Setting Baby Sleep Expectations in the real World
Pretty much all parents look forward to the moment your little one has his or her nap. A little mummy and daddy time at last....
Non-stop interruption to your own sleep patterns is not good for you and very exhausting. So when your little one decides to have a little nap, now is the time to catch up on those precious little moments. Find your favorite chair, settee or even your own bed and catch up for a few minutes (hours if you are lucky). Sleep is important to your general well being and we suggest trying to get as much as possible.
With regards to baby, below are some pointers that can help you at least know what to expect. Please be aware that all babies are unique, so what works for one baby or the behavior of one baby may not be the same for your baby.
Here is what is in store for you:
- · - Months one and two baby could sleep anywhere between ten and eighteen hours a day. This could be for a block of hours or maybe an hour at a time. Usually this is not all in the night unfortunately!
- · - Usually around months three to eleven, two to four little sleeps for anywhere between thirty minutes to a hour or two is typical.
- · - Nine months you can typically expect most babies to sleep through the night.
- · - Years one to three gets easier in terms of baby sleep. Maybe reaching twelve to fourteen hours per twenty four hours. Your little one will still take little naps to keep him or her going. Try to avoid putting baby down later in the day as this will start to have an effect on their overnight sleeping pattern.
All little ones are different with some managing on more sleep, others managing on less sleep. If in any doubt, and as always, seek medical help if you are not sure.
Your little one needs sleep and so do you, so it makes sense to do all you can to achieve this. Here are a few bullet points that cover baby sleep that I hope will help.
- · Make sure the room is not too light. Consider thicker curtains or maybe even blackouts to dim the room.
- · Ensure the room is quiet. Turn the radio or TV down and be mindful of how loud your or your visitors talk.
- · Ensure the room temperature is comfortable to sleep in. Some people suggest between between 68 and 72 is a good range for baby sleep
Finally, having good quality baby bedding that is comfortable will help baby get to the land of sleep......zzzzz
