Baby sleep

In the first few weeks after birth babies sleep much of the day and night. Most wake two or three times during the night for feeds. Babies have shorter sleep cycles than adults and wake or stir about every 40 minutes.

By three months many babies will have settled into a pattern of longer times awake during the day, and longer sleep times (perhaps four to five hours) at night. Most will still be waking once or twice during the night for feeds.

Between three to six months some babies have two or three longish sleeps during the day, while others just have short naps. A few sleep twelve hours at night without interruption, some manage eight hours while many others wake fairly regularly for feeds. Most have learned to sleep more at night than they do during the day. If you are happy with your baby’s sleep pattern there is no need to change it. There are many ways to be ‘normal’.

By six months babies are having most of their sleep at night, but they still need day sleeps. Expect two sleeps a day until 12 to 15 months – then one is usually enough. Some babies and toddlers sleep through because they can last longer between feeds and hunger does not wake them. Many still wake once or twice, or several times at night. Many wake in the lighter time of sleep, just as we wake (or almost wake). They may, as most adults do, turn over and go back to sleep, or they may cry because they are uncomfortable, afraid or unsettled in some other way, or in the habit of waking up.

By six months about 50% of babies are ‘sleeping through the night’ (i.e. sleeping about five hours or more). Between the ages of two and three years, 41% of young children wake once or twice a night, with a few still waking more often.

Look after yourself

Almost all adults find interrupted sleep makes them feel tired and irritable and relationships can suffer. Here are some tips to help you through:

• Try to keep your own life not too hectic when the baby is young. Take breaks when you can.

• Catch up on sleep. Sleep or rest when your baby sleeps, day and night.

• Take the phone off the hook.

• Ask for and accept help when it is offered.

• Put a DO NOT DISTURB sign on your door.

• Remember to get some exercise – walking is good.

• Join a group of other new parents.

If you have concerns regarding your child’s sleep patterns please contact your GP or local Child Health Nurse. You can also phone the Ngala Family Resource Centre Helpline (8.00am -8.00pm) Freecall 1800 654 432

Source: “Adapted from Parent Easy Guide ‘Sleep’ with permission © Parenting SA, Government of South Australia”
For the complete article go to www.cyh.com

Disclaimer: This page and the information it contains is not intended as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified practitioner.

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