Early development is characterized largely by sleep, which the National Sleep Foundation describes as the "primary activity" in your new baby's brain. Until your infant adjusts to circadian rhythms--a sleep schedule that's dictated by day and night hours--irregular and unpredictable sleeping patterns are to be expected until the age of around 3 to 6 months. However, although your child's sleep schedule doesn't come with a guarantee, there are an abundance of things that parents can do to make a baby sleep longer--and safer.
Newborns (1 to 2 Months)
Step 1
Have no expectations of a baby under the age of 3 months. The NSF points out that newborns sleep from between 10.5 to 18 hours each day, often in short stints. Newborns do need to be fed every 3 to 4 hours, around the clock, states Kidshealth.org; those who are breastfed may need to feed every 2 hours.
Step 2
Keep your newborn stimulated during the day by exposing her to sound, noise and parental interactivity. The NSF indicates that this encourages nighttime sleep. When it's time for your newborn to hit the hay, dim the lights and turn down the television. A calm environment is most conducive to getting a baby to sleep.
Step 3
Put your child in his crib when he's drowsy but not fully asleep. The NSF states that this helps your baby learn how to fall asleep on his own. Make sure to put him on his back, flush against the mattress--this decreases his risk of sudden infant death syndrome, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Infants (3 to 11 Months)
Step 1
Establish a consistent bedtime schedule that includes certain expected routine, the NSF advises. You may choose to play soft music or give your infant a bath to signal that bedtime is near. But don't play with your child, the AAP advises; this type of stimulus is unlikely to get her to fall asleep.
Step 2
Encourage independent sleeping by putting your infant in his crib when he's nodding off--just as you would a newborn. The ASF states that this enables your child to become a "self-soother."
Step 3
Don't rush to your infant's aid at the first signs of fussing, the AAP advises. While newborns are expected to wake for routine feedings, infants are capable of 9 to 12 hours of sleep each night. Wait a few minutes and see if your child falls back asleep. However, if crying continues, make sure she doesn't need a diaper change or food.
Toddlers (1 to 3 Years)
Step 1
Make sure that your toddler's naptime doesn't occur too close to bedtime, the NSF advises, as this can disrupt his pattern of sleep. Toddlers require 12 to 14 hours of sleep a day, but by the time your child is 18 months, his nap time should decrease from 1 to 3 hours each day.
Step 2
Keep a set sleeping schedule, just as you did when your child was an infant, incorporating established bedtime activities, such as reading or bathing. The NSF notes that this stage of your child's life is complicated by the fact that she's beginning to assert her autonomy. It's important to set limits with respect to bedtime.
Step 3
Let your toddler take a stuffed animal or blanket to bed. This is inappropriate for newborns and infants, but the AAP notes that by the time your child is older, safe security objects can help your child self-soothe when he wakes in the middle of the night. Check the toy or blanket for buttons, ribbons and other things that may pose a choking hazard.
Tips and Warnings
- Light clothing and a comfortable temperature, not thick clothing and a numerous blankets, are conducive to your baby's sleep.
- Taking your child to bed with you ("co-sleeping") is inappropriate for babies of all ages, says the NSF and AAP, as this discourages independent sleeping habits.
