As new parents, one of your top priorities is ensuring that your baby gets enough sleep. However, knowing the recommended amount of sleep for babies can be hard to determine. Babies sleep a lot in their first year, and their sleep patterns can be erratic.

In this article, we’ll discuss the recommended amount of sleep for babies, along with helpful tips on how to ensure your little one gets the quality sleep they need to grow and thrive.

Newborns (0-3 months)

Newborns need the most sleep out of any age group, as they spend a lot of their time growing and developing. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, newborns should get between 14-17 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period.

However, as a new parent, you may find this hard to track, as newborns’ sleep patterns are highly erratic.

Infants (4-11 months)

As babies grow out of the newborn stage, their sleep patterns become more regular. Infants between 4-11 months need about 12-15 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period.

At this age, babies may start to sleep for longer periods at night, with shorter naps during the day.

Toddlers (1-2 years)

Toddlers need about 11-14 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period, with most of that sleep still happening at night. At this age, it’s common for toddlers to drop down from two naps to just one nap a day.

Pre-schoolers (3-5 years)

Pre-schoolers need 10-13 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period. By this time, most children have dropped their naps and are getting the majority of their sleep at night.

Sleep issues may arise at this age due to busy schedules and stress, so it’s important to maintain a consistent bedtime routine.

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Tips for ensuring a good night’s sleep for your baby

Establish a bedtime routine

A consistent bedtime routine can help your baby establish a regular sleep schedule. This routine should include winding down activities like bath time, reading books, or singing lullabies.

Establishing this routine can help your baby get into the mindset that it’s time to wind down for the night.

A comfortable sleep environment

Your baby’s sleep environment can play a major role in helping them sleep through the night. Ensure that their sleeping area is comfortable, cool, and quiet.

Dress them in appropriate clothing, and consider using swaddles or sleep sacks to keep them cozy and secure.

Avoid stimulation before bed

Avoiding stimulating activities like playing and watching TV before bed can help your baby calm down before sleep. Bright screens can interfere with their sleep patterns, so it’s best to avoid screen time in the hour or two leading up to bedtime.

Provide quiet feeds at night

If you’re feeding your baby during the night, try to keep the environment as quiet and calm as possible. Dim the lights and avoid talking or playing with your baby. This will help your little one get back to sleep faster after their feed.

Respond to your baby’s needs

While it’s important to encourage healthy sleep habits, it’s also important to respond to your baby’s needs. Some babies require more comfort than others, and it’s essential to provide the support they need to feel safe and secure.

Conclusion

Getting the recommended amount of sleep for babies is essential for their growth and development. Newborns require the most sleep, with infants, toddlers, and pre-schoolers requiring slightly less.

While it’s important to encourage healthy sleep habits, it’s also essential to respond to your baby’s needs and provide the support and comfort they need to feel safe and secure. By establishing a consistent bedtime routine, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and avoiding stimulation before bedtime, parents can help ensure their babies get the quality sleep they need to grow and thrive.