Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician for medical concerns regarding your child.
Sleep Tracking: Monitoring Your Baby’s Rest
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants sleep for 14-17 hours in a 24-hour period, with 10-13 hours at night and 1-3 hours as daytime sleep.
What You Need to Know
- The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that babies under 4 months should get at least 14-17 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period.
- Infants over 4 months should get 12-15 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period, according to the WHO.
- The Indian Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies sleep on their backs until they are 12 months old, to reduce the risk of SIDS.
- Babies typically start sleeping through the night (8 hours) at around 6 months of age.
- Newborns sleep for 16-20 hours in a 24-hour period, but this sleep is often fragmented and irregular.
- The National Sleep Foundation suggests that babies under 6 months should have a consistent sleep schedule, with regular naps and nighttime sleep.
The Indian Context: What Research Actually Says
Swaddling
Region: India and other South Asian countries | Verdict: Recommended by the IAP for babies under 4 months
Reduces the risk of SIDS and promotes better sleep patterns
Baby Massage
Region: India and other South Asian countries | Verdict: Recommended by the IAP for promoting relaxation and sleep
Reduces stress and promotes better sleep patterns
Room Sharing
Region: India and other South Asian countries | Verdict: Recommended by the IAP for babies under 6 months
Reduces the risk of SIDS and promotes better sleep patterns
Baby Carrier
Region: India and other South Asian countries | Verdict: Recommended by the IAP for promoting comfort and bonding
Reduces stress and promotes better sleep patterns
Common Myths — Busted
Truth: Babies typically start sleeping through the night (8 hours) at around 6 months of age, according to the IAP.
Truth: The IAP recommends that babies under 4 months be put to bed asleep to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Truth: The IAP recommends that babies sleep on their backs until they are 12 months old, to reduce the risk of SIDS.
When to See Your Paediatrician
- Frequent nighttime wakings (more than 2-3 times per night)
- Daytime sleep duration exceeding 3 hours
- Nighttime sleep duration less than 8 hours
- Sleep associations (e.g. relying on a pacifier or being rocked to sleep)
Parents Also Ask
My baby is waking up every 2 hours at night. Is this normal?
Yes, it’s normal for babies to wake up 1-2 times per night for feedings or comfort, until they are around 6 months old. However, if this is consistently disrupting your sleep, it may be worth speaking with a paediatrician for guidance on establishing a healthy sleep routine.
How long should my baby sleep in the daytime?
Babies under 6 months should have 1-3 daytime sleep sessions, lasting between 1-3 hours. However, this can vary depending on your baby’s individual needs and schedule. It’s essential to observe your baby’s cues and adjust their sleep routine accordingly.
Can I use any sleep aids to help my baby sleep?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents avoid using sleep aids such as pacifiers, swaddles, or white noise machines as a long-term solution. Instead, focus on establishing a consistent sleep routine, creating a sleep-conducive environment, and using gentle techniques to help your baby settle down.
Key Takeaways
- The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that babies under 4 months should get at least 14-17 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period.
- Infants over 4 months should get 12-15 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period, according to the WHO.
- The Indian Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies sleep on their backs until they are 12 months old, to reduce the risk of SIDS.
- Babies typically start sleeping through the night (8 hours) at around 6 months of age.
Track your baby’s health milestones on the ourlio app.
