sleepmaster

The First 1-2 months

 

Sleep during the early months occurs around the clock and the sleep-wake cycle interacts with the need to be fed, changed and nurtured. Newborns sleep a total of 10.5 to 18 hours a day on an irregular schedule, with waking periods of one to three hours. A sleep period may last a few minutes to several hours. During sleep, they often twitch their arms and legs, smile, suck and generally appearing restless.

 

Newborns express their need to sleep in different ways. Some fuss, cry, rub their eyes or indicate this need with individual gestures. It is best to put babies to bed when they are sleepy, but not asleep. They are more likely to fall asleep quickly and learn how to get themselves to sleep. Keep newborns awake during the day by exposing them to light and noise, and by playing. As evening approaches, the environment can be quieter and dimmer with less activity.

 

 

Month Three to Month Eleven

 

By six months of age, night-time feedings are usually not necessary and many infants sleep through the night. 70-80% will do so by nine months of age. Infants typically sleep 9-12 hours during the night and take 30 minute to two-hour naps, one to four times a day – fewer as they reach age one.

 

Infants who have become accustomed to parental assistance at bedtime often become "signallers" and cry for their parents to help them return to sleep during the night.

 

Secure infants who are attached to their caregiver may have fewer sleep problems, but some may also be reluctant to give up this engagement for sleep. During the second half of the year, infants may also experience separation anxiety. Illness and increased motor development may also disrupt sleep.