The following sleep routine is suitable for new born babies from about 4 weeks:-
| Time | Action |
|---|---|
| 7am | Awake, breastfeed/bottle |
| 8.30 | Nap – Max 2 hours |
| 10/10.30am | Breast/bottle feed |
| 11.30am | Nap (this nap should be 1.5 hours after wakening from last nap) |
| 1.00 | Breast/bottle feed |
| 3/3.30 | Nap |
| 4.30/5 | 1/2 Breast/bottle feed |
| 6.00 | Calm time |
| 6.15pm | Breast/bottle feed |
| 6.45pm | Bedtime |
| 10/10.30pm | Breast/bottle feed |
(5 hours total daytime sleep)
During the night if your baby wakes before 4am give your baby a full feed otherwise ½ and give the rest at 7am.
Sleep Routine Basics
Babies and children function better when they know what is coming next.
I have 18month old which is teething at the moment but I’d like to be able to just put her i her cot awake and say night night. At the moment she falls asleep on my lap in her room and then I put her down but if she isn’t fully asleep she will cry when I go to put her down.
Normally she isn’t a bad sleeper and doesn’t take that long to put down but I also have a new born 7week old and I need my 18 month to be able go down herself.
Would love some advice on this.
Cheers,
Clodagh
Hi Clodagh,
You should encourage some playtime in the cot with your toddler to ensure she see’s it as a nice place to be during the day. At night time I recommend putting her into the cot, show her a book and then stay with her until she settles to sleep. Once she is comfortable going to sleep in the cot, you can then say good night to her and leave the room, if she gets upset return to her and reassure her. When she has settled leave again. This will show her that although you are not staying with her, you are there if she needs you. Like any changes to bedtime, be prepared for resistance, however with patience and consistency you will get her there.
I hope this helps!
Best Regards
Edel