Sleep is important for your baby’s growth and development, especially for their rapidly developing brain. Each baby’s sleep pattern will be different, depending on their personality and temperament. In general, you can expect to see some of the following changes during the first year of life:
Babies less than 3 months of age: |
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Babies 3 to 6 months: |
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Babies 6 to 12 months: |
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Infants have shorter sleep cycles than adults (about 60 minutes), and they may wake up as they move from one sleep cycle to the next.
Each sleep cycle includes periods of active and quiet sleep. During quiet sleep, a baby’s body is still with regular breathing. During active sleep, a baby’s eyes and body may twitch and breathing is irregular. You don’t need to respond to these movements unless your baby wakes up.
Lack of sleep can be one of the most challenging parts of being a new parent. Developing healthy sleep practices from birth can help both babies and their caregivers to sleep better.
Signs your baby is tired |
Learn the cues that your baby is tired and respond promptly to prevent your baby from becoming over-tired. An over-tired baby can be harder to settle. Tired cues can look like:
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Helping your baby sleep |
It takes time for infants to develop a circadian rhythm cycle (having more awake time during the day and sleeping more at night). However, parents and caregivers can help their baby develop healthy sleep habits right from birth. Try these tips when putting your baby to sleep:
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Helping your baby nap |
Napping helps a baby to sleep better at night. Keeping your baby awake during the day will not help your baby sleep longer at night. Some babies nap as little as 20 minutes, while others may nap for 3 or more hours. Both are normal. Try these tips to help your baby nap:
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Healthy sleep habits for parents and caregivers |
Remember that it’s important to take care of yourself – it’s part of parenting. Here are some tips to help sleep happen more easily:
If you aren't feeling yourself, or have concerns about your mental health, talk to your doctor, your friends, or family. |
KFL&A Public Health recognizes that safe sleep is a challenging topic for families. If you have any questions about safe sleep, contact Parenting in KFL&A to reach a public health nurse.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is when a healthy baby, less than 1 year of age, dies for no known reason.
When the sleep environment contributes to the death (like suffocation), it is called Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI).
There are safe sleep guidelines that lower the risk of your baby dying or getting hurt while sleeping. Everyone who cares for your baby should be aware of these guidelines. They should follow them each time your baby is placed to sleep for naptime and bedtime.
Safe sleep guidelines |
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Follow these guidelines to protect your baby from SIDS, SUDI, death, and injury. To help keep your baby safe
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What about bed sharing? |
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The safest place for your baby to sleep is alone in a crib, cradle, or bassinet that meets Health Canada’s safety regulations. Bed sharing can increase your baby’s risk of dying or getting hurt.
Bed sharing quiz adapted with permission from Professor Helen Ball and Dr. Charlotte Russell, Durham University Parent Infant Sleep lab. If you answered “yes” to any of these questionsSharing a bed with your baby is more dangerous. Check with your health care provider to help you make a safer sleep plan for your baby. If you answered “no” to all the questions about bed sharingTake the following steps to make the bed as safe as possible if you think you might share a bed with your baby:
Bed-sharing with two peopleLie in the “C” position. Face the baby with your knees pulled up under the baby’s feet and your arm above the baby’s head. Bed-sharing with three peopleContinue to lie in the “C” position. Your baby should sleep to the side of one partner, not in between partners. |
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Are infant sleep products, such as playpens and infant swings, recommended for sleeping? |
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Health Canada has safety laws for some products, including infant sleep products:
Use caution when buying products that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS. Wedges, positioners, special mattresses and special sleep surfaces have not been shown to reduce the risk of infant death or injury. These products are not regulated by Health Canada and may not be safe. Exception: In the case of some diagnosed health problems, your child’s doctor may tell you to use a positioning or monitoring device. Always follow manufacturer’s instructions when building or setting up a crib or bed for your child and be aware of product recalls. |
Your baby should never sleep on a couch, sofa, armchair, waterbed, futon, or air-mattress.
Playpens, strollers, car seats, swings, and bouncers are not meant for infant sleep.
My baby has started rolling over. Do I still need to put them on their back to sleep? |
Around 3 to 4 months of age, your baby may start rolling over onto their tummy. You should continue to place your baby on their back to sleep. However, you do not need to reposition your baby onto their back if they roll over. |
Can I spoil a crying baby by picking them up? |
No - you cannot spoil a baby with too much love and comfort. Babies cry to express their needs and to communicate with people around them. They are not yet able to comfort themselves or regulate their own emotions. Comforting your baby when they are upset teaches your baby that you will be there when they need you. This helps them feel safe. There may be times when you can't settle your baby's crying. This is a normal experience, but it can be frustrating. It’s OK to put your baby in a safe place such as their crib, take a short break, and ask for help from a friend or family member. |
How do I prevent flat spots on my baby's head? |
Some babies may develop a flattened area on the back or side of the head. This is called plagiocephaly. Follow these tips to help prevent flat spots:
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When will my baby sleep through the night? |
Babies require frequent feeding to grow and develop and they have shorter sleep cycles than adults. This results in night-time waking, which is a normal part of infancy. Babies will sleep through the night when they are developmentally ready to do so, and many children will wake up even as toddlers. Babies who previously slept for longer stretches at night may start to wake more often again when they are:
If your baby wakes up and you don’t think they need to eat or have their diaper changed, you can try letting them self-soothe and return to sleep. Babies may try to soothe themselves by:
If your baby does not go back to sleep and is upset, it is important to respond to them. If you are concerned about your baby’s sleep, speak with your health care provider. |
Will giving solid foods help my baby sleep through the night? |
Some people think their baby will sleep longer at night if they provide solid foods before the recommended age of 6 months. This has not been shown to be true. During the first 6 months of life, babies need only breastmilk or, if not breastfeeding, infant formula. Your baby may not get enough protein, fat, and other nutrients, and may choke if they are not ready. At 6 months of age, most healthy, term babies will show signs of being ready for solid foods. |
Content on this page has been adapted with permission from the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit.