Written by Sherie Austin, MD, Courthouse Pediatrics
Sleep deprivation is practically a rite of passage for new parents. From late-night feedings and endless rocking to unpredictable wake-ups, it’s easy for parents to feel overwhelmed. An infant’s sleep schedule can seem unpredictable in the early months. Fortunately, there are research-backed ways to gently support better rest for both parents and babies.
Understanding an Infant’s Sleep Needs
Newborns do not keep a regular sleep cycle. Until about 4 months old, most babies sleep 16 to 17 hours per day, but often only for one to two hours at a time. As babies grow, they gradually need less sleep, and their sleep patterns become more organized.
Every baby is unique, but there are a few simple, reassuring ways to support healthy sleep habits.
Tips to Help Baby and Parents Sleep Better
- Maintain a calm and quiet atmosphere at night.
When you feed or change your baby at night, keep the lights low and the atmosphere soothing. Minimize talking, movement, or other stimulation. This helps your baby understand it’s sleep time, not playtime.
- Make daytime more active and engaging.
You might think more naps mean better nights, but a bit of awake time during the day — talking, singing, reading, playing — can help your baby learn the difference between day and night. Gentle engagement during the day can encourage longer sleep stretches at night.
Support Healthy Sleep Patterns
Once a baby is around 4 months or older, their sleep patterns begin to develop more consistently. Here are some gentle ways to support that growth:
- Put your baby to bed when they’re drowsy but not fully asleep.
One of the main ways to help babies learn to sleep on their own is to lay them down when they’re sleepy but still awake. If they always fall asleep in your arms or while being rocked, they may have trouble going back to sleep on their own when they wake during the night.
- Give your baby a moment to settle.
If your baby fusses after being put to bed, it’s okay to wait a moment before rushing in. Babies naturally wake briefly between sleep cycles, and over time they learn skills to fall back asleep on their own. It’s normal for a 6-month-old to wake up and settle without help within a few minutes.
Safe sleep is the top priority.
It is strongly recommended that babies always sleep alone on their backs and on a firm surface in their crib or bassinet. Keep your baby’s sleep space free from pillows, bumper pads, blankets, comforters, and stuffed toys to help lower the risk of sudden unexplained infant death.
For more tips on creating a safe sleep environment, check out these safe sleep tips from CHKD.
