One of the main concerns of new parents is understanding their little one’s sleep cycles. Often oscillating between “Are they sleeping too much?” and “Why do they wake up so often?”. Newborn baby sleep can seem unpredictable at first. Understanding sleep patterns by age can help you create a good bedtime routine for them. In this blog, Cocoon care will break down baby sleep patterns by age and help you understand newborn baby sleeping hours required to set up a good sleep schedule for your little one.
What Is a Sleep Cycle For Babies?
A sleep cycle comprises REM (Rapid Eye movement) and NREM (non-REM) sleep. REM sleep is light, and NREM is the deep sleep stage. For adults, each sleep cycle is approximately 90 minutes.
Newborn babies' sleep cycles are shorter cycles of REM and NREM sleep and they tend to wake up more often. As they grow, their sleep cycle matures, and they do longer stretches of uninterrupted sleep.
Baby Sleep Patterns By Age
How many hours should a newborn baby sleep? Newborn baby sleep patterns keep changing as they grow. Here is a detailed breakdown of baby sleep patterns by age.
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Newborn (0-3 months)
Newborn babies sleep and wake throughout day and night. Their sleep cycle starts with REM sleep, which is lighter. A newborn swaddle will help them sleep well during this age. They mostly wake up to feed every 1 -3 hours. By 4-8 weeks, they start responding to day and night patterns better. By 8 weeks, some babies may even start sleeping longer.
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1-3 months
At this stage, babies still sleep a lot, but their sleep patterns become a little more predictable. Many babies have longer stretches at night, sometimes 4- 6 hours. Daytime baby naps will still be frequent. A baby sleep suit can keep them comfortable for better sleep.
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3-6 months
This is the stage when babies start having less active sleep and more deep sleep. Some babies even start sleeping up to 8 hours at night while others may still wake up for feeds. Every baby is different. Providing a cozy, womb-like feeling with a sleep pod can help them sleep faster.
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6-12 months
By 6 months, sleep patterns become more structured and similar to adult sleep cycles. Daytime activities like crawling can also impact their sleep. A soft baby sleeping bag can keep them warm and comfortable.
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1-2 years
Most babies sleep a lot better by the time they are one year old. Toddlers between 1 - 3 years may still wake up due to nightmares during REM sleep. A consistent bedtime routine and a comfortable kids' blanket can make them sleep better.
Newborn Baby Sleeping Hours By Age
|
Age |
Total Sleep |
Naps |
Wake Windows |
|
Newborn (0-1 month) |
14-17 hours/day |
Frequent |
45-60 minutes |
|
1-3 Months |
14-16 hours/day |
4-5 naps |
60-90 minutes |
|
3-6 months |
13-15 hours/day |
3-4 naps |
1.5-2.5 hours |
|
6-12 months |
12-14 hours/day |
2-3 naps |
2-4 hours |
|
1-2 years |
11-14 hours/day |
1-2 naps |
4-6 hours |
How To Set Up A Newborn Sleep Schedule
Setting up a newborn baby’s sleep schedule takes time and patience. Here are some tips that can help.
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Create a bedtime routine like having a warm bath, rocking and gentle music
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Keep day and night distinct. Encourage daytime with light and play and keep nights calm and quiet
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Using sleep-friendly dresses like breathable and soft infant night suits can keep them comfortable
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Watch for sleep cues like yawning, rubbing eyes and fussiness.
How To Make Sure Your Baby Is Getting Enough Sleep
Every baby is different. Here are some signs that your newborn is getting enough sleep.
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Your little one wakes up fresh and alert after baby naps
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They are growing steadily
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Your baby is not very fussy or irritable.
If you notice sleep troubles or feel your newborn baby's sleeping hours are not adequate, adjust the routine. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends a safe sleep environment to reduce risks like Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Using a baby sleep sack can help keep your baby safe and comfortable.
Conclusion
Understanding your newborn baby’s sleeping hours and baby sleep patterns by age can make parenthood smoother and more enjoyable. Sleep needs change as babies grow, and setting routines early can lead to better sleep habits. Having the right baby sleeping essentials can make a world of difference in your baby’s sleep.
Cocoon care is committed to making sleep time comfortable for you and your baby. Which is why our sleep products took years of research. The silk, cocoon-like comfort of bamboo muslin fabric is the best gift for your baby’s sleep. We offer the most comfortable baby essentials, making online baby shopping in India stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions On Newborn Baby Sleep
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How many hours does a 3-month baby sleep?
A 3-month-old baby sleeps 14-16 hours a day, including at least 4-5 naps. Night sleep can be up to 4-6 hours at a stretch.
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How to change the sleeping pattern of a newborn baby?
Expose your baby to natural light during the day and keep nights dark and calm. This will improve their day and night differentiation. Also, create a bedtime routine with feeding, rocking or swaddling.
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How to change baby sleep pattern from day to night?
To change the baby's sleep pattern from day to night, keep baby naps during the day shorter. Include more active play during daytime and dim the lights before bedtime.
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At what age do babies start sleeping better?
Most babies start sleeping for longer hours around 3-6 months. Some may still wake up for feeds. A 3-month baby sleeping hours will be around 13-15 hours per day.
Reference:
APP safe sleep guidelines: https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/safe-sleep/
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