Miya Pearson
A 3-month-old baby should get 14 to 17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period, according to the National Sleep Foundation. This is a wide range, and sleep patterns can vary, but if your baby is sleeping too much, it may be cause for concern. If your baby is sleeping for six to eight hours at a time when they are just a month or two old, you should take them to the doctor to get checked out. Very young babies need to eat frequently, so if your newborn's sleep schedule doesn't match their feeding schedule, you may need to wake them up. Breastfed newborns shouldn't go more than two to four hours without eating, and formula-fed babies shouldn't go longer than three to four hours. If your baby is three months old, they may need slightly longer wake windows than they did as a newborn, so try increasing their wake windows to 1-2 hours. Creating a short wind-down routine and a quiet, dark environment for sleep can help them get the sleep they need.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recommended sleep hours in 24 hours | 14-17 hours |
| Sleep surface | Firm and flat |
| Mattress cover | Snug-fitting sheet |
| Room temperature | Avoid overheating |
| Room lighting | Dark |
| Wake windows | 1-2 hours |
| Nap routine | Consistent |
| Sleep products | Approved by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) |
| Bedtime routine | Bathing, reading, singing |
| Swaddling | OK until they start to roll |
| Feeding | Breastfed newborns: every 2-4 hours; Formula-fed babies: every 3-4 hours |
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What You'll Learn
A 3-month-old baby should get 14-17 hours of sleep in 24 hours
A 3-month-old baby should get 14-17 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period. This sleep can be broken up into 2-3 naps during the day, followed by a longer stretch of sleep at night.
At this age, babies are more awake, alert, and aware of their surroundings during the day, so they are more likely to be tired at night. It is important to establish a bedtime routine that is familiar and relaxing for your baby. This could include bathing, reading, and singing, which can soothe babies and signal the end of the day.
It is also important to ensure that the sleep environment is safe. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends using a firm, flat sleep surface with a snug-fitting sheet and no other items in the crib or bassinet. Keep soft toys, pillows, blankets, and other loose items away from the baby's sleep area. Dress your baby appropriately for the room temperature to avoid overheating, and do not cover their head while sleeping.
If your baby wakes during their sleep period, keep activity to a minimum. Keep the lights low and avoid playing or talking to your baby. Change or feed your baby and then return them to their crib or bassinet.
It is normal for babies to sleep more when they are ill, as sleep helps them fight off illnesses. However, if your baby is sleeping too much and it is interfering with their feedings, it is important to speak to a pediatrician. Breastfed newborns should not go more than 2-4 hours without eating, and formula-fed babies should not go longer than 3-4 hours.
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Establish a bedtime routine to soothe and relax your baby
Establishing a bedtime routine for your baby is essential to help them develop good sleeping habits. A 3-month-old baby typically needs about 14 to 17 hours of sleep per day, including daytime naps and nighttime sleep. Here are some tips to create a soothing and relaxing bedtime routine for your little one:
Start a soothing bedtime routine: Begin with a consistent bedtime routine that will signal to your baby that it's time to wind down and prepare for sleep. This can include activities such as bathing, reading bedtime stories, and singing lullabies. These calming activities will help your baby relax and make the transition to sleep easier.
Create a sleep-friendly environment: Ensure that your baby's sleep environment is safe and comfortable. Use a firm, flat sleep surface with a snug-fitting sheet. Avoid placing any soft objects, loose bedding, or toys in the crib or bassinet, as these can pose a safety hazard. Keep the room well-ventilated and dress your baby appropriately for the room temperature to prevent overheating.
Encourage self-soothing: Instead of rocking your baby to sleep, try putting them in their crib or bassinet while they are drowsy but still awake. This will help them learn to fall asleep independently. Some babies may fuss or cry a little before settling down, and that's okay. Unless they seem hungry or unwell, you can observe for a few minutes to see if they can soothe themselves back to sleep.
Maintain consistency: Consistency is key when establishing a bedtime routine. Try to stick to a regular sleep schedule, including nap times and bedtime. This will help your baby's body clock adjust and make it easier for them to fall asleep and maintain a healthy sleep pattern.
Adjust to their needs: Every baby is unique, and their sleep patterns may vary. Some babies may need shorter, more frequent naps, while others may consolidate their sleep into longer stretches. Pay attention to your baby's cues and adjust the routine as needed to ensure they get the necessary amount of sleep.
Follow a pre-bedtime ritual: In addition to the bedtime routine, you can also establish a pre-bedtime ritual about 20 to 30 minutes before you want your baby to fall asleep. This can include activities like dimming the lights, playing soft music, or having some quiet playtime. This pre-bedtime ritual will help signal to your baby that bedtime is approaching, making it easier for them to transition to sleep.
Remember, the goal is to create a soothing and consistent bedtime routine that meets your baby's sleep needs and helps them develop healthy sleep habits as they grow.
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Keep the baby's surroundings quiet and dark to aid sleep
A 3-month-old baby should be getting between 14 and 17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period. This will usually consist of 2-3 naps during the day, followed by a longer stretch of sleep at night.
To aid your baby's sleep, it is important to keep their surroundings quiet and dark. Here are some tips to help create a calm and soothing sleep environment:
Use blackout blinds or curtains: Blackout blinds can effectively block out external light sources such as streetlights, car headlights, and the rising sun. By minimizing distractions, you can create a consistent sleep environment, signalling to your baby that it is time for sleep. This can help establish a predictable sleep routine and reinforce the association between darkness and sleep.
