Sleep is incredibly important for your baby! For example, it’s beneficial for your little one’s immune system. And did you know that your baby produces growth hormones during the deep sleep phase? In other words, your baby is truly growing in his or her sleep! Your baby follows his or her own sleep rhythm; you just have to provide the right conditions. It is evident that when you are not doing so well with the sleeping routine, you will be looking for something to hold on to. That is why we want to share more information about your baby’s sleep cycle in this article.
Sleep cycle of a newborn baby
The sleep cycle of a newborn baby (0 to 2 months) differs from the cycle your baby follows when your baby is a bit older. That’s why we produced a separate article on this topic. Would you like to find out more about your newborn baby’s sleep cycle? Then read on here.
Sleep cycle of a baby at the age of around 3 to 6 months
Babies start developing a day/night rhythm in about the fourth month. This is mainly due to the fact that your baby now needs fewer feedings at night. So your baby can sleep longer at night, sometimes up to 5 or 6 hours at a time. Not all babies are already able to sleep so soundly at this age, so don’t be alarmed if your baby is not yet ready for it. Your baby will increasingly sleep more soundly, so, you can think about developing a regular bedtime routine. This routine will tell your baby that it’s almost time to fall asleep!
Note: Has it been plain sailing for you at first as far as sleep is concerned, and now, at around 4 months, you are suddenly beginning to experience problems? This may be due to a major developmental leap, causing your baby to go into sleep regression. During this leap, your baby may discover that you are two separate people and understands that you can also go away. Again, this phase is temporary. Are you prepared for your baby’s developmental leaps? Download our app and you’ll always be ready for them!
Sleep cycle of a baby at the age of around 7 to 12 months
In the second half of your baby’s first year of life, sleep is still a very important issue. After all, your baby is learning and discovering a lot and needs sleep to process all of this new information. At the age of around seven months, your baby still takes 3 naps during daytime, but by the time your little darling reaches its first birthday, you may have already cut it down to 2 naps per day. And after this first year of life, you can often already reduce it to one nap per day. However, this may differ from one child to another! Your child may now remain awake for longer periods at a time; once your baby is 10 or 12 months old, your baby may even remain awake for 3 hours at a time.
Oh no, separation anxiety!
We have already mentioned the leap at the age of 4 months, when your baby may experience sleep regression. But this sensation can also occur when your baby is about 8 months old. Your baby may develop separation anxiety, which can lead to sleep problems. Be sure to maintain a regular bedtime routine and work through this period with your baby. In our app you will not only find an overview of all these leaps, but also a great, useful forum where you can share your experience and tips with other parents! United we will persevere, right!
