The food and sleep are the first tow needs of a baby just
after the birth. It will be more likely a correct answer that the baby awakes
just for the food. The newborn awakens, takes food and go asleep. In the early
stage, the parents face the tougher situation because the baby frequently wakes
with short intervals of time. For new parents, it is essential to know about
the basic requirement of a newborn baby. They should also know that “how much
sleep do babies.” In the early stages, the baby sleeps most of the time, but
with the passage of time, the need for sleep is decreased. However, the babies
require more sleep than the adults at every stage.
The parents must be aware of the sleeping needs of their
kids at any time because the sleep is essential for better nourishment and
growth. The majority of the physical and mental health issues are directly
related to sleep. If you can observe proper sleep hours, you can prevent the
health problems. Keeping in view the importance of sleep, you must know that how
much sleep do babies need in 24 hours.
How much sleep do
babies – Tips for the new parents
The sleep pattern and duration varies with the age of
children. From newborn to the younger stage, the sleep hours vary due to other
activities. Usually, the new parents do not know about the diverse needs which
may impair the sleep. This article will help you to manage all the activities
of your child along without compromising on the sleep time.
Sleep needs of an
infant up to 3 months:
The sleep duration of the child is longer than the every
stage. The baby wakes to eat only and go asleep just after taking the food. The
sleep pattern consists of small intervals of 2-4 hours. This phase is very
challenging for the parents because the infant is unable to adjust sleep
posture. He needs your help for to correct the sleep position. The ideal
posture for baby’s sleep is the supine position.
The existing weather conditions are strange for the newborn
baby. Being the parents, you must know how to maintain the suitable environment
for your infant. The cold or hot may affect the infant health and sleep. The firm
and smooth surface keep the infant comfortable during sleep.
The average sleep hours for babies up to 3 months are 14-17
hours. The parents should note that how much sleep do babies need and their
child is completing the average sleep time. During this stage, the daytime
sleep intervals are short as compare to night. However, the deviation from the
required sleep hours can be alarming. So, parents must observe the sleep and
rest hours accordingly.
Sleep needs of the
baby from 3-6 month
In this stage, the baby the sleeping hours reduce slightly.
The average sleep for the babies from 3-6 month of age is about 14-16 hours per
day. The baby starts moving arms and legs which may impair the sleep. The food
needs also increase at this stage, but baby can take more food in a single nap.
So, he sleeps longer than the previous stage. Usually, the leg and arm movement
cause the disturbance in sleep. The firm immobilization of limbs is required
for comfortable sleep.
The baby sleeps well during the night and likes to awake,
look and smile in the light. The parents should allow their baby to sleep well
at night. Preferably, the feeding must be given during daytime. However, if the
baby frequently wakes during the night, she may need food.
Sleep needs for a
child from 6-12 month
The average sleep duration progressively decreased in this
stage. The baby starts walking in this within 12 months. Some physical changes
like teething also develop at this stage. The urge for food is also increased
which results in the reduction of sleep hours. The baby starts speaking
incomplete sentences and tries to convey his needs through words. Your child
needs more care at this stage because now he/she can realize the blood
relations. He/she knows about moms and dad and want to see them around every
time.
In this stage, the baby sleeps from 11-14 hours per
day. However, maintaining this duration
is challenging for the parents because she needs the continuous company to
their baby. He/she prefer to sleep with mom or dad all the time. To avoid sleep
disorders and mental health issues, the child needs proper attention and care
at this stage.
Sleep needs for a
toddler 1-2 year age
The toddler stage is very active and learning stage with
reduced sleeping hours. The baby wants to learn lots of things quickly. The
baby prefers playing on sleep. The average sleep hours for this stage are about
11-12 hours. During this stage, the child sleeps well but the putting her in
the bed is very effortful for the parents. The child plays whole the day but
continues the same activities in the evening. However, the parents need to
observe the sleep hours strictly. The evening bath and story time are soothing
for the baby and good to make her asleep.
Sleep needs for a
child 2-5 year age
In the preschool stage, the children are more prone to
develop different types of sleep disorders. The sleep hours varies from child
to child because of various factors and living conditions. However, the sleep
problems in this stage are almost same for every child. With proper care and
supervision, you can overcome the sleep problems of your child.
Sudden awake at any time in the night and night fear are the
issues your child may face. The outcome of the stories you told in the previous
stage may appear at this stage. Fear of darkness and loneliness are the common
issues in the stage. The parents should understand the situation and avoid
enforcing the child to sleep in the dark. Arrange for the nightlight to
eliminate the fear of dark and loneliness. The average sleep hours for this
stage are about 9-10 hours.
Sleep needs for a
child 5-12 year age
The last stage before your child becomes a young lot. Hectic
and complex stage to observe the sleep hours but the child still needs strict
observation and care. Stock of homework, outdoor/indoor games, social
schedules, and favorite TV shows make it difficult for the child and parents to
observe sleep hours. The child does not want to compromise any of his/her
activity. The parents need great care and patience to motivate their child to
observe the usual sleep hours.
Conclusion:
The sleep needs of the children vary with the age and living
conditions. The parents can only minimize the sleep disorders when they know
that how much sleep do babies need. For new parents the task is more difficult
but they can prove themselves as the perfect mom/dad by observing the proper
sleep hours.
