Medically Reviewed by Jabeen Begum, MD，Written by Steven Jerome Parker, MD, Stephanie Booth
What is the Recommended Duration of Sleep for Infants?
Nurturing a newborn can evoke a range of emotions, resembling an emotional roller coaster. From moments of excitement and high energy to instances of fatigue and irritability due to sleep deprivation, the experience is quite dynamic. It's an undeniable reality that, given the inability of brand-new babies to sleep through the night, parents also find their sleep disrupted.
The encouraging aspect is that this period of sleep disruption is temporary and doesn't last indefinitely.
The amount of sleep a baby requires varies based on several factors, but here are some general guidelines:
1-4 weeks old: 15-16 hours of sleep per day
Babies in this age range haven't developed an internal "clock" for distinguishing between night and day. Consequently, they typically sleep for about 15 to 18 hours a day, with each sleep period lasting 2 to 4 hours. Premature babies may sleep longer, while colicky babies might sleep less.
1-4 months old: 14-15 hours per day
Around 6 weeks of age, you may observe more consistent sleep patterns. Babies in this age group may sleep for up to 4 to 6 hours, predominantly during the night.
4-12 months old: 14-15 hours per day
At this stage, babies become more sociable, and their sleep patterns resemble those of adults. Although up to 15 hours of sleep remains ideal, most babies up to 11 months old usually get around 12 hours of sleep.
Initially, babies in this age range may take three naps a day. The morning nap may start at 9 a.m. and last about an hour, midday naps occur between noon and 2 p.m. lasting an hour or two, and the late afternoon nap may begin between 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., varying in length.
As babies approach the ability to sleep through the night (typically around 6 months old), they may transition from three naps to two.
To assist your newborn in establishing desirable sleep patterns, consider following these simple steps.
1. Recognise Indications of Your Baby's Fatigue
Your baby will communicate when they require sleep. Keep an eye out for these prevalent signs indicating their tiredness:
- Rubbing their eyes
- Yawning
- Averting their gaze from you
- Fussiness
Avoid waiting until your baby is excessively tired before putting them to bed. An overly exhausted baby may encounter difficulties in both falling and remaining asleep. Stay proactive by identifying signs of sleepiness before your baby becomes irritable.
2. Establish Your Baby's Day-Night Sleep Routine
Commencing when your baby is 2 weeks old, endeavor to instill the concept that nighttime is meant for sleep, while daytime is designated for enjoyable activities. Maintain a lively and engaging environment for your baby during daylight hours. Attempt to keep them awake after feeding, although occasional napping is normal for babies and may not always align with your plans.
As darkness falls, create a more subdued atmosphere for your baby. For instance, if you need to enter their room for a feeding, keep the lights dim and speak in a soft tone. In time, they will associate nighttime with a more serene environment, making it conducive to sleep when it's dark outside.
3. Distinguish Eating from Sleeping
After the initial month, aim to avoid allowing your baby to drift off to sleep while being fed or rocked. The goal is to encourage them to learn how to self-soothe and fall asleep independently.
It's common for babies to engage in a cycle of eating, dozing, and then eating again, perhaps repeating this sequence several times. If your baby falls asleep while being fed and continues to sleep, pause and gently place them in their crib.
Contrary to popular belief, increasing the amount of formula, breast milk, or baby food does not necessarily result in longer periods of sleep. Similar to adults who feel uncomfortable after overeating, an overfed baby may struggle to rest well.
Note: It is crucial never to prop a baby bottle in your baby's mouth when putting them to bed, as it can pose risks such as choking, ear infections, and cavities.
4. Avoid Waking Your Baby for Feedings After 2 Months
If your baby is healthy and gaining weight as expected, there is generally no need to wake them for nighttime feedings after the 2-month milestone.
However, there are instances when waking your baby is advisable:
If they exhibit a pattern of sleeping more during the day than at night, missing essential daytime feeds.
If they have surpassed more than 4 hours without feeding during the day (3 hours for a breastfed baby). In such cases, waking them up for a nighttime feeding may be necessary, but it's preferable to work on adjusting their daytime feeding habits rather than consistently waking them every 4 hours at night.
For premature or special-needs babies, feeding schedules may require adjustments.
Parenting involves a continuous learning process, and it's normal not to have all the answers right away. When uncertainties arise, don't hesitate to consult your paediatrician.
5. Collaborate as a Unified Team
Engage in conversations with other caregivers, such as your partner, babysitter, or family members, regarding your strategies for getting your baby to sleep. This ensures that everyone involved can strive to maintain a consistent routine and approach.
For example, establishing a calming bedtime routine aids your baby in recognizing when it's time to sleep. This routine might involve playing soft music, dimming the lights, or gently rocking the baby. Once your baby is in bed, ensure that their bedroom is dark, comfortably cool (but not excessively cold), and quiet.
If you have older children, consider implementing consistent bedtime and wake-up times for them to adhere to, even on weekends. This approach ensures that they, too, receive the necessary amount of sleep.
Practice Patience as a Parent
During the initial months of your baby's life, predicting their sleeping habits can be challenging. If possible, consider resting when your baby sleeps, as this may offer you the best opportunity for rejuvenation.
If your baby's sleep patterns undergo sudden changes, be vigilant for signs of illness. Sometimes, excessive or insufficient sleep can indicate an ear infection or be a normal part of your baby's growth. If uncertain, consult your doctor with any concerns.