Newborns need about sixteen hours of sleep a day, with about half of that being made up of naps during the day. Babies will usually sleep about two hours at a time at first, gradually sleeping longer at night. However, most children still need naps until they are about four. If a baby doesn't nap enough during the day, or too much, it will affect their night-time sleep.
It is important to set up a nap routine, just as it is important to have a bedtime routine. While these routines can have some steps in common, like having the pacifier or a lullaby, having slight differences is fine. The nap routine should be a bit shorter, as sometimes the babies will become more awake and have a second wind and be harder to put down for a nap. Your baby will start to give you hints that they are ready for a nap, beyond the obvious yawning. They will rub their eyes, not want to play with their toys, and sometimes just start getting cranky. Sometimes they will ask for their pacifier or to nurse, even if they aren't hungry.
So how often, and how long, should babies nap? It varies by age and by child. Newborns normally have a very "on again off again" schedule. They normally
sleep around two hours at a time around the clock. As long as they are getting about sixteen hours in a twenty-four hour period, the length between naps may vary. As the child gets older, the naps get longer and spaced further apart.
By about one month old, babies usually need about an hour less sleep and are able to sleep about three hours or so between feedings. So they have about nine hours spread through the night with about six hours of napping by day. They will adjust to the new schedule, so be aware that you may have to adjust your daily routine to fit their needs.
Three months old is about the age when many babies are finally able to sleep through the night. This is a huge relief for parents, as they are able to start getting more sleep as well. Babies start sleeping about nine or ten hours at night, and only nap about five hours.
At six months, babies usually only need about two two-hour naps during the day. They will still be sleeping about ten hours or so at night. You may find the baby waking during the night. It could be that they just need reassurance that you are there. It could also mean they need their naptime adjusted. Sometimes children who nap too much during the day will wake up during the night.
After about nine months, most children only need one nap. They will probably nap about three hours, maybe even only two, as they get closer to a year old. They are much more active and the longer nap during the early afternoon will let them be rested for their activities for the rest of the day and not be too awake by bedtime.
As they become toddlers, many children are very resistant to a nap. It is a good idea to at least encourage a "quiet time", when they snuggle up with you for a story time. Or you could encourage them to be in their room and play quietly; a nap might sneak up on them.
Visit the help baby sleep blog for more advice on how to help your baby sleep.
Friday 27 February 2009
Wednesday 25 February 2009
The benefits of co-sleeping
Co-sleeping has gained in popularity in the United States over the last couple of years, despite criticisms. Some researches have said that co-sleeping in the parents' bed is dangerous to the child. However, the statistics aren't complete. Until the 1800s, co-sleeping was the norm in the States, and still is in many countries around the world.
In the 1800s, science was just starting to learn about germs, and it was felt that less contact with others would keep people healthier. This idea was also
adopted when raising children. The development of formula milk also reduced the amount of mothers who breastfed their babies. However, as people begin to
rediscover the benefits of co-sleeping, it is becoming more commonplace than many people realize.
As long as the parents take precautions to baby-proof their bed, just as they do the rest of the house, the benefits can outweigh the possible problems. Make sure you have a firm mattress, as soft mattresses or waterbeds are still not safe for babies. Co-sleeping is not recommended for obese parents or mothers who use sleep aids. It is best for the child to sleep on the outside edge of the bed, with a safety rail or a co-sleeper that attaches to the bed. Many parents prefer the co-sleeper bed, as it allows the child to be near, yet have their own space. It is also important to not have fluffy comforters, as they also pose a risk to the baby.
One of the most obvious benefits of co-sleeping is the ease of late night feedings. Both mother and baby lose less sleep, as the baby can start nursing with out totally waking. The father usually doesn't lose any sleep, either. Studies also show that breastfed babies are less susceptible to SIDS. The baby and mother's breathing will often be in sync, encouraging the baby to breathe better.
Babies who co-sleep usually grow up to be well-adjusted and independent children. They know that they can count on their parents to be there and develop a close relationship with them. Many parents who work away from home enjoy having that additional time to bond with their children. Studies have also shown that these children tend to do better in school.
Co-sleeping isn't for every family. However, the benefits may well outweigh the perceived problems. Some parents have tried it out of desperation after they couldn't take the crying or loss of sleep anymore. They have quickly discovered that it works well and the whole family benefits from the arrangement.
For more information to to help your baby sleepvisit Help baby sleep
In the 1800s, science was just starting to learn about germs, and it was felt that less contact with others would keep people healthier. This idea was also
adopted when raising children. The development of formula milk also reduced the amount of mothers who breastfed their babies. However, as people begin to
rediscover the benefits of co-sleeping, it is becoming more commonplace than many people realize.
As long as the parents take precautions to baby-proof their bed, just as they do the rest of the house, the benefits can outweigh the possible problems. Make sure you have a firm mattress, as soft mattresses or waterbeds are still not safe for babies. Co-sleeping is not recommended for obese parents or mothers who use sleep aids. It is best for the child to sleep on the outside edge of the bed, with a safety rail or a co-sleeper that attaches to the bed. Many parents prefer the co-sleeper bed, as it allows the child to be near, yet have their own space. It is also important to not have fluffy comforters, as they also pose a risk to the baby.
One of the most obvious benefits of co-sleeping is the ease of late night feedings. Both mother and baby lose less sleep, as the baby can start nursing with out totally waking. The father usually doesn't lose any sleep, either. Studies also show that breastfed babies are less susceptible to SIDS. The baby and mother's breathing will often be in sync, encouraging the baby to breathe better.
Babies who co-sleep usually grow up to be well-adjusted and independent children. They know that they can count on their parents to be there and develop a close relationship with them. Many parents who work away from home enjoy having that additional time to bond with their children. Studies have also shown that these children tend to do better in school.
Co-sleeping isn't for every family. However, the benefits may well outweigh the perceived problems. Some parents have tried it out of desperation after they couldn't take the crying or loss of sleep anymore. They have quickly discovered that it works well and the whole family benefits from the arrangement.
For more information to to help your baby sleepvisit Help baby sleep
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