How many naps do babies need?
In the first couple of months, babies may need a long nap in the morning and a couple of shorter ones in the afternoon. These naps will generally get shorter as your baby grows and by the time they are six months old many babies will be sleeping for up to 12 hours at a time at night time, however they may still be waking several times during that period for food or comfort.
Don’t worry about keeping the house silent while your baby sleeps during the day. It is good for them to get used to sleeping with a certain amount of noise and will help to teach them the difference between day and night. Daytime is signalled by lots of interaction with you, toys and play, while night-time is signalled by quiet and dimming of lights. Be guided by your baby and watch out for signs that they are tired (crying, rubbing eyes or showing faint dark circles under the eyes). Use these signs to gauge when to put your baby down for a nap. Things will get easier once your baby settles into their own routine and you get used to their rhythms.
If your baby doesn’t conform to what the baby books say about sleep patterns – don’t despair. Don’t assume that it is your fault or you are doing something wrong. Every baby is unique and has his or her individual personality and rhythms. Some babies naturally need less sleep than others. However, a baby who is continually sleepy and doesn’t wake up for feeds could be ill. If you are worried about your baby’s sleep pattern for any reason, or feel you can’t cope, don’t be embarrassed to ask for help from your Health Visitor or GP.