Baby sleep can often seem like a mystery to parents, new and seasoned alike. All babies follow similar averages but their sleep patterns all look very different. Watching these sleep patterns can be an essential part of getting your baby to sleep better and get your family more rest. We know that on average parents lose 6 weeks of sleep during their baby’s first year of life.
Families who come to Carolina Dream Tree are often trying to reclaim some of those lost hours. When is the best time to sleep train your baby?
Newborns (Birth - 6 weeks of age) typically sleep between 14-18 hours of each day. During this time they’re doing a lot of rapid growth and development. Their naps can last anywhere from 15 minutes to 4 hours and usually there is an awake period of time lasting between 45 minutes to 1 hour. If you’re breastfeeding, this period of time can feel like you’re attached to your baby for most of your day. They’ll take between 4 and 8 naps a day.
From 6 weeks to 3 months old you’ll notice baby’s wakeful periods of time increase in length. Typically a baby of this age will spend 11-15 hours of their day asleep. Naps are typically anywhere from 30 minutes long to 2 hours with about an hour in between them. You’ll also notice baby is more engaged!
From 3 months to 6 months of age you’ll really start to notice baby being awake and also longer stretches of being asleep. They usually have about 2 hours between naps with naps lasting about 1-2 hours. They should be sleeping about 12-14 hours.
The ideal time to begin sleep training is about 12 weeks of age or 3 months old. This is a great age because baby will start to sleep longer stretches, they are typically not teething or in the middle of any large developmental leaps, and they are able to grasp the concepts we introduce quickly. The quicker baby can learn to sleep independently, the easier (and more tear-free) the process can be!
In addition to being 12 weeks or older, it’s best if baby is not under the weather. We want to make sure we are able to control the tears as well as know that nothing is wrong! This will leave you with the confidence you need to allow your little to learn to love their crib.
With methods out there ranging from Cry-it-Out to more gentle sleep training ideas, we’ve mastered exactly how Charlotte families can get their baby to sleep -- and stay asleep -- every time guaranteed. Using a method that is both customizable and proven, working with families to sleep train is a simple task that leaves parents with a baby sleeping 11-12 hours every night.
Regaining sleep after you bring your baby home is possible. By watching their sleeping patterns, knowing the “normal” range for baby sleep, and bringing in help when you need it, you can ensure your family will return to your typical schedule and settle into your transition rested and happy!