Evie Summers
A 9-month-old baby typically sleeps for 11-16 hours in a 24-hour period, including a stretch of 9-12 hours at night. Most babies this age will have two naps a day, with the first usually taking place between 9:00 and 9:30 a.m. and the second between 2:00 and 2:30 p.m. While some 9-month-olds sleep through the night without interruption, it is common for children to experience sleep regression around this time due to factors such as teething, new motor skills, and other developmental milestones. To promote healthy sleep habits, it is recommended that parents maintain a consistent sleep routine and avoid introducing new habits when their baby wakes up during the night.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total sleep in a 24-hour period | 11-16 hours |
| Nighttime sleep | 9-12 hours |
| Number of naps | 2 |
| Nap duration | 30 minutes to 2 hours |
| First nap | 9:00-9:30 a.m. |
| Second nap | 2:00-2:30 p.m. |
| Bedtime | 12-13 hours after waking up |
| Wake windows | 2.5-3.5 hours |
| Crib mattress height | Lowest setting |
| Sleep surface | Firm and flat |
| Mattress covering | Snug-fitting sheet |
| Crib/bassinet items | None |
| Dressing | Appropriate for room temperature |
| Pacifier | Offer but don't force |
| Feeding | Before sleep |
| Self-soothing | Encouraged |
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What You'll Learn
- A 9-month-old should sleep 11-16 hours per day, including a 9-12 hour stretch at night
- Daytime naps should total 2-4 hours, usually split into two naps
- Room-share without bed-sharing to reduce the risk of SIDS
- Sleep regression is common at this age due to teething, new mobility, and developmental milestones
- Consistency is key to helping your baby sleep through the night
A 9-month-old should sleep 11-16 hours per day, including a 9-12 hour stretch at night
A 9-month-old baby typically needs 11-16 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period. This includes a 9-12 hour stretch at night, with the remainder made up of daytime naps.
At this age, babies often experience rocky sleep due to factors like teething, new motor skills, and other developmental milestones. Sleep regression is also common around this time, lasting a few weeks. It is important to maintain consistency in sleep routines and approaches during this period.
Most 9-month-olds take two naps per day, usually in the morning and afternoon. A consistent bedtime routine is beneficial, with feeding as the first step rather than the last. It is also important to ensure a safe sleep environment, using a firm, flat sleep surface without any plush toys, pillows, or loose items in the crib or bassinet.
Some babies may continue to wake at night for feeding, but this is typically not necessary, and sleep training can help them learn to self-soothe. Responding to night wakings calmly and consistently will help your baby fall back asleep. Remember, every baby is unique, so if you have concerns about their sleep patterns, consult a healthcare provider.
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Daytime naps should total 2-4 hours, usually split into two naps
By 9 months, your baby will likely be taking two naps per day, usually totalling 2-4 hours of sleep. The first nap typically falls between 9:00 and 9:30 a.m., and the second between 2:00 and 2:30 p.m. It's important to avoid letting your baby nap later than 4:00 p.m., as this can disrupt their bedtime routine.
At this age, babies often experience sleep regression or "bumpy sleep" due to factors like teething, new mobility, and developmental milestones. They may also be learning new skills, such as crawling, which they'd rather practise than sleep. As a result, they may wake up in the middle of the night or experience interrupted sleep.
If your 9-month-old is having trouble falling asleep or waking up too early, sleep training can help. While it's not necessary, many parents find that these methods assist their babies in developing better sleep habits. Additionally, you can ensure your baby's room is more light- or sound-proof to promote longer sleep.
It's important to note that every baby is unique, and their sleep patterns will vary. Consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns about your baby's sleep patterns.
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Room-share without bed-sharing to reduce the risk of SIDS
A 9-month-old baby typically sleeps 12-16 hours per day, including a stretch of 9-12 hours at night. Most babies will be ready to drop their third nap and move to a 2-nap schedule with an earlier bedtime. A typical bedtime for a 9-month-old is 12-13 hours after waking up in the morning. For example, if your baby wakes up at 7:00 a.m., their bedtime should be around 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Now, onto room-sharing without bed-sharing to reduce the risk of SIDS:
Room-sharing without bed-sharing setup
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing until your baby's first birthday or for at least 6 months, as the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is highest during this period. Room-sharing involves placing your baby's crib, portable crib, play yard, or bassinet in your bedroom instead of a separate nursery. This setup allows you to keep your baby nearby, making it easier to feed, comfort, and monitor them during the night. While room-sharing is considered safe, putting your baby to sleep in the same bed as you is not. Bed-sharing increases the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related deaths.
Safe sleep practices
It's important to follow safe sleep practices to create a safe sleep environment for your baby. Here are some recommendations:
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep, and continue doing so until their first birthday.
- Use a firm, flat sleep surface for your baby. Cover the mattress with a fitted sheet, and avoid using loose bedding, soft objects, stuffed animals, or crib bumpers.
- Keep your baby's sleep area free from hazards, such as plush toys, pillows, blankets, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, and bumper pads.
- Dress your baby appropriately for the room temperature to avoid overheating. Do not cover your baby's head while they sleep, and watch for signs of overheating, such as sweating or feeling hot to the touch.
- Keep your baby away from smokers. Secondhand smoke increases the risk of SIDS.
- Offer a pacifier to your baby at sleep time, but don't force it. If you're breastfeeding, consult with your doctor about the appropriate use of a pacifier.
- Ensure that your crib, bassinet, or play yard meets the safety standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
- Breastfeed if possible, as breastfed babies have been shown to have a lower risk of SIDS.
- Swaddling is safe when done correctly. Make sure to swaddle your baby when they are on their back with their legs flexed. Stop swaddling when they start rolling over.
By following these guidelines of room-sharing without bed-sharing and implementing safe sleep practices, you can help reduce the risk of SIDS for your 9-month-old baby.
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Sleep regression is common at this age due to teething, new mobility, and developmental milestones
Sleep regression is common in nine-month-old babies due to teething, new mobility, and developmental milestones. This period of sleep regression can last a few weeks, and it is important to maintain consistency in your baby's sleep routines and your approach to their sleep. For instance, if your baby is suddenly waking up in the middle of the night, check for any physical concerns such as sickness or teething that may be causing their sleep disruption.
At nine months, your baby is likely passing through several major developmental milestones, and their sleep patterns might change as a result. They may be learning new skills such as crawling, pulling up to stand, or even walking, and they may be more interested in practising these new skills than sleeping. Additionally, separation anxiety could be making your baby's sleep more challenging.
To help your baby through this period of sleep regression, it is important to be patient and consistent with their sleep routines. It is recommended that you avoid introducing any new sleep habits that you are not willing to maintain in the long term, as this can cause further sleep struggles. Instead, respond to your baby's needs with the right balance of concern and consistency. For example, when your baby wakes up in the night and cries for you, reassure them quietly that you are there, then gently send the message that they need to go back to sleep.
Sleep training can also be beneficial during this time, helping your baby to develop better sleep habits and learn how to self-soothe. While it is not necessary, many parents find it helpful. Most paediatricians will recommend sleep training once your baby is between four and six months old, as this is when most babies are developmentally capable of learning how to self-soothe.
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Consistency is key to helping your baby sleep through the night
Sleep regression is common around this age, and it's important to be consistent with your baby's sleep routine to help them through this period. Try not to introduce new sleep habits that you aren't willing to maintain long-term, as this can cause issues after the regression is over. For example, habits like rocking or playing games when your baby wakes up in the night may be hard to maintain in the long run.
Instead, respond to night wakings calmly and consistently. Reassure your baby that you're there, then firmly send the message that they need to go back to sleep. Cuddling, feeding, or talking when your baby wakes up may prompt them to wake up regularly for this attention.
If your baby is struggling to fall asleep independently, sleep training can help them learn to self-soothe. However, if you don't want your baby to self-soothe, you can try moving the bedtime feeding to the beginning of the bedtime routine.
Remember, every baby is unique, and it's normal for sleep patterns to vary. If you have any concerns about your baby's sleep, it's always best to consult your healthcare provider or pediatrician.
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Frequently asked questions
Most 9-month-olds sleep for 11-12 hours at night, with 2-4 hours of napping during the day. However, sleep needs vary by child, and some may need more or less sleep.
Most 9-month-olds will take two naps per day. The first nap is typically around 9:00 or 9:30 a.m., and the second is usually around 2:00 or 2:30 p.m.
There could be several reasons for this, such as teething, illness, or sleep regression. It could also be due to new motor skills, transitioning from three to two naps, or developmental milestones.
It is important to be consistent with your baby's sleep routine. You can also try sleep training to help your baby learn to self-soothe and fall asleep independently. Respond to night wakings calmly and quietly, reassuring your baby that you're there before encouraging them to go back to sleep.