Keep the room quiet: Babies are easily stimulated by their surroundings. By keeping the room quiet, you reduce the risk of your baby being distracted or overstimulated, making it easier for them to fall asleep and sleep soundly.
Follow a bedtime routine: A familiar and consistent bedtime routine can help signal to your baby that it is time for sleep. This could include activities such as bathing, reading, or singing, which can soothe your baby and prepare them for sleep.
Maintain a safe sleep environment: Ensure that your baby's sleep surface is firm, flat, and free from any hazards. Keep soft objects, loose bedding, and any items with cords or sharp edges away from the sleep area. Dress your baby appropriately for the room temperature to avoid overheating, and avoid covering their head while they sleep.
By creating a quiet, dark, and safe sleep environment, you can help your 3-month-old baby get the necessary amount of sleep and establish healthy sleep habits.
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Avoid letting the baby sleep for too long without feeding
It is normal for babies to sleep a lot, especially newborns. Babies from 0 to 3 months old typically need 14 to 17 hours of sleep within a 24-hour period, although this can be up to 22 hours for premature babies. As they grow older, their sleep patterns become more regular, and they sleep for longer stretches at night.
It is important to ensure that your baby is not sleeping for too long without feeding, especially during the first few weeks of life. Here are some reasons why you should avoid letting your baby sleep for extended periods without eating:
- Nutritional Needs: Very young babies need to eat frequently to get the nourishment they require. Breastfed newborns should not go more than two to four hours without eating, while formula-fed babies should not go longer than three to four hours. This ensures they receive adequate nutrition for their growth and development.
- Weight Gain: Waking your baby up to feed every 3 to 4 hours is crucial until they surpass their birth weight and show good weight gain. This typically occurs within the first couple of weeks of life. If your baby was born prematurely or has not regained their birth weight, it is essential to rouse them for feedings to ensure they receive adequate nutrition for growth and development.
- Establishing a Routine: Helping your baby establish a healthy sleep and feeding routine is important. By waking them up to feed at regular intervals, you can gradually shape their sleep patterns and encourage longer stretches of sleep at night. This routine will benefit both your baby's health and your own sleep schedule.
- Growth and Development: Regular feedings during the first few weeks of life are critical for your baby's growth and development. By ensuring they receive adequate nutrition, you support their overall development, including weight gain, brain development, and the growth of their organs and immune system.
- Avoiding Dehydration: Babies can become dehydrated quickly due to their small body size and high water turnover. Regular feedings, especially for breastfed babies, help ensure they are getting enough fluids to stay hydrated and maintain their bodily functions.
- Individual Variations: It is important to monitor your baby's growth and feeding habits and consult a doctor if you have concerns. Some babies, especially those born prematurely or with health considerations, may have unique nutritional needs. A healthcare professional can provide personalized advice and guidance based on your baby's specific circumstances.
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Consult a doctor if excessive sleep interferes with feeding
It is normal for newborns to sleep a lot, but if this interferes with their feeding schedules, it may be cause for concern. Newborns need to eat frequently to get the nourishment they need, and if they are sleeping too much, they may not be getting enough to eat. This can lead to dehydration, weight loss, and even failure to thrive.
If your 3-month-old is sleeping so much that they are not waking up to eat every two to four hours, it is recommended that you consult your paediatrician. This is especially important if your baby is having other symptoms such as trouble waking up, extreme fussiness or irritability after waking, or signs of dehydration. Dehydration in newborns can include fewer wet diapers, darker-coloured urine, tearless crying, or cracked lips.
If your baby is sleeping too much and missing feedings, they may not be getting the calories they need to gain weight and grow properly. Additionally, if your baby is very lethargic and unresponsive, it could be a sign that they are not getting enough to eat. In these cases, it is important to seek medical advice.
It is worth noting that newborn sleep patterns can vary, and it is uncommon for them to rest for more than a few hours at a time. As your baby gets older, their sleep patterns will become more regular, and you will be able to establish a daily sleep routine. However, if you are concerned about your baby's sleep habits and how they are impacting their feeding, it is always best to consult your paediatrician for advice and guidance.
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Frequently asked questions
The National Sleep Foundation recommends that infants up to 3 months old get 14–17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period. This usually consists of 2-3 naps during the day, followed by a longer stretch of sleep at night.
There could be several reasons for this. Sleep helps babies fight off illnesses, so they may be sleeping more if they are unwell. Additionally, as 3-month-olds become more aware of their surroundings, they may need a quieter and darker place to sleep. They may also need slightly longer wake windows than when they were newborns.
If your baby is sleeping too much and it's interfering with their feedings, you may want to speak to a doctor. Breastfed newborns shouldn't go more than 2-4 hours without eating, while formula-fed babies shouldn't go longer than 3-4 hours.
You can create a bedtime routine that is familiar and relaxing for your baby. Activities such as bathing, reading, and singing can soothe babies and signal the end of the day. You can also try swaddling your baby or putting them in a crib while they are drowsy but still awake, so they learn to fall asleep on their own.
It is important to use a firm, flat sleep surface with a snug-fitting sheet. Keep plush toys, pillows, blankets, and other loose items away from the baby's sleep area. Dress your baby appropriately for the room temperature to avoid overheating, and keep them away from secondhand smoke, as it increases the risk of SIDS.
