Sleep is an essential activity in babies and infants that promotes proper brain function and physical development. Specific sleep times vary with an infant's age, and younger babies do not have strictly developed sleeping patterns. By the age of three months, infants start to sleep more consistently at night, and should get an average of 15 hours of sleep every 24 hours.
Basics
When compared to adults, babies have lighter and shorter sleep cycles, the Oklahoma State Department of Health reports. As a result, from birth to the age of six months, the average baby wakes up two or three times a night. As your child grows older, his overall sleeping time will begin to decrease, but he will begin to sleep for longer periods of time at night. By the time he reaches three months, he will probably sleep roughly nine or 10 hours at night and four to five additional hours during the day, according to Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford.
Sleep Factors
At three months, your child may also begin to sleep for six to eight consecutive hours at night, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital reports. Your child may also begin sleeping for extended periods once he weighs at least 12 or 13 pounds. Your child's particular sleep habits depend largely on his innate temperament, and as a result he may sleep for more or less than the average total of hours and wake up more or less frequently, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health. Whatever their temperament, most babies benefit from parental help at sleeping times.
Signs of Sleepiness
You can promote proper sleep in your baby by looking for and understanding common signs of sleepiness, Lucile Packard's Children's Hospital explains. Examples of these signs include fussiness, yawning, eye rubbing and avoidance of eye contact. Since young infants commonly do not have established sleeping patterns, you can also encourage sleep by establishing a regular bedtime routine that includes breastfeeding or rhythmic motions like rocking. However, if you use these techniques, try not to let your baby fall asleep in your arms. If he does, he may expect being held as a precondition to sleeping.
Sleep Disruptions
The Oklahoma State Department of Health lists a number of factors that can disrupt your baby's sleep, including medical problems such as colds, fever, allergies and ear infections; sources of discomfort such as wet diapers, uncomfortable clothing, excessively hot or cold temperatures and hunger; and emotional difficulties linked to stress in your family or disruption of normal routines. If you think your child is not getting enough sleep, talk to his doctor about potential underlying causes.
Additional Steps
Lucile Packard Children's Hospital lists a number of additional ways you can increase your child's sense of security before or during sleep. Examples include playing soft music at bedtime; avoiding stimulating activities when bedtime approaches and allowing adequate time for daytime naps. If your child awakens at night, try to soothe or comfort him without taking him out of bed.
