Sleep

Sleep can be one of the most common areas of concern for parents. Is my baby sleeping enough? Too much? What is the safest way for them to sleep? How do I sleep train? 

Every child is different when it comes to sleep. But there are certain principles that can help you understand your baby's sleeping habits. Newborns can sleep up to 17 hours per day, usually in 1-2 hour spurts. As they age, babies require less sleep: about 12 hours or so for a 1-year old. Some will easily transition to sleeping through the night while others may struggle.

Want to talk to one of our pediatricians about your child's sleep?

How much sleep should my newborn baby be getting each day?

Newborns typically need up to 17 hours of sleep per day, but this sleep is often broken into short periods of about 1-2 hours at a time. This frequent sleep pattern is normal due to their small stomachs, which require regular feedings. As babies grow, their sleep needs decrease. By the time they are a year old, they generally need about 12 hours of sleep. It's important to adjust sleep schedules as your child grows to ensure they're getting the right amount of rest.

How can I establish a healthy sleep routine for my child?

Establishing a consistent bedtime routine is crucial. This can include turning off screens, putting on pajamas, brushing teeth, and reading a book. For infants, it's important not to let them sleep in your bed. For toddlers and older children, maintaining a regular bedtime and creating a sleep-conducive environment (cool, dark, and quiet) is key.

What should I do if my child isn't sleeping through the night?

If your child struggles to sleep through the night, consider their overall sleep environment, daytime naps, and bedtime routine. Ensure they have a consistent bedtime and a calming pre-sleep routine. For toddlers, addressing separation anxiety and establishing clear bedtime boundaries can be helpful. If problems persist, it may be worth consulting a pediatrician to rule out any sleep disorders.

What are the signs that my child isn't getting enough sleep?

Signs of insufficient sleep in children can include mood swings, hyperactivity, and difficulty concentrating, which can affect their performance in school. In toddlers, lack of sleep can lead to behaviors that mimic ADHD. Consistent sleep deprivation can have long-term effects on mental and physical health.

What is the safest way for my baby to sleep?

The safest way for your baby to sleep is on their back, in a crib or bassinet with a firm mattress and fitted sheet, and without any loose bedding, pillows, or stuffed animals. This position reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

How much sleep should my newborn baby be getting each day?

Newborns typically need up to 17 hours of sleep per day, but this sleep is often broken into short periods of about 1-2 hours at a time. This frequent sleep pattern is normal due to their small stomachs, which require regular feedings. As babies grow, their sleep needs decrease. By the time they are a year old, they generally need about 12 hours of sleep. It's important to adjust sleep schedules as your child grows to ensure they're getting the right amount of rest.

How can I establish a healthy sleep routine for my child?

Establishing a consistent bedtime routine is crucial. This can include turning off screens, putting on pajamas, brushing teeth, and reading a book. For infants, it's important not to let them sleep in your bed. For toddlers and older children, maintaining a regular bedtime and creating a sleep-conducive environment (cool, dark, and quiet) is key.

What should I do if my child isn't sleeping through the night?

If your child struggles to sleep through the night, consider their overall sleep environment, daytime naps, and bedtime routine. Ensure they have a consistent bedtime and a calming pre-sleep routine. For toddlers, addressing separation anxiety and establishing clear bedtime boundaries can be helpful. If problems persist, it may be worth consulting a pediatrician to rule out any sleep disorders.

What are the signs that my child isn't getting enough sleep?

Signs of insufficient sleep in children can include mood swings, hyperactivity, and difficulty concentrating, which can affect their performance in school. In toddlers, lack of sleep can lead to behaviors that mimic ADHD. Consistent sleep deprivation can have long-term effects on mental and physical health.

What is the safest way for my baby to sleep?

The safest way for your baby to sleep is on their back, in a crib or bassinet with a firm mattress and fitted sheet, and without any loose bedding, pillows, or stuffed animals. This position reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

How much sleep should my newborn baby be getting each day?

Newborns typically need up to 17 hours of sleep per day, but this sleep is often broken into short periods of about 1-2 hours at a time. This frequent sleep pattern is normal due to their small stomachs, which require regular feedings. As babies grow, their sleep needs decrease. By the time they are a year old, they generally need about 12 hours of sleep. It's important to adjust sleep schedules as your child grows to ensure they're getting the right amount of rest.

How can I establish a healthy sleep routine for my child?

Establishing a consistent bedtime routine is crucial. This can include turning off screens, putting on pajamas, brushing teeth, and reading a book. For infants, it's important not to let them sleep in your bed. For toddlers and older children, maintaining a regular bedtime and creating a sleep-conducive environment (cool, dark, and quiet) is key.

What should I do if my child isn't sleeping through the night?

If your child struggles to sleep through the night, consider their overall sleep environment, daytime naps, and bedtime routine. Ensure they have a consistent bedtime and a calming pre-sleep routine. For toddlers, addressing separation anxiety and establishing clear bedtime boundaries can be helpful. If problems persist, it may be worth consulting a pediatrician to rule out any sleep disorders.

What are the signs that my child isn't getting enough sleep?

Signs of insufficient sleep in children can include mood swings, hyperactivity, and difficulty concentrating, which can affect their performance in school. In toddlers, lack of sleep can lead to behaviors that mimic ADHD. Consistent sleep deprivation can have long-term effects on mental and physical health.

What is the safest way for my baby to sleep?

The safest way for your baby to sleep is on their back, in a crib or bassinet with a firm mattress and fitted sheet, and without any loose bedding, pillows, or stuffed animals. This position reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Sleep

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Safe sleep for babies: Side sleeping and rolling

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5 tips to help your baby to sleep in a crib, according to a sleep specialist

We want the transition to the crib to be as smooth as possible (and we want some well-deserved rest for you too!), so we sat down with Summer Health’s sleep specialist Jess Ellsworth for some pro tips on getting your newborn to sleep in the crib.

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How much sleep do you get with a newborn

Managing your own sleep with a newborn can be like walking a tightrope very sleepily, trying to strike the right balance between getting things done and getting some sleep yourself. In the early stages, baby sleep is plentiful. But babies aren't necessarily sleeping when you want them to, which doesn't allow you, the parent, to get much sleep.Knowing what to expect when it comes to newborn sleep patterns can help you better prepare and hopefully get the rest you need, whether through naps or nighttime sleep.

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How to practice safe sleep for babies

After a long, exhausting day of non-stop feeding, fleeting cat naps (seriously, can they stretch them out any longer?), and endless diaper changes, all you’re craving is putting your baby down for the night and to finally catch some Z’s yourself. But as soon as they're down for bed, bam! Anxiety hits. Is my baby too cold? Is the sound machine too loud? Are they still breathing? These parental worries are totally relatable, and for a good reason - we just want our babies to sleep safely.

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Why won't my baby sleep? 9 sleep tips for newborn slumber

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