Quality sleep is essential for a baby’s proper growth and development. It brings peace to the home and contributes to the well-being of the whole family. Rubbing eyes, yawning, and irritability are signs of tiredness. Parents shouldn’t expect their baby to sleep through the night right away — there’s no magic solution. Sleep is a gradual process that improves over time.
Newborns sleep in short intervals — from birth to 3 months, they usually sleep every 2–4 hours, totaling 14–17 hours per day. From 4–6 months, sleep intervals become longer, but they still need 12–16 hours per day. Most babies older than 6 months can sleep 6–8 hours continuously without waking.
Children older than 1 year typically need 1–2 hours of daytime sleep. By age 3, children sleep around 12 hours per day, and still benefit from an afternoon nap.
A consistent bedtime routine is highly recommended. A simple and short routine works best — consistency brings results.
- Give the baby a bath before bedtime, followed by a gentle massage with an appropriate baby lotion (depending on skin type, e.g., if the baby has dry or atopic skin).
- Sing lullabies softly.
- Feed and burp the baby before laying them down.
- Avoid putting the baby to sleep in your arms.
- Maintain an optimal room temperature of 18–22°C (64–72°F).
Safe Sleep Environment:
The crib should be placed close to the parents’ bed, but the baby should sleep separately. The mattress must be firm, without pillows, toys, or soft bedding.
If using sleep sacks, they are a safer alternative to blankets.
The baby should always sleep on their back until 4 months of age — this reduces the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Babies can sleep on their side or stomach only once they can roll into that position on their own, usually after 4 months.
Help your baby distinguish between day and night and establish a feeding and sleep rhythm:
- During the day, keep the room bright and don’t eliminate normal household sounds — background noise helps babies learn not to oversleep during the day. Engage and play with your baby when they’re awake.
- At night, keep the room dimly lit. When feeding or changing the baby, do so calmly and quietly, without stimulation. Avoid playing with the baby during night awakenings.
Tips for Parents:
Use your baby’s nap times to rest — sleep when your baby sleeps, especially in the first months. Share nighttime duties with your partner. Maintain a healthy diet, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food to keep your energy levels up. Avoid screens before bedtime, as they interfere with sleep.
When your baby cries, wait a few minutes before intervening — sometimes they can soothe themselves. If tummy cramps (colic) are causing discomfort, a gentle abdominal massage and proper body positioning may help. Carrying your baby in a sling or baby carrier during the day can reduce fussiness, as can gentle rocking or light pats on the back.
If your baby struggles to fall asleep, white noise (like the sound of a hair dryer or a soft lullaby) can be soothing.
Consult a pediatrician if your baby doesn’t sleep longer than 20–30 minutes at a time throughout the night, or if they show signs of reflux (spitting up food) or severe colic that disrupts sleep.
Wishing you peaceful and happy moments with your little ones…
Dr Jelena Divčić
Pediatrician
