How much should your baby sleep or how much your baby is sleeping is always a concern when your baby is born. The only thing you are really told when you have a baby is that you are not going to sleeping yourself. We created this simple guide to help families get an idea of what to expect when it comes to sleep in your baby. Also, this guide will help in create a routine with your baby, which should occur around 6-12 weeks. It is important to know when to put them to sleep as well as how you put them to sleep. This Baby Sleep Guide is just a guide as we know EVERY baby is different.
Infants spend more than 14 hours a day sleeping – and sometimes more! While sleep is an important part of an infant’s development, it can also be a dangerous time if you don’t follow a few simple guidelines. Make sure to follow the ABCs of safe sleep:
- Alone. Infants should always sleep alone. The American Academy of Pediatrics warns that babies should never go to sleep with anyone or practice co-sleeping, as this raises the risk for suffocation and other hazards that contribute to SIDS. Alone also means the crib should be empty of toys, stuffed animals and blankets. Instead, dress your baby in light sleep clothes or use a sleep sack (but not a blanket) for extra warmth.
- Backs. Infants should always sleep on their backs on a firm surface with a tight-fitting bottom sheet. Soft surfaces like cushy mattresses or sofas are not safe places for a baby to sleep.
- Crib. The safest place for a baby is in a crib – not a bed or sofa. A crib should be free and clear of toys, stuffed animals, bumper pads and blankets.
In addition to this sleep guide, babies should sleep in a smoke-free environment, as secondhand smoke is dangerous to a baby’s health.
Interested in learning about a bedtime routine? Here’s my routine for my twins. Want to know what your newborn’s schedule should look like? Check our newborn schedule. Need more help? Ask questions in our Facebook page.
Wife and mother of twins. Founder of Pride & Joy Baby Planners and The Expecting Mamas Network.
[…] Check out our Baby Sleep Guide. […]