New babies usually sleep 14 - 20 hours in a 24 hour period.
New babies have no concept of night and day and often sleep more during the day than at night.
A baby’s ability to sleep all night is very individual and may not happen as soon as you would
like. Around 6 months of age approximately 60% - 75% of babies will have learned to sleep
through the night.
How can I help my baby to sleep better?
Here are a few hints:
-
make a clear difference between night and day, ie don’t darken the room for the day time sleep
-
encourage the same routine each night – this may include a bath and massage, a story or a
-
cuddle in the bedroom
-
put your baby to bed awake as he/she will then learn to settle themselves to sleep
-
the most important thing is to work out a routine that suits both you and your baby.
For further information consult your Family and Child Health Nurse or the following links. Please note that the information below has been included as an additional resource. Information may relate to South Australia or Victoria only.