Babies need a lot more sleep than they let on…you would think that because they are always on the move and ready to GO that this is a sign that they don’t need the sleep or have less sleep needs…but that is definitely not the case most of the time!
However, sleep needs vary and are based on a spectrum that won’t be the same for every child who is the same age. Some, like age and weight, some will be lower on the spectrum, some need more. That is completely okay. Like everything with our children, they will not always fit perfectly into the recommendations and that’s expected! That doesn’t mean there is anything wrong by any means.
The guidelines are only averages and just meant as guides.
The reason I advocate for understanding the sleep needs of our babies is that often, we can misinterpret an overtired or undertired child to be “lower sleep needs” when it’s just that their little bodies are just reacting to being awake for too long or not long enough, which can cause them to fight sleep and have more fractured nights.
I always aim for the recommendations and then let your baby find their ideal wake windows and total sleep times.
Here are some recommendations:
Based on a 24 hr period
I would always assume your little one can sleep within these averages, because having sleep needs lower than this although can happen is rare.
First look at these factors that could be affecting sleep:
Undertired
Sleeping too much during the day or wake windows are too short.
Takes a long time to fall asleep
When they fall asleep they sleep for 40-45 minutes and can’t put themselves back to sleep
They are up for hours in the middle of the night partying (split nights)
They are fussy and bored when you put them down
Early mornings (up before 6am)
Overtired
Sleeping too little during the day, wake windows are too long or bedtime is too late.
Crying, fussy, hard to calm
Waking up crying after a 20-30 minute nap
Really light fractured sleep at the beginning of the night or in the early mornings
Early morning wake ups (before 6am)
Waking up shortly after being put down for bed (30-90 min)
Having a hard time putting themselves back to sleep at night
Waking up fussy
Hyperactive (typical for toddlers)
Tantrums, lots of crying and big emotions
Sleep Association
CANNOT fall asleep without this one thing (rocking, feeding, bouncing, holding, beside parent ect)
Will cry until this one thing is done and then will fall asleep
Wakes up every 2 hours overnight looking for this one thing
There is only one way to put baby to sleep
Not able to go down awake
Early mornings
Just right
Falling asleep within 10-20 minutes (may be fussing but very little crying)
Sleeping for 45 minutes and connecting sleep cycles for a longer nap (putting themselves back to sleep)
Going down wide awake and happy and putting themselves to sleep
Less fussy during the day
Staying happy in their cribs even if they wake up early
Sleeping within total recommended amounts (taking into consideration variations)
While sleep will never always be perfect and fit this JUST RIGHT category we do expect it to be easy and consistently hitting many of these characteristics even if it varies by child.
You CAN get this kind of sleep. 100%. If you are ready to make the necessary changes to give your little one a chance to show you that they can do it.
If you are ready to do the work. I guarantee the results.
Book a call with me so I can assess and we can see how we can best get you there. like soon!
Stay rested xx
Lily
