Newborns sleep around 14 to 18 hours in a 24-hour period. However they generally won't sleep for more than 2 to 4 hours at a time because they require feeding. Unfortunately for some parents, many newborns have a reversed internal clock, sleeping longer in the day and being awake for longer during the night. It can take several weeks or even months before the baby gets into a routine.
As your baby grows, they are likely to be more awake during the day and sleep longer at night, although they will continue to wake for feeding. From around 4-5 months, some babies can sleep through the night - that is from 10pm to 6am, without a night time feed. Sleeping 12 hours a night, doesn't generally happen till after 6 months old, or after they begin solids.
As soon as you see the first signs of sleepiness, settle your baby in their bed and sleeping environment. Lie them on their back with their face clear of blankets or toys. Babies that can soothe themselves to sleep are less likely to need comforting and cuddling every time they wake.
Knowing when a baby is tired is really important, although it can be very difficult to spot. Often it's a matter of looking for signs, but also keeping an eye on the time. As a guide, your baby may be getting tired after being awake for these periods:
Establishing and maintaining a bedtime routine has been shown to help your baby get to sleep. A routine for a daytime sleep may include taking your baby to their room, closing the curtains, turning on soft music and cuddles. A bedtime routine at night could be a little longer and include a bath, story, feeding, soft music and cuddles.
Your baby's room should be kept at a moderate temperature, around 20 degrees is suggested. To check that your baby is not too warm, feel their back, if it is warm to touch, they are fine, if it feels hot or sweaty, take some layers off them. It is better to use clothing, instead of blankets, to keep them warm at night. This ensures they can move freely and safely while sleeping.
Relax your baby by stroking, talking to them quietly or using soft music. You can stay with them while they go to sleep, or leave the room when they are calm but still awake.
If your baby starts to grizzle or cry when you put them to bed, gently stroke them. If they continue to cry or get distressed, pick them up, comfort them, feed them if they're hungry and then try putting them back to bed. If in the middle of a sleep your baby cries or starts to babble, avoid going in straight away as they may go back to sleep on their own.
Swaddling a baby can reduce crying and help them sleep better, however it is important you swaddle correctly. Make sure your baby is on their back, the swaddle should be lightweight and not to tight or loose. Swaddle only when they're sleeping in their own bed and stop once they can roll over.
Many parents believe a quiet environment is best for getting a baby to sleep, however most babies find household noises comforting, for example a vacuum cleaner or soft music.
If your baby goes to sleep in their car seat, take them out when you get home and put them in their cot or bassinet. Babies can have breathing problems in a car seat if their head falls forward.
Make night feeds quiet with no play or talking, and keep the lights dim. This will help to prevent your baby from getting overstimulated, making it easier to get them back to sleep.
If you're concerned about your baby's sleeping, whether they sleep too long, won't settle, don't wake for feeds, their breathing is quicker than normal or if they're wheezing, please seek medical advice.
