While every parent hopes and wishes that their children sleep solidly and throughout the night, the truth is that sometimes it seems that kids just don’t want to rest. In fact, there are some nights when children, especially newborns, have more energy when the sun goes down than they do when it’s up. This complicated, confusing, and frustrating sleep schedule can cause many problems, not only for the children. Parents will feel exhausted and stressed out if their child isn’t sleeping correctly.
However, sometimes the problem isn’t about how your child sleeps. Instead, the problem lies with the expectations that some people have about a child’s sleep cycle. Are your expectations realistic? Are you expecting too much from your kid?
Where Do Sleep Expectations Come From?
It seems that everyone who has had a child is willing and wants to give new parents advice. From feeding ideas to fashion tips, you can receive a whole lot of information from many different sources when you have a child. However, these are usually not facts but opinions. And it’s the easiest, fastest way to gain unreasonable sleep expectations. Many new parents form their expectations – about sleep, and other things – from the information others give them. That’s why it’s so essential that all parents rely on factual data and details from reputable sources, not just other parents. While they might have the best intentions, they might be leading down an unwise path for your child.
How many times have you received conflicting advice from multiple sources? Maybe someone told you your newborn should sleep three nights a week while someone else tells you they should sleep six. Who should you trust? Who should you believe? You can easily understand how unreasonable expectations could easily build.
Why Is It so Hard to Get Solid Information?
Why aren’t there clear answers to many questions about a child’s sleep cycle? It seems that guidelines are always changing for babies and toddlers.
That’s because guidelines are always changing. Sleep expectations for a child is a medical issue, and the world of medicine is constantly evolving and refining. Additionally, every child is different. That is why most parents feel confident in their opinions and findings. No one is trying to mislead parents, but their conclusions aren’t based on scientific data but on their own experiences.
When Will My Child Sleep Through The Night?
You have heard this question again and again from new parents: “When will my child sleep through the night?” It’s a valid question and one that needs an answer. However, it is important to keep in mind that every child really is different. Some will sleep soundly after just a few months, while others might not sleep through the night for over a year. However, it is realistic for most children to sleep through the night by about six to nine months old. Now, don’t forget that “sleep through the night” is different for small children and adults. For a young kid, sleeping through the night means about five hours of sleep. But after months and months of little to no rest, that is a lot!
Sleep By Age
Keep these numbers in mind when you have a new baby:
- For 0-3 months, a child’s sleep schedule will be unpredictable. It can be a little, or it can be a lot!
- For 3-6 months, it is important to give your child a consistent bedtime with about 0-2 feedings a night. Babies might sleep as much as 11 hours at this age but can be as little as nine or as long as 13.
- From 6-12 months, naps will become more predictable, bedtime and wake time should be consistent, and your child will naturally begin to find a reliable and predictable schedule.
Sleep Coach in Singapore
Do these words fill you with dread? Does your little one wake up multiple times through the night and struggle at nap time? Contact Louise at Petite Dreamers for help with sleep for you and your family. She will schedule a free 15-minute discovery call.