Newborns require about sixteen hours of sleep a day, with about half of that
being made up of naps during the day. Babies will usually sleep about two hours
at a time at first, gradually sleeping longer at night. However, most children
still need naps until they are about four. If a baby doesn't nap enough during
the day, or too much, it will affect their night-time sleep.
It is important to set up a nap routine, just as it is important to have a
bedtime routine. While these routines can have some steps in common, like having
the pacifier or a lullaby, having slight differences is fine. The nap routine
should be a bit shorter, as sometimes the babies will become more awake and have
a second wind and be harder to put down for a nap. Your baby will start to give
you hints that they are ready for a nap, beyond the obvious yawning. They will
rub their eyes, not want to play with their toys, and sometimes just start
getting cranky. Sometimes they will ask for their pacifier or to nurse, even if
they aren't hungry.
So how often, and how long, should babies nap? It varies by age and by child.
Newborns normally have a very "on again off again" schedule. They normally sleep
around two hours at a time around the clock. As long as they are getting about
sixteen hours in a twenty-four hour period, the length between naps may vary. As
the child gets older, the naps get longer and spaced further apart.
By about one month old, babies usually need about an hour less sleep and are
able to sleep about three hours or so between feedings. So they have about nine
hours spread through the night with about six hours of napping by day. They will
adjust to the new schedule, so be aware that you may have to adjust your daily
routine to fit their needs.
Three months old is about the age when many babies are finally able to sleep
through the night. This is a huge relief for parents, as they are able to start
getting more sleep as well. Babies start sleeping about nine or ten hours at
night, and only nap about five hours.
At six months, babies usually only need about two two-hour naps during the day.
They will still be sleeping about ten hours or so at night. You may find the
baby waking during the night. It could be that they just need reassurance that
you are there. It could also mean they need their naptime adjusted. Sometimes
children who nap too much during the day will wake up during the night.
After about nine months, most children only need one nap. They will probably nap
about three hours, maybe even only two, as they get closer to a year old. They
are much more active and the longer nap during the early afternoon will let them
be rested for their activities for the rest of the day and not be too awake by
bedtime.
As they become toddlers, many children are very resistant to a nap. It is a good
idea to at least encourage a "quiet time", when they snuggle up with you for a
story time. Or you could encourage them to be in their room and play quietly; a
nap might sneak up on them.
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