Baby Sleeping Patterns: 1-3 Months

The first weeks or months after your baby is born can be very challenging, especially if it’s your first child and you really don’t know what to expect. One of the challenges you may face is your baby’s sleeping patterns. Every child is different and unique when it comes to sleep. Some babies are born and considered good sleepers, while others may challenge you.

Many moms become very concerned when it comes to their baby’s sleeping patterns. How long should my newborn sleep? Will he or she wake up every hour? Every two hours?  How can I help make my baby follow a sleeping pattern?

Your baby’s sleeping cycle changes as they grow. The younger they are, the more they will sleep. As they grow up, they will need fewer hours of sleep.

Via: Healthline- Baby sleep patterns 1-3 months

This article will guide you on your baby’s sleeping patterns from 1-3 months of age.

One-month-old sleep pattern

Via: 123rf.com- Baby sleep patterns 1-3 months

At this age, your newborn may sleep for 14-18 hours per day. They won’t sleep for 14-18 consecutive hours, he or she will sleep in intervals of three to four hours per nap. During their first month, they will probably wake up to feed and go back to sleep. At this age, your baby still can’t differentiate between daytime sleep and nighttime sleep.

Two-months-old sleep pattern

Via: Babyology- Baby sleep patterns 1-3 months

Your two-month-old baby will sleep around 14-17 hours per day with 4-6 naps per day. They may sleep for longer stretches per night, but at this age, they will still not sleep through the night.

Three-months-old sleep pattern

Via: Mama Natural- Baby sleep patterns 1-3 months

By your baby’s third month, you will begin to have a better understanding of his/her sleeping patterns. They will need about 15 hours of sleep per day. They may sleep for 10 hours per night and 5 hours per day, depending on their sleeping schedule. At this age, your baby will wake up a couple of times for feeding at night.

It is important to understand that every baby is different, and not every baby will follow the same sleeping schedule. Your newborn may sleep through the night before three months of age or may not sleep through the night until their first year. Try to help your baby differentiate between day and night. During the day, keep the house or room you are staying in bright with open curtains. As your baby’s bedtime approaches, dim the light in preparation for your baby’s bedtime.

Tips to help your baby sleep better:

• Set a bedtime routine- Setting a daily bedtime routine for your baby will help them settle during bedtime. Routines such as a bath, bedtime story, lullabies, may help your baby wind down and fall asleep easier.

• Look for signs of sleepiness- Notice when your baby becomes sleepy, signs such as constant yawning, rubbing their eyes, or simply being very cranky may be signs that your baby is extremely sleepy.

• Limit noise if baby wakes up in the middle of the night- If your baby wakes up for any reason during the middle of the night, even for breastfeeding, keep the lights off and try to minimize any noises or interaction with your baby so that they can go back to sleep again.

Further reading: How to Encourage Independent Sleeping After Co-Sleeping