It's important for children to develop good sleep habits early on. Sleeping well is important to children's development and well-being. Here is information from the American Academy of Pediatrics to help ensure a good night's sleep for children—and parents too! Remember that children differ in how much sleep they need, how long it takes them to fall asleep, and how easily they wake up. If you have any questions about your child's sleep habits, ask your child's doctor.
Babies
Babies do not have regular sleep cycles until about 4 months of age. Although newborns sleep about 16 to 17 hours per day, they may sleep for only 1 or 2 hours at a time. As babies get older, they need less sleep. Keep in mind that your baby's sleep needs and patterns may differ from those of other babies.
How to Help Babies Sleep Better at Night
All Babies
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Try not to stimulate or wake babies when you feed or change them during the night. If you speak, speak softly.
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Make daytime playtime. Keep babies awake longer during the day. This helps babies sleep for longer periods during the night. Spend time talking, reading, and playing together.
Babies 4 Months and Older
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Put babies to bed when they are drowsy. Do not wait until babies are asleep. This helps babies learn to fall asleep on their own, in their own bed. If you hold babies or rock them to sleep, they may struggle to go back to sleep if they wake up during the night. Remember to place babies on their back to sleep for every sleep until they are 1 year of age. Visit www.HealthyChildren.org/safesleep to learn more about how to create a safe sleeping environment for babies.
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Do not rush in to soothe a crying baby. Babies need time to put themselves back to sleep, and they need to learn how to fall back asleep on their own. It is normal for a 6-month-old to wake up during the night and then go back to sleep after a few minutes. Of course, you can attend to them— like feeding them, changing a soiled diaper, or comforting them if they are sick—if needed.
Disclaimer
Adapted from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) brochure Sleep Problems in Children.
The AAP is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists, and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety, and well-being of all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.
In all aspects of its publishing program (writing, review, and production), the AAP is committed to promoting principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
The information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.