How much Sleep does a Baby need?

First time parents have a nagging worry that their newborn baby does not sleep enough . If you are one such parent then read on to understand more about your baby’s sleep. How much sleep does a baby need, a baby’s sleeping pattern, a baby’s sleeping need at different ages. Making a baby sleep is an essential part of newborn care.

Sleep habits of a newborn baby

A newborn baby sleeps most of the time. Most newborns sleep 14 to 18 hours a day during the first week. However they sleep for maximum 3–4 hours at a stretch during the first few weeks. This is the longest they can go between feedings. So in the initial few weeks you may never get that much needed sleep.

Sleep habits of a 1 to 3 months old baby

By 1-2 months of age, a baby sleeps 12 to 16 hours a day. They sleep for shorter periods during the day and for longer periods at night. Your baby can sleep for longer periods at a time (more than 3-4 hours) after the first one or two months. Most infants up to 2–3 months of age wake up at night to feed. By 3 months of age the infant usually sleeps between 13 and 15 hours in a day (that is about five  hours during the day comprising of short and long naps and the rest at night). Your infant may sleep through the night (about 5–6 hours) but some infants may still wake up once or twice at night to feed.

Sleep habits of a 3 to 6 months old baby

By 3 months of age most babies sleep for about 12 to 15 hours a day (combining daytime naps and night time sleep). The baby sleeps for about four to five hours during the day (in short or long naps) and the rest at night. By 3–4 months, some infants may sleep through the night (about 6 hours at a stretch) but some may continue to wake up for night feeds.

Sleep habits of 6 to 9 months old baby

By 6 months of age most babies sleep for about 11 to 15 hours a day (daytime naps and night time sleep). The baby sleeps for about 2 to 4 hours during the day (spaced in 2–3 naps—one in the morning and one in afternoon) and the rest at night. Most babies by 6 to 9 months of age are capable of sleeping for long stretches at night (approximately 8 hours).

Sleep habits of a 1 year old baby

Most 1 year old babies sleep for about 11 to 14 hours a day (daytime naps and night time sleep). The baby sleeps for about 2 to 4 hours during the day (in about two naps—one in the morning and one in the afternoon) and the rest at night. Most 1 year old babies are capable of sleeping for long stretches at night (nine to ten hours).

The sleep needs of every baby are different but all babies can be trained to sleep well. You only need to know some baby sleep basics. Most infants have the ability to sleep well after the first few months. If you feel your baby sleeps poorly try to analyse his sleep pattern and your mistakes and work on it. Put him to sleep at the same time every night, keep night time feeds quiet, and train your baby to fall asleep independently in the crib when he is sleepy rather than putting him in the crib after he is asleep.

Read more articles on Newborn Care.