Newborns require plenty of sleep to develop and grow, but the time they spend resting isn’t always consistent. If you’re a new parent, it’s critical to keep tabs on your child’s changing sleep needs to help them establish a healthy bedtime routine. Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates, with two locations in Butler County, OH, provides superior women’s health support throughout pregnancy and explains a child’s evolving sleep needs so you will know what to expect during their first year.

Women’s Health Experts Share Infant Sleep Guidelines

Safe Sleeping

When laying down your baby for sleep, it’s crucial to place them where it is safest. You should put your baby to sleep on their back in a crib, bassinet, or baby box that features a flat and firm surface. Ensure there is nothing else in the crib with them, such as toys or bumper pads, as these can be dangerous.

First Month: Many Short Periods of Rest

While a newborn will rest up to 17 hours a day, their schedule will be inconsistent, with an average continuous sleep time of just over two hours. Be ready to get up throughout the night for feedings, and catch up on sleep while your baby is napping. Your newborn probably will be awake for only an hour at a time.

Second Month: Longer Periods of Sleep

Your baby will begin to rest for intervals of 4–6 hours. They might stay awake up to two hours at a time and require as many as six naps a day. As you try to establish a bedtime, pay attention to your child’s tiredness cues, such as eye-rubbing, fussiness, and yawning.  

Third Month: 3 Naps a Day

By this point, your baby probably will sleep up to eight hours each night. They will need fewer naps during daytime hours, typically in the morning, afternoon, and middle of the day.  

Months 4–8: More Consistent Sleep

Your baby’s sleep rhythms will be established during these four months, so they will wake and go to bed for the night around the same times each day. During this phase, infants need naps only during the morning and afternoon, with a shorter midday catnap.  

Months 8–12:  Set Routine

While there is little change in their sleep pattern during this stage, your infant is likely to be awake about three hours at a time, requiring only two naps a day. Their nighttime rest period will be considerably longer than in previous months, lasting 10–12 hours.

Every baby’s sleep needs are different, but you should discuss concerns with a pediatrician if you think your child’s routine is unusual. If you’re having trouble adjusting to their sleep schedule, ask a women’s health doctor for advice on how to cope.  

Whether you’re a new mom or in the early stages of pregnancy, the specialists at OBGYN Associates can ease the adjustment to motherhood. Visit them online to learn about their comprehensive services, including ultrasounds and genetic testing, and call (513) 221-3800 to schedule an appointment at their Fairfield or Liberty Township women’s health center. Like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter for more advice from their OB-GYN clinics.