Infant Sleep: What to Expect Each Month of the First Year
Having a newborn baby at home is such an exciting time, but it can also be a bit overwhelming. One thing you’ll likely be worrying about is if you’re baby is getting enough sleep. Sleep is so important for infant development, and understanding what to expect each month in the baby’s first year can help you understand what is normal.
It’s important to remember that babies will likely not be sleeping through the night at birth and overnight sleep generally takes 6-12 months for babies to master. Know that if your baby is waking frequently at night, it is normal and to be expected. As the year progresses, babies should get better and better at getting quality sleep.
Veteran parents can tell you that you’ll likely be exhausted the first few months, but if you stick with it, the pay off will be worth it. To help, we have put together a roadmap of what to expect each month related to sleep for the first year of your baby’s life.
Month One: Establishing a Sleep Schedule
During the first month, your baby may wake every two to four hours throughout the day and night to satisfy their hunger needs. The goal in this first month is to slowly begin to establish a sleep/wake rhythm. Encourage them to take naps that can help them get quality rest. You can also begin to establish a bedtime routine, like a bath and reading, that can help encourage restful sleep.
If your newborn is having trouble sleeping, your pediatrician can offer tips on how you might help them get a restful nights sleep.
Month Two: Further Establishing a Sleep Schedule
By the second month, your baby should be able to sleep longer between feedings, allowing them to wake less overall. At this stage, babies generally take one longer nap during the day and several smaller naps. Because some babies begin teething during this phase, you may need to try different methods of soothing a baby who is waking up more frequently than expected.
Consistency is key, so it is important to keep regular bedtime schedules. Choosing a bedtime can help train them to get the rest they need at night. The more regular and consistent your baby’s rhythm is during this phase, the better they will sleep.
Feel free to experiment a bit to figure out the best nighttime routine that works for your baby.
Month Three to Six: Consolidating Sleep
Between three and six months old, you’ll want to make sure your baby is developmentally ready for a single nap that should last about two hours. Your baby will likely need a full night’s sleep by this point.
Also during this phase, most babies will begin sleeping for six to eight hours, though there may still be some nights with more or less.This is also the time when your baby may get into sleep regressions, so again, contact your pediatrician for advice.
Tips to Encourage Quality Sleep
- Consistent sleep habits
- Comfortable sleep area
- Proposition into positions that encourage deeper sleep
- White noise to block out distracting sounds
- No scratches, tight clothing or blankets
- Keep the environment as dark as possible
Conclusion
Understanding what to expect each month when it comes to sleep in the first year of your baby’s life is incredibly important. Learning their sleep patterns will help you gain more control of the situation and will aid in helping your baby get the necessary rest they need for a healthy development.