Sleeping Patterns

Provided by Healthy Start, Grow Smart

The ordinary, loving things you do every day with your baby are routines. Putting him to bed, changing diapers, bathing and feeding are the most common ones. Routines help your baby feel loved and safe. Routines can also be times for learning.

At this age, most babies sleep about 13 hours a day. They may have a long night sleep of about 10 hours, a short morning nap and a longer afternoon nap. A nine-month-old may stay awake past regular sleep times. This happens when your baby is excited, involved in activities or just doesn’t want to be away from you.

Avoid sleep problems by building routines that help your baby move from active play to restful sleep. You can turn down the lights and background noise like the TV or music. Your baby will be more likely to go to bed if he doesn’t think he’ll miss something exciting.

Create a routine. This could include a soothing bath, a bedtime story and good-night kisses to family members. Give him a stuffed animal, a special blanket or other “snuggly.” Put it and your baby into bed. If you use a crib, keep the sides up and securely fastened.

Don’t be surprised if he doesn’t go to sleep right away. He may babble to himself and later fall asleep on top of the covers. Let him form his own comfort habits–rocking or sucking a thumb, for example. These habits help him put himself to sleep.

Be consistent with your bedtime routine. Reassure your baby if he cries. But make sure he knows that you mean business–it’s time for bed.

Healthy Start, Grow Smart: U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services