your family.
More to Read
- 8 Important Sleep Practices to Keep Your Baby Safe
- Healthy Sleep Habits Mean a Happy Child
- Why is Respiratory Syncytial Virus Rising in Children?
- Vaccines for Kids: FAQs
