Sleep is one of the most talked-about topics among new parents
Sleep is one of the maximum talked-about subjects amongst new dads and moms—and for proper cause. A properly rested infant regularly means a greater peaceful home. However, knowledge of how toddler sleep works is the important thing to developing a higher sleep habit. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why does my child wake up so regularly?” or “When will my infant sleep via the night?”, this blog is for you. Let’s dive into the captivating journey of infant sleep cycles—and discover hints that can help both you and your toddler get greater relaxation.
What Makes Baby Sleep So Different?
Adults commonly go through lengthy sleep cycles of about 90 minutes. We glide from light sleep to deep sleep, then REM (fast eye motion) sleep earlier than beginning the cycle another time. For toddlers, even though, matters are quite specific.
Q: How long is a baby’s sleep cycle?
A: Newborns have shorter sleep cycles—approximately forty to 50 minutes—which means they transition between light and deep sleep a good deal more frequently. This makes them more at risk of waking up from noise, temperature adjustments, or maybe simply hunger.
A peacefully sleeping baby, swaddled in a soft, white blanket, lying on its back in a bassinet filled with plush, pastel-colored toys.
Stages of Baby Sleep
Understanding the sleep tiers helps us see why infants wake so frequently.
- Light Sleep (REM): Babies spend nearly half of their sleep in REM, which is lighter and more active. You might be aware of their eyes fluttering, little twitches, or even smiles during this stage.
- Deep Sleep (Non-REM): This is the restful, restorative level. In this phase, toddlers are tougher to wake up, however, they spend less time here than adults do.
Q: Why does my baby awaken just after I put them down?
A: If you try to lay your toddler down during light sleep, they’re much more likely to note the change and wake up. Waiting until they enter a deeper sleep stage (generally after 20 minutes) helps avoid this.
Baby Sleep Milestones
- 0–3 months: Newborns don’t have a fixed day-night rhythm. They sleep around 14–17 hours a day in short bursts.
- 4–6 months: Circadian rhythms begin to form. Babies may begin sleeping longer stretches at night.
- 6–12 months: Sleep becomes more predictable, but separation anxiety or teething may still cause disruptions.
Why Does My Baby Wake Up at Night?
Waking up during the night is biologically normal for babies, especially under 12 months. Reasons include:
- Hunger: Tiny stomachs require frequent feeding.
- Developmental Leaps: New skills like crawling or babbling can disrupt sleep.
- Sleep Associations: Babies may rely on rocking, feeding, or pacifiers to fall back asleep.
- Overtiredness: Being overtired can actually make it harder for babies to sleep well.
Q: Should I sleep train my baby?
A: Sleep training is a personal choice. Gentle methods like the Ferber method or no-tears approaches are available. Choose what aligns with your parenting style and your baby’s temperament.
If you want to learn about how to make your baby sleep at night, you can refer to this detailed post
Tips for Better Baby Sleep
1. Establish a Consistent Bedtime Routine
A warm bath, gentle massage, lullaby, or a story can signal that it’s time to wind down.
2. Create a Sleep-Friendly Space
Keep the room cool, quiet, and dark. Use white noise machines and blackout curtains if needed.
3. Watch for Sleep Cues
Yawning, eye rubbing, fussiness—these mean it’s time for bed. Lay your baby down drowsy but awake.
4. Prioritize Daytime Naps
Well-rested babies sleep better at night. Avoid skipping naps.
5. Know When to Offer Comfort
Not all cries need intervention. Sometimes babies settle themselves if given a moment.
Q: When Will My Baby Sleep Through the Night?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some babies sleep 6–8 hour stretches by 4 months; others take longer. Most sleep through the night by 9–12 months.
When to Seek Help
Speak with a pediatrician if your baby:
- Struggles to sleep past 1 year
- Snores or shows signs of sleep apnea
- Has night terrors or extreme restlessness
Conclusion
Baby sleep is complex but critical. Understanding your baby’s sleep cycle empowers you to create better habits. With patience and consistency, everyone in the home can rest better over time.