Every baby will have her own sleeping pattern and have different things she likes to help her to go to sleep. You want to keep your baby safe when she sleeps. Most babies are healthy and have no problems when sleeping. But sometimes babies die in their sleep. This is called Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or crib death.
Research shows that babies who sleep on their backs are less likely to die from SIDS. If your baby has a health problem, your doctor may tell you to put her in another position. Otherwise, always put your baby to sleep on her back. Doctors have not found out what causes SIDS.
Some babies begin sleeping through the night at a few months of age. Others don’t sleep through the night until they are one or two years old or even older. Sometimes babies will sleep through the night for a while and then start waking up again.
One-month-old Baby Sleeping Patterns
A one-month-old baby may sleep two to three hours between feedings. Sometimes babies at this age will sleep as many as five hours at a time at night.
Two-month-old Baby Sleeping Patterns
Two-month-old babies usually sleep better at night. By now, your baby most likely has a routine for sleeping and eating. Probably she goes at least three hours without a feeding. A baby this age usually sleeps longer than a newborn at night, but each baby is different.
After you feed your baby, hold her and rock her for a while. You can put her to bed at night when she is quiet, even if she is not asleep. You can sit down beside her and pat her gently or sing softly. Doing this will help an active baby learn to calm herself down. She may want to suck a pacifier or her thumb or finger as she gets sleepy.
Three-month-old Baby Sleeping Patterns
At three months, a baby sleep hours is about five hours during the day. She sleeps longer at night. She may wake up at night to be fed. You don’t have to wake your baby for feedings at night. If your baby sleeps through the night, she will feed more often during the day.
Some babies begin sleeping through the night at a few months of age. Others don’t sleep through the night until they are one or two years old or even older.
Five-month-old Baby Sleeping Patterns
A five-month-old baby may sleep for longer periods of time, like five to eight hours. But babies are individuals. Each baby has his own sleep patterns.
Babies are not always awake when they sound like they are. They can cry out and may make all kinds of noises in their sleep. Even if they wake up at night, babies may be awake for only a few minutes. They may fall asleep again on their own.
Don’t get up right away if you hear your baby at night. It’s best if your baby learns how to get back to sleep on his own. If your baby cries for several minutes, it’s time to respond. She could be hungry, wet, cold or even sick.
As babies get older, they usually sleep longer at night. They stay up more during the day. As she grows, you will see changes in your baby’s sleep habits. Be consistent with your bedtime routine. Reassure your baby if she cries. But make sure she knows that you mean it’s time for bed. If she is waking up too much, ask your doctor for advice.
Nine-month-old Baby Sleeping Patterns
At this age, most babies sleep about 13 hours a day. They may have a long night sleep of about 10 hours, a short morning nap and a longer afternoon nap. A nine-month-old may stay awake past regular sleep times. This happens when your baby is excited, involved in activities or just doesn’t want to be away from you.
Avoid sleep problems by building routines that help your baby move from active play to restful sleep. You can turn down the lights and background noise like the TV or music. Your baby will be more likely to go to bed if she doesn’t think he’ll miss something exciting.
Don’t be surprised if she doesn’t go to sleep right away. She may babble to himself and later fall asleep on top of the covers. Let him form his own comfort habits. These habits help him put himself to sleep.
Create a routine such as a soothing bath, a bedtime story and good-night kisses to family members. Give him a stuffed animal and a special blanket. If you use a crib, keep the sides up and securely fastened.
