Dr. Samia Al-Bahiri, Professor of Pediatrics, emphasizes that adequate sleep also enhances a baby’s sense of security, improves mood, reduces the risk of obesity and heart diseases later in life, and helps regulate daily cycles of wakefulness and learning.
Infant Sleep by Age
0–3 months: Babies sleep 14–17 hours a day in short stretches (every 2–4 hours) due to frequent feedings and an undeveloped distinction between night and day.
3–4 months: Sleep stretches start to lengthen, with some babies sleeping 7–8 hours. Parents can begin helping babies learn self-soothing.
6 months: About two-thirds of babies sleep 6–8 hours continuously at night.
7–12 months: Most babies sleep 8–12 hours at night.
Tips to Improve Infant Sleep
Create a quiet, dark sleeping environment.
Maintain a calm bedtime routine.
Ensure the baby is burped after feeding.
Keep the room at a comfortable temperature.
Persistent crying may indicate underlying health issues, so consult a doctor if needed.
Steps to Encourage Better Sleep
Stick to a consistent bedtime routine.
Perform the same calm activities each night.
Differentiate between day and night with light and activity.
Encourage self-soothing by placing the baby in the crib drowsy but awake.
Attend to basic needs: feed and change diapers before bedtime.
Benefits of Continuous Sleep
Supports physical and mental growth: Promotes growth hormone release and brain development.
Strengthens the immune system: Sleep helps produce essential proteins to fight infections.
Regulates mood and behavior: Reduces fussiness, tantrums, and general irritability.
Develops self-soothing skills: Helps babies learn to calm themselves, starting from around 3 months.
Reduces risk of future health issues: Regular sleep lowers long-term risks of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Enhances memory and learning: Sleep helps consolidate new information and cognitive skills.
Guidelines for Healthy Infant Sleep
Babies usually need 12–16 hours of sleep daily.
Always place the baby on their back to prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Keep the crib free of pillows, blankets, and toys for a safe sleep environment.
Night waking is often due to hunger, diaper changes, discomfort, colic, teething, or environmental factors.
Babies’ sleep is naturally intermittent due to immature biological clocks.
Common Causes of Night Wakings
Hunger and frequent feedings, especially in early months.
Gas, colic, or digestive discomfort.
Growth spurts and developmental changes.
Teething pain.
Overstimulation (noise, bright lights, or play before bed).
Temperature discomfort or wet diapers.
Attachment needs (dependency on rocking or feeding to sleep).
Maternal factors such as caffeine intake during breastfeeding.
When Night Wakings Are Normal
Sleep disturbances are often temporary “sleep regressions” due to brain or body development, typically lasting 2–4 weeks. Separation anxiety at 9–18 months is also common. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can help reduce these disturbances.
When to Consult a Specialist
Parents should seek guidance if:
Sleep problems persist for more than 4 weeks without improvement.
There are concerning physical symptoms: loud snoring, breathing difficulties, or restless legs.
The baby’s general health is affected: poor feeding, lethargy, difficulty waking, or abnormal responses.
Behavioral or psychological issues arise: unusual daytime hyperactivity, tension, or aggression.
Family wellbeing is impacted: if the baby’s sleep difficulties significantly affect the parent’s mental health or family stability.
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