Gina Johnson
There are many different opinions and strategies for new parents when it comes to their baby's sleep. While some babies start sleeping through the night as early as 10-12 weeks, others may not be ready for longer stretches of sleep until they are older. It is recommended that babies sleep between 9 and 15 hours during the night and nap between 2 and 5 hours during the day. At 2 months, infants take between two and four naps a day. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that infants up to 3 months old get 14-17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing for at least the first 6 months, or ideally, until a baby's first birthday. This is to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
So, what are some ways to help your baby sleep?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How much sleep does a 2-month-old need? | 14-17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period. |
| How many naps should a 2-month-old take? | 2-3 naps during the day. |
| When should a 2-month-old go to bed? | Between 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. |
| Where should a 2-month-old sleep? | In the same room as their caregiver, in a crib, bassinet, or play yard. Bed-sharing is not recommended as it increases the risk of SIDS. |
| How can you establish a healthy sleep routine for a 2-month-old? | Be consistent. Follow a bedtime routine that is familiar and relaxing, such as bathing, reading, and singing. Avoid rocking your baby to sleep, as they may expect the same when they wake up at night. Instead, put them in a crib while drowsy but still awake so they learn to fall asleep on their own. |
| What are some sleep safety tips for a 2-month-old? | Always place your baby on their back to sleep, on a firm mattress, with their face and head uncovered and clear of blankets. Remove all pillows and toys from the crib. Maintain a comfortable temperature and avoid overheating. Ensure all sleep products meet safety standards. |
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What You'll Learn
Safe sleep practices
It is important to remember that every baby is unique, and there is a wide range of normal sleep patterns for 2-month-old babies. While some babies may start sleeping through the night as early as 10-12 weeks, others may not follow a consistent sleep pattern until they are older. During the newborn stage, it is normal for nap times to vary each day.
Sleep Environment
The sleep environment should be safe and comfortable for the baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing for at least the first 6 months, ideally until the baby's first birthday. This means placing the baby's crib, portable crib, play yard, or bassinet in the same room as the caregiver. This allows for easy feeding, comforting, and monitoring of the baby during the night.
The sleep surface should be firm, flat, and approved by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), meeting federal safety standards. The mattress should be covered with a snug-fitting sheet, and nothing else should be placed in the crib or bassinet. Keep plush toys, pillows, blankets, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, and bumper pads away from the baby's sleep area.
Additionally, avoid covering the baby's head while they sleep, and dress them appropriately for the room temperature to prevent overheating. Keep the baby away from smokers, as secondhand smoke increases the risk of SIDS.
Sleep Position
Always place the baby on their back to sleep, not on their stomach or side. This recommendation has significantly reduced the rate of SIDS since it was first suggested by the AAP in 1992. Once the baby can roll over independently, it is generally considered safe for them to sleep on their stomach, as long as they are not swaddled.
Sleep Routine
Establishing a bedtime routine can help signal to the baby that it is time to wind down. This routine can include activities such as a warm bath, gentle massage, reading, or singing lullabies. Consistency is key, as the baby will soon associate these steps with sleeping.
It is also important to watch for the baby's wake windows, which refer to the amount of time they can stay awake before needing to sleep again. For 1- to 2-month-olds, this is typically 1 to 2 hours, while 3- to 4-month-olds can usually stay awake for 75 minutes to 2.5 hours. Following these cues can help avoid overtiredness and improve sleep.
Sleep Associations
Some babies may develop sleep associations, such as being rocked to sleep. While this is comforting, it may become challenging when the baby wakes during the night and expects to be rocked back to sleep. Instead, try putting the baby in their crib or bassinet while drowsy but still awake, so they learn to fall asleep independently.
Safe Sleep Products
Ensure that all sleep products, such as swaddles or sleep sacks, are approved and meet safety standards. Swaddling can be a safe and comforting practice for babies until they start to roll over, typically around 3 to 4 months of age.
Avoid using products that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS, such as sleep positioners or monitors that detect heart rate and breathing patterns. Additionally, do not let the baby sleep on products not specifically designed for sleeping, such as car seats, feeding pillows, or infant loungers.
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Bed-sharing vs room-sharing
The decision to bed-share or room-share with a baby is a personal one, and there are benefits and risks to both practices. Bed-sharing, also known as co-sleeping, is when a baby sleeps in the same bed as their parents, while room-sharing involves the baby sleeping in the same room as their parents but on a separate surface such as a crib or bassinet.
Benefits of Bed-Sharing
Bed-sharing can promote bonding and enable parents to get more sleep, especially if the mother is breastfeeding. It has been argued that co-sleeping evolved over five million years and that it provides a way to help reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bed-sharing was widely practised until the 19th century and has been reintroduced in Western culture by practitioners of attachment parenting. Proponents of bed-sharing believe that it saves babies' lives, promotes bonding, enables parents to get more sleep, and facilitates breastfeeding. Older babies can breastfeed during the night without fully waking their mother.
Risks of Bed-Sharing
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warn against bed-sharing due to safety concerns. Bed-sharing increases the risk of sleep-related deaths, including SIDS, especially in preterm infants, babies with low birth weight, and healthy full-term infants younger than four months old. Sleeping in the same bed as a baby increases the likelihood of suffocation, and the risk of SIDS is also higher if parents smoke or consume drugs or alcohol. Additionally, an adult bed is not an appropriate sleep environment for a baby, and babies can fall from the bed if they are sleeping on their parents' bodies.
Benefits of Room-Sharing
Room-sharing is recommended by the AAP and CPSC as a safer alternative to bed-sharing. It allows parents to keep their babies close by, which can help with feeding, comforting, and monitoring the baby at night. Room-sharing has been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS by up to 50%.
Establishing a Sleep Routine
Whether parents choose to bed-share or room-share, it is important to establish a bedtime routine that is familiar and relaxing for the baby. This can include bathing, reading, and singing, and some babies may also benefit from being swaddled or rocked to sleep. Consistency is key, and it is important to put babies to sleep when they are drowsy but still awake so that they can learn to fall asleep on their own.
In summary, bed-sharing and room-sharing both have their advantages and considerations. Bed-sharing can facilitate bonding and breastfeeding but comes with safety concerns, while room-sharing is recommended by the AAP and CPSC as a safer alternative that still allows for closeness and monitoring during the night. Ultimately, the decision should be made based on the individual family's needs and preferences, in consultation with a trusted healthcare provider.
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Sleep training
- Consistency is key: Establish a consistent bedtime routine and follow wake windows. For a two-month-old, the maximum wake window is 90 minutes, after which they should take a nap. Be mindful of sleep cues like rubbing eyes, yawning, or zoning out, and ensure you don't try to put them down when they're already too tired.
- Create a schedule: Implement an eat-play-sleep schedule, following the wake windows, and capping naps. This helps your baby develop a sense of predictability and can make it easier for them to fall asleep independently.
- Use soothing techniques: Experiment with different soothing techniques to find what works best for your baby. This could include white noise, swaddling, pacifiers, or rocking.
- Gradual transition: If you want to change your baby's bedtime, do it gradually. For example, if you want to shift their bedtime from 7 pm to 7:30 pm, move it by 15 minutes each night until you reach the desired time.
- Combination of methods: Feel free to combine different sleep training methods to find what works best for your baby and your family. The Ferber method, for instance, involves checking in on your baby at timed intervals and providing comfort as needed.
- Safe sleeping environment: Ensure your baby's sleeping environment is safe, whether they are sleeping in their own room or in the family bed.
- Crib transition: As your baby gets older, consider transitioning them from a bassinet to a crib. Choose a good-quality, non-toxic crib and mattress with soft crib sheets.
- Avoid "cry it out" for young babies: While some sources suggest that letting a baby "cry it out" can help them learn to self-soothe, this method is generally not recommended for babies under four months old. Instead, respond to their cries with as little intervention as possible, especially if they have conditions like colic or reflux that cause prolonged crying.
Remember, every baby is unique, and the most successful sleep training method will depend on your child's individual needs and your parenting style. Always consult with your pediatrician if you have concerns or questions about your baby's sleep habits and sleep training.
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Sleep schedules
A 2-month-old baby's sleep schedule is dependent on several factors, including their feeding schedule, individual sleep cues, and sleep environment. Here are some guidelines and tips to help you establish a healthy sleep schedule for your 2-month-old:
Total Sleep and Nap Duration:
According to the National Sleep Foundation, infants up to 3 months old should get 14-17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period. This includes nighttime sleep and daytime naps. A 2-month-old may sleep approximately 9-12 hours at night with regular wake-ups for feedings, diaper changes, and comfort. During the day, they may take 4-5 naps, totalling about 4-5 hours of sleep. Remember that every baby is unique, and their sleep needs may vary.
Bedtime and Wake Windows:
Most 2-month-olds can stay awake for 45 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes between sleeps. Some babies do best with an early bedtime, such as 7:00-8:00 PM, while others may thrive with a later bedtime, such as 8:00-10:00 PM. Experiment to find what works best for your baby.
Feeding Schedule:
A 2-month-old baby's feeding schedule is an important factor in their sleep schedule. Feed your baby whenever they show hunger signs, such as sucking motions or whimpering. Typically, a 2-month-old baby eats about six to eight times a day. Focus on your baby's fullness cues to know when they've had enough.
Creating a Sleep-Conducive Environment:
To establish a restful sleep environment, use a firm, flat sleep surface with a snug-fitting sheet. Keep the space clear of any toys, pillows, blankets, or other items that could pose a safety hazard. Dress your baby appropriately for the room temperature to avoid overheating. You can use soft music or white noise to help your baby fall asleep.
Encouraging Longer Sleep Stretches:
If your baby is taking short naps, you can encourage longer stretches by ensuring they get enough awake time during the day. This helps with day-night confusion and promotes longer nighttime sleep. You can also try waking your baby for a late-night feeding at a slightly earlier time, gradually shifting their sleep schedule to align with your desired wake-up time in the morning.
Establishing a Bedtime Routine:
Consistency is key when it comes to sleep schedules. Establish a bedtime routine with regular bedtimes and naptimes. Avoid sleep training at this age, as it's too early. Instead, focus on creating a predictable and calming bedtime routine to help your baby settle for sleep.
Remember that every baby is unique, and it's important to be responsive to your baby's individual needs and cues. The above guidelines can help you establish a flexible sleep schedule that works best for your 2-month-old.
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Sleep environment
Sleep is crucial for the well-being of both parents and babies. While every baby is unique, infants up to three months old typically require 14 to 17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period. During the newborn stage, it's normal for naps to vary from day to day, and a flexible routine is often more practical than a rigid schedule.
At two months old, some babies may begin sleeping through the night, while others may not for several months. During this period, it's important to prioritise your baby's safety and focus on establishing a soothing bedtime routine. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing for at least the first six months or, ideally, until the baby's first birthday. Room-sharing involves placing your baby's crib or bassinet in your bedroom, enabling easy access for feeding, comforting, and monitoring. While room-sharing is considered safe, bed-sharing is not and increases the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related dangers.
To create a safe sleep environment, always place your baby on their back to sleep on a firm, flat surface. Ensure the mattress is covered with a snug-fitting sheet, and avoid using pillows, blankets, or loose items in the crib or bassinet. The crib slats should be no wider than 2-3/8 inches apart, and the sleep area should be free from plush toys, bumpers, and other potential hazards. Maintain a comfortable temperature, and avoid overheating by dressing your baby appropriately for the room temperature. Keep your baby's face and head uncovered, and be cautious about signs of overheating, such as sweating.
Developing a consistent bedtime routine can help your baby associate specific steps with sleeping. Bathing, reading, and singing can be soothing elements of this routine. Swaddling your baby in a light blanket is another option, but discontinue this practice once they start trying to roll over. While rocking your baby to sleep may be comforting, it's important to avoid making it a dependency. Instead, put your baby in their crib or bassinet while drowsy but still awake, allowing them to learn to fall asleep independently.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not recommended for babies to co-sleep with their parents on the same surface, such as a couch, reclining chair, or adult bed, as this increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing for at least the first 6 months, or ideally, until the baby's first birthday.
Here are some safe sleep practices recommended by various sources:
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep, on a firm, flat surface.
- Use a snug-fitting sheet to cover the mattress, and avoid placing anything else in the crib or bassinet, such as plush toys, pillows, blankets, or bumpers.
- Keep your baby away from smokers, as secondhand smoke increases the risk of SIDS.
- Dress your baby appropriately for the room temperature to avoid overheating.
- Establish a consistent bedtime routine that includes calming activities, such as bathing, reading, or singing.
- Avoid making bedtime feedings part of the routine after 6 months.
- Put your baby to bed drowsy but awake to encourage independent sleep.
The National Sleep Foundation recommends that infants up to 3 months old get 14-17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period. This includes 2-4 naps during the day, with each nap lasting between 30 minutes to 2 hours. Keep in mind that every baby is unique, and their sleep needs may vary.
Here are some tips to establish a healthy sleep routine:
- Watch your baby's wake windows, which is the amount of time they can stay awake before needing to sleep again. For 1- to 2-month-olds, this is typically 1 to 2 hours.
- Be flexible and work with your baby's developmental stage. Every baby is unique, and their sleep patterns may differ.
- Avoid keeping your baby up past 8:00 pm, as they may become fussy and overtired.
- Be consistent with sleep and wake times to help your baby develop a daily sleep schedule.
- Create a soothing bedtime routine and a consistent bedroom environment.
If you are looking for alternatives to co-sleeping, here are some options:
- Room-sharing: Place your baby's crib, portable crib, play yard, or bassinet in your bedroom, allowing them to sleep in the same room as you without sharing the same sleeping surface.
- Swaddling: You can swaddle your baby until they start to roll over (typically around 3 to 4 months old). This provides a sense of comfort and security.
- Responsive sleep systems: Consider using responsive sleep systems like SNOO, which provide a secure swaddling system and respond to your baby's fussing and crying with motion and sound.
