Sleep Problems and Solutions

What’s there to know about sleeping?

Sleep problems are some of the most common problems parents face with their kids. You may wonder about how to get your child to sleep through the night. Maybe you have a new baby and want to learn how to help them develop good sleep habits that will last a lifetime. Some children may have chronic sleep difficulties, and many children (like most adults!) are actually going through their days sleep-deprived. Read on for information on all these issues and more, and for lots of links to even more resources to help your kids (and you) get a better night’s sleep.

What do I need to know about how babies sleep?
Infants go through a complete sleep cycle about every 50-60 minutes, so they are in light sleep and could wake up many times each night!

Newborns just sleep any old time, on and off, all through the day and night. By age four months, your baby will probably be sleeping a 6-8 hour chunk at night, and by age 6 months, about 10-12 hours. But that’s not to say that they won’t wake up during that time! Most babies still wake up at least once a night even at age nine months. Some can get back to sleep by themselves, and some need you to help them fall back asleep. If all this night waking is not working for your family, then you may find some helpful resources on this page, so read on! (Also see, growth and sleep)

How can I tell if my child is sleep deprived? How much sleep do kids need?
This chart shows you some averages. It will give you an idea of the ballpark you should be aiming for, depending on your child’s age. Some kids will need more or less sleep, and differ in how they nap.

Age	Nighttime Sleep (hours)	Daytime Sleep (hours)	Total Sleep (hours)
1 month	8.5 (many naps)	7.5 (many naps)	16
3 months	6-10	5-9	15
6 months	10-12	3-4.5	14.5
9 months	11	3 (2 naps)	14
12 months	11	2.5 (2 naps)	13.5
18 months	11	2.5 (1-2 naps)	13.5
2 years	11	2 (1 nap)	13
3 years	10.5	1.5 (1 nap)	12
4 years	11.5	0	11.5
5 years	11	0	11
6 years	11	0	11
7 years	11	0	11
8 years	10-11	0	10-11
9 years	10-11	0	10-11
10 years	10	0	10
11 years	10	0	10
12-13 years	9.5-10	0	9.5-10
14 years	9.5	0	9.5
15 years	9.5	0	9.5
16 years	9.25	0	9.25

Sleep Tips - From 3rd to 6th month

Babies vary a lot in the amount of sleep they need. Between 3 to 6 months some babies have two or three longish sleeps during the day, while others just have short naps. A few sleep 12 hours at night without interruption, some manage 8 hours while many others wake fairly regularly for feeds. Most have learned to sleep more at night than they do during the day.

If you are happy with your baby's sleep pattern, there is no need to change it. There are many ways to be 'normal'.

Sleeping in the same room with parents is safest for babies. Some babies have died while sharing a bed with their parents.

Daytime and night-time patterns

By this age your baby will be starting to learn about the difference between day and night.

* You can help your baby get into a daytime pattern. After he has had a feed, play with him for a while, so that he does not go to sleep straight after a feed. Babies who go to sleep straight after a feed may get into the pattern of needing a feed at night to go back to sleep.

* Watch your baby for signs that he is tired, or for signs that he wants to play, so that the pattern best meets his needs.

* There are lots of things that you can do during play time at this age, such as cuddles, a walk, time on the floor or in a baby seat with toys, going shopping, or visiting.

* These play times will help your baby to learn that daytime is the time to be awake.

* During the day, your baby will usually have two or three sleeps. It is a good idea not to let him sleep for too long (perhaps no more than 2 hours) especially late in the day, as he may not sleep as long during the night. You may want to wake him gently when you see him stirring.

At night time, do not have play times – keep feed times ‘boring’ and settle him straight back to sleep.

Broken sleep makes everyone exhausted and irritable, so, take care of yourself also.

• Ask for help from family and friends.
• Get some rest during the day.
• Take a short break from parenting now and then.
• Try to get some regular exercise.

You will get lots of advice. Some people may suggest that you let your baby 'cry it out' or that you use controlled crying/comforting. This is not good for babies. Babies need you to respond when they need you. This helps them to feel safe and secure.

Related topics (Must read!): Does your baby sleep well at night?