My son is 5 months old and does not sleep very well, up until a couple of weeks ago I just let him sleep whenever he wanted during the day, but I am now trying to slowly work him onto a schedule. I was wondering when he should generally be taking his naps and how long they should be. He usually wakes up anytime between 6:30 and 8:00.
2006-10-27 03:44:12 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Also how long should he be sleeping for each time? He is VERY tired during the day because he doesn't sleep very much at night which is why I'm trying to schedule naptime so that he will start sleeping better at night. I am always having to try and keep him awake until around the time he should be having a nap.
2006-10-27 03:52:42 · update #1
I had the same problem with my son. I tried to let him sleep when he wanted to, but all he ever wanted to do was stay up and play until he was very overtired. Then he would only nap in 30-45 minute spurts. That kind of "catnapping" is why he would be up so many times throughout the night.
At 5 months old, your son needs 2-3 naps per day. (He may prefer 3 now but he will likely transition to 2 naps within the next couple of months) As mentioned before, you shouldn't be scheduling his naps. Instead, keep him up for 2.5-3 hours, then lay him down for a nap. He should sleep for at least an hour, most likely more. If he prefers 3 naps per day, they will generally last 1-1.5 hours. If he prefers 2, they will last longer: about 1.5-2.5 hours.
Know that there may be some crying involved if he awakens from a nap prematurely. Resist the urge to comfort him; he will cry only until he learns how to self-soothe, which usually takes between 3-5 days. As for his new schedule, it could take him as much as two weeks to become accustomed to it but it is well worth your patience. The difference between a well-rested baby and one who is perpetually tired is like night and day.
Once your son is accustomed to getting proper rest during the day, he will wake up during the night less and less until, after a couple of weeks, he will sleep through the night every night.
2006-10-27 04:57:16 · answer #1 · answered by blossymom 2 · 39⤊ 5⤋
It is important to remember that all children are different. Some children need more sleep than others. My oldest at that age took 3 naps a day. My youngest took only two. But my middles one did not sleep well at night, and he took many naps.
I would suggest however that most kids will take a morning nap, and an afternoon nap after lunch and a little play time. Keep in mind that not every day will be like the day before, kids are growing and changing fast. I hope your baby soon starts sleeping through the nights, it makes life so much easier. Good luck
2006-10-27 10:56:54 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 0⤋
At 5 months, my baby pretty much napped as follows:
10am-10:45am- nap
1pm-2:30pm-nap
5:30pm-6pm-nap
9pm-8am- slept through the night
That's a total of about 14 hrs. of sleep per day and he is a very happy baby. I learned that the better he naps, the less cranky he is. He is 7 months now and pretty much follows the same schedule.
2006-10-27 10:52:12 · answer #3 · answered by Proud mother! 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
My baby took two naps a day at that age. Around noon and again around three. But I left it up to her. If she wasnt looking tired, but I knew she needed to sleep, I would let her cry it out until she fell asleep. This is not cruel, for she wakes up and is just as happy to see me. If your baby is sick, he may not be comfortable enough to sleep, so take that into consideration. He should at least have one nap a day. If possible, leave it up to your child when he should sleep, not a "schedule". It is fine to schedule feedings, playtime, and bedtime, but naps are a little different I think.
2006-10-27 10:49:42 · answer #4 · answered by adrixia 4 · 4⤊ 1⤋
When he should take naps completly depends on the schedule you want him on. My daughet used to take her naps at 11:30 tell 12:30 and then at 3:30 tell 4:15, and she would go to bed at 9:30. This worked for me but you never know what will work for you until you try it. The thing with babys is every child is differnt you just have to find the right meathod of sleep for your child. It may take some time to find it, but once youve found the right routin for you guys it will be GREAT!!!!
2006-10-27 10:52:37 · answer #5 · answered by kissedwithpeace 2 · 4⤊ 2⤋
He should start having naps twice a day, in the late morning, then middle of the afternoon.....
2006-10-27 10:48:52 · answer #6 · answered by mrs. ruspee 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
it depends on your baby take notice of his attitude and disposition. most babies are actually ready for a nap a couples hours after they wake up.
2006-10-27 11:46:39 · answer #7 · answered by Lori C 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I used to do a 10am nap and a 1pm nap. As they got older I just went to the 1pm.
2006-10-27 10:48:02 · answer #8 · answered by Jody 6 · 9⤊ 1⤋
his first nap should be around 11 am. then a second nap around three and to bed around 8pm or a little later
2006-10-27 10:48:38 · answer #9 · answered by kleighs mommy 7 · 5⤊ 3⤋