Baby naps can be a restful time for you and your little one — but the process of getting your baby to sleep during the day can be just the opposite. Consider these tips for helping your baby get the daytime rest he or she needs. Show
How many naps a day does a baby need?It takes a while for newborns to develop a sleep schedule because they need to develop their circadian rhythms. During the first month, babies will spend around 16 hours a day sleeping. This will usually happen in the form of three- or four-hour naps evenly spaced between feedings. After a newborn has been awake for one to two hours, he or she will need to sleep again. As babies get older, nap times typically become more predictable. For example:
Remember, however, that every baby is different and baby nap schedules can vary. What's the best way to put my baby down for a nap?To ease your baby into nap time:
What if my baby sounds fussy after I put him or her down?It's common for babies to cry when put down for sleep. During your baby's first month, avoid letting him or her cry. Soothe your baby by singing quietly, playing soft music or rocking him or her gently. At age 4 months, if your baby cries after being placed in the crib, check on him or her and offer comforting words. Then leave the room and give him or her time to settle again. You might also consider putting your baby down for a nap a little earlier. This might allow your baby to get past some fussiness by the time his or her nap is supposed to start. Also, keep in mind that babies are often active during sleep — twitching their hands and feet, smiling, startling, and generally appearing restless. It's easy to mistake a baby's stirrings as a sign that he or she is waking up or needs to eat. Instead of picking up your baby right away, wait a few minutes to see if your baby falls back to sleep. Helping your baby get the right amount of daytime sleep isn't always easy. Don't feel bad if some days are more challenging than others. Remember to look and listen for the signs that your baby is tired and try to keep his or her nap routine consistent. If you have questions or concerns about your baby's napping schedule, talk to his or her doctor. Sign-up to get Mayo Clinic’s trusted health content sent to your email. Receive a bonus guide on ways to manage your child’s
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. How long should a 2 month old nap for?While every baby's sleep needs are slightly different, a typical 2-month-old sleeps a total of 14 to 17 hours a day, including four to six naps. Day-night confusion should be subsiding, and you may see baby settle into a rough pattern of 60 to 90 minutes of awake time followed by 30 minutes to two hours of napping.
Should I let my 2 month old nap as long as he wants?Some babies also need a late-afternoon nap. You might aim to have your baby nap at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Let your baby nap for as long as he or she wants, unless your baby has difficulty falling asleep at night. If your baby is taking a third nap in the late afternoon, try to eliminate that nap around age 9 months.
Is a 3 hour nap too long for a 2 month old?It might be tempting to let your baby sleep longer than three hours, because let's be honest, having that much time to yourself is wonderful. But naps that go longer than three hours (at any age) are typically an indication that your baby is crashing, either from a night of poor sleep or prior short naps.
How long should a 2 month old sleep in a day?From two weeks to two months of age, they'll sleep an average of 15.5 to 17 hours total, broken down by about 8.5 to 10 hours at night and six to seven hours during the day spread out over three to four naps.
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