Establishing a good sleep routine for your baby can be a tough task. It doesn't matter what age they are, this is something that will drive most parents up the wall. From cuddles and lullabies to outright frustration, it’s necessary for their development—and let's face it, your sanity at the end of the day. So let’s get started on this journey through milestones and snoozes.
The First Stage: Embracing Unpredictability with Newborns
Newborn Sample Sleep Routine
Your newborn’s first few weeks of life are going to be a whirlwind. A lot of feedings, dirty diapers and snuggles are in store for you. The word “routine” is more about survival at this point than anything else. However simple steps like dimming lights can help set healthy habits later on.
When Should I Establish Sleep Routines?
You might wonder, "When should my newborn start their sleep routine?" The answer is as soon as you feel ready. Around 6-8 weeks is a great time to gently introduce the concept of night and day so your baby can gradually understand life outside the womb.
Sleep Schedule for Newborns: Embrace Unpredictability
Morning to Night:
Feedings: Expect to feed every 2-3 hours throughout both night and day.
Sleep: Over twenty-four hours they’ll sleep about fourteen to seventeen hours total. Starting at around four to six weeks, their nighttime sleep will consolidate but they’ll still wake several times through out the night.
Sample Sleep Routine: Start bedtime routines around 6-8 PM with soft lullabies and a final feeding before bed; bath, pajamas, book, feed is a good place to start!
Sleep Schedules For Kids Ages Three To Seven Months Old
A three month old’s sleep cycle becomes more predictable making it easier for moms out there who work hard everyday caring for them babies. At this age, a sleep routine for three month olds includes giving them a bath and reading to them before bed. A nap time routine for three month old babies is as easy as setting them down for naps after an hour and a half to two hours of play.
A four months old’s sleep cycle is going to be all over the place. However being consistent with bedtime routines goes a long way. Try putting your baby in their crib drowsy but awake so they can start learning how to self soothe.
A five month old baby might be ready for you to stop feeding them at night. Keeping that in mind start to make the bedtime routine more solid by reinforcing the schedule.
A six month old’s best friend are their naps! They’ll need about two or three during the day. Aiming for them to take one at six am and another around eight pm works great. As they grow older you’re going to want those late nights of crying yourself to sleep to soon disappear, which is why it’s important now that you start developing a sleeping routine.
At seven months your baby already knows everything about napping just like adults do. By this point they will have been taking some pretty good snoozes throughout breakfast, lunch and dinner time hopefully giving you some peace and quiet for a few moments here and there. On another note however, you know how kids are during dinner, they fall asleep within seconds of eating then wake up when it’s time for dessert (which may cause you frustration). But try not letting anything distract them while they sleep— No noise from outside or inside your home because who knows what kind of things might wake them up?
Sleep Schedule For 3-7 Month Old Kids
3-Month-Old Sleep Schedule:
Morning Wake-Up: Around 7 AM, followed by feeding.
Nap Times: 3-4 naps throughout the day, starting around 9 AM, 12 PM, 3 PM, with a shorter late afternoon nap if needed.
Bedtime Routine: Begins around 6:30 PM with a bath, followed by a feeding, ending in bedtime around 7-8 PM.
4-6 Month Old Schedule:
Adjusting for Sleep Regression: Maintain the routine, but be prepared for more night awakenings. Encourage self-soothing where possible.
Naps: Transition towards 3 naps a day by 6 months, with longer awake periods.
Bedtime: Keep consistent at around 7-8 PM.
7 Month Old Schedule:
Naps: Shift to 2 longer naps a day, morning and early afternoon.
Bedtime Routine: Keep it consistent, focusing on calming activities. Bedtime may shift earlier, around 7 PM, to adjust for consolidated night-time sleep.
The Transition to Toddlerhood: 7 to 16 Months
Sleep Routine for a Child Who’s Older than Six Months
As they grow out of infancy and into the toddler years (1 year and older), their sleep pattern will change again. For now though consistency is key and that's how you'll establish good sleeping habits!
Sleep Routine for a Child Who’s Seven-Months Old
At this point your baby has become more active so naturally their sleep times change. The daytime should involve lots of playing so they burn off energy before bed. Try to keep their bedtimes as consistent as possible too!
Sleep Routine for Kids Who’re Fourteen-months or Sixteen-months
By this time your child has probably started walking! With this new milestone comes new adventures and challenges. Be sure to stay flexible but keep them on schedule when you can - especially during bedtime!
These Routines Will Change Over Time
Always remember that every baby is different. You may try things that other parents have success with, but it could just simply not work for your child. The goal isn't to get it right on the first try, its to make progress along the way!
Sleep Routine for Newborns to Four Months
As for a night time routine for newborns, there really isn't one! They're new to the world and just need some peace and quiet - and of course their mommies!
Sleep Routine for Kids Who Are Two-to-Four Months Old
At this point in their lives they'll start becoming more self aware. They'll also sleep longer throughout the day so you'll notice more naps as a result!
When Do Kids Start Sleeping Through the Night?
Most babies need about 11-14 hours of sleep each day until they hit four months old. Once they're at this age their sleep schedule will shift along with them growing!
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