Ashwin Lewis
Sleep is a vital part of a baby's development, and it can be a challenge for parents to establish a healthy sleep routine. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing until the first birthday or for at least 6 months, as this helps with feeding, comforting, and monitoring the baby. While room-sharing is safe, putting your baby to sleep in bed with you is not. Many parents struggle with getting their 9-month-old baby to sleep in a crib, especially if the baby has been co-sleeping or bed-sharing. This is a critical time for babies, as they experience separation anxiety and sleep regression due to various developmental milestones. Sleep training is a process of teaching your baby to fall asleep independently, and it can be challenging, often involving crying from both parents and babies. There are various methods, such as the Ferber method and the cry-it-out method, which involve gradually teaching babies to self-soothe and fall asleep on their own. Establishing a bedtime routine with soothing activities like a warm bath, stories, or singing can help relax the baby and signal bedtime. It's important to ensure the crib is safe, with no hazards like cords, ties, or sharp objects within reach.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recommended sleeping hours | 12-16 hours per day, including a stretch of 9-12 hours at night |
| Number of naps | 2 naps per day |
| Nap duration | 30 minutes to 2 hours |
| Room-sharing | Recommended until the first birthday or for at least 6 months |
| Crib safety | Use a firm, flat sleep surface; keep plush toys, pillows, blankets, and other loose items away from the crib |
| Sleep training | Can be started at 9 months; involves teaching the baby to fall asleep independently |
| Timing | Stabilize bedtime and ensure feeding ends at least 30 minutes before crib time |
| Soothing | If the baby cries, provide brief reassurance without taking them out of the crib |
| Consistency | Be consistent with sleep training methods and avoid giving in to co-sleeping |
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What You'll Learn
Sleep training methods
It is recommended that babies share a room with their parents without bed-sharing until their first birthday or for at least 6 months, as this helps with feeding, comforting, and monitoring the baby at night. This is also the time when the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is the highest.
Sleep training is the process of teaching your baby to fall asleep by themselves, whether at the beginning of the night or when they wake up in the middle of the night. The goal of sleep training is for your baby to be comfortable sleeping for several hours through the night on their own. If they wake up, they will learn to self-soothe and fall back asleep.
Cry-it-out method (also known as the extinction method)
This method involves putting your baby to bed when they are tired but still awake, helping them learn to put themselves to sleep. Your baby may cry while learning this new skill, but you won't pick them up or take them out of the crib until morning or their next scheduled night feed. Consistency is critical for this method to work, and all caregivers must be on board. This method can be challenging for parents, but it often works quickly.
Ferber method
The Ferber method has been found to significantly improve infant sleep, parent sleep, and parental mental health within three months, with sustained improvement two months later. It involves gradually weaning the baby from needing help to fall asleep. For example, if your baby typically falls asleep while feeding, you would introduce rocking instead of feeding, then reduce movement and eventually put your baby in the crib while awake. You would stay close by for support and gradually remove your touch and presence as sleep associations.
Fading method
This method involves techniques like "fading" and "pick up put down," where you actively attempt to calm your baby while they learn a new way of falling asleep. This approach can help keep tears to a minimum but may take longer.
Chair method
The chair method is a gradual approach where you sit in a chair next to your baby's crib while they learn to fall asleep independently. Over time, the chair is moved further away from the crib and closer to the door so that you're staying in the room with the child without being in direct contact. The goal is to eventually leave the room before your baby is fully asleep.
Graduated extinction method
This method involves gradually increasing the length of time between visits when your baby is crying. You can start with 3 minutes on the first night and increase the time gradually. Variations include using a static interval of 10-15 minutes, and parents may pick up their baby or stay in the room to calm them.
Total extinction method
This method involves leaving your baby to fall asleep on their own without any interventions to soothe them. You put your baby in their crib after their bedtime routine and leave the room, allowing them to fall asleep independently. This method is often chosen by parents who want a fast solution, but some find that check-ins for calming are more upsetting to the baby.
It's important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to sleep training, and the best method will depend on what you and your baby are most comfortable with. Consistency and patience are key to success, and it's recommended to keep a sleep training diary to track your progress.
Additionally, here are some general tips for creating a safe sleep environment for your 9-month-old:
- Use a firm, flat sleep surface with a snug-fitting sheet.
- Keep plush toys, pillows, blankets, and other soft objects out of the crib.
- Dress your baby appropriately for the room temperature to avoid overheating.
- Keep your baby away from secondhand smoke, which increases the risk of SIDS.
- Offer a pacifier at sleep time, but don't force it.
- Be mindful of hazards such as cords, ties, or sharp objects within your baby's reach.
- Avoid using products that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS, such as sleep positioners or monitors.
- Do not use weighted blankets, sleepers, or swaddles on or around your baby.
- Establish a bedtime routine with soothing activities like a warm bath, stories, or singing.
- Gradually shift your baby's bedtime by 15 minutes each night if you want to move up their natural bedtime.
- Stabilize your bedtime routine and ensure all feeding ends at least 30 minutes before putting your baby in the crib.
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Room-sharing vs bed-sharing
A 9-month-old baby should sleep for 12-16 hours per day, including a stretch of 9-12 hours at night. They will likely still take two naps per day, ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing until a baby's first birthday or for at least 6 months, when the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is highest. Room-sharing involves placing your baby's crib, portable crib, play yard, or bassinet in your bedroom instead of in a separate nursery. This allows you to keep your baby nearby and facilitates feeding, comforting, and monitoring your baby at night. While room-sharing is considered safe, putting your baby to sleep in the same bed as you is not.
Research has shown that room-sharing may reduce the risk of SIDS by up to 50% in the first 3 months. However, the benefits of room-sharing diminish when it turns into bed-sharing or when safe sleep practices are not followed, such as having pillows, blankets, or other unsafe items in the baby's sleep area. Additionally, room-sharing beyond 4 months of age can lead to decreased sleep for both babies and parents. Babies who room-share beyond this age are four times more likely to end up in their parents' bed during the night and are at an increased risk of SIDS due to unsafe sleep practices.
On the other hand, bed-sharing involves a baby sharing a