Newborns sleep a lot; and sleep patterns are unique to each baby. In the beginning, there is no differentiation between day and night. The circadian rhythm that tells our bodies it's nighttime is not online yet in the newborn brain and takes time to develop. Until it is up and running, we can gently help newborns learn about day versus night by getting fresh air and sunlight during the day and keeping it dark and quiet at night. Breastfeeding also assists in helping babies learn to sleep longer stretches at night as sleep hormones are released in milk at nighttime and help both babies and mothers to relax and feel sleepy.
As the weeks go by, infants begin to lengthen their nighttime sleep, and their daytime naps start to become more predictable. As the months go by, babies slowly drop a nap as they are able to stay awake for longer periods of time. Between a year and a year and a half, most babies transition down to one afternoon nap, but typically not until after age three do they stop needing naps altogether.
Sleep patterns unfold just as other areas of development and require careful observation to facilitate them well. Understanding developmentally appropriate wake windows and infant sleep cues can help adults know when to lay babies down for a nap and when they are ready to extend their wake times.
Examples of infant sleep cues:
- Staring off into space
- Quiet and still
- Yawning
- Rubbing eyes
- Fussy and agitated
- Crying
Observe closely to learn your baby’s unique sleep cues and the best time to begin the pre-sleep routine. If your baby consistently fights sleep, it could be that you are starting the sleep routine either too soon or too late, or your baby isn’t getting enough sleep in 24 hours and is chronically overtired.
Having an awareness of developmentally appropriate wake times between naps and bedtime for infants can really help in determining if the cues your baby is giving are potentially sleep cues. These are not meant to be followed rigidly but rather in communion with your baby’s unique needs.
Developmentally appropriate daytime wake windows for infants:
- 0-1 month old: 45 min- 2 hours
- 1- 6 months old: 1-3 hours
- 6-9 months old: 2-3 hours
- 9-12 months old: 2-4 hours
- 12 months old: 3-5 hours
Each baby’s sleep pattern is unique. It’s not a perfect science. Observe your baby, and with these general guidelines in mind and you’ll learn the best time to prepare him/her for sleep.
Nighttime
It can be difficult to determine the ideal time to lay newborns down in the night when they fall asleep nursing. Observing them closely can help you navigate when to keep them at the breast and when to try to transfer them to the bassinet for some much-needed rest for both of you. If your baby drifts off to sleep at the breast, you can take your finger and gently slip it into the side of his/her mouth to help release your nipple. If he/she shows signs of hunger, offer the breast some more. If not, hold your baby at an upward angle just a bit and let him/her settle into a deep sleep before attempting to transfer to a bassinet.
Signs baby is in a deep sleep include:
- Quiet and regular breathing
- No movement under the eyelids
Newborns cycle in and out of deep and light sleep approximately every half hour or so, so if you misread your baby’s cues, all is not lost, and you can try again.
It can take some time to adjust to the unique characteristics of newborn sleep. Newborns are very active sleepers during their light sleep cycles and often make noises and move about. Don’t be alarmed and don’t jump to pick them up immediately, mistaking their vocalizations and movements for being awake, as you might accidentally wake your sleeping baby.
It’s not uncommon for very young infants to fall asleep regardless of the physical environment, but as they grow, they become more aware of their surroundings and will need/desire some environmental sleep routines to help guide them towards restful sleep. Check out our post on Sleep Considerations for Infants and Toddlers for specifics on setting up a physical and emotional environment that facilitates rest.
When it comes to infant sleep, a good motto to live by is this:
- Observe closely
- Do your best to accommodate your baby’s needs
- Ride the wave
The rapid development in the first year, coupled with illness, travel, and change of any kind, all add up to sleep rhythms that are ever-changing. The more we panic about sleep, the more exhausting it becomes. Sleep is very important for healthy growth and development, but it isn’t likely to improve if you try to force it to happen at the expense of learning your baby’s individual needs.

Commentaires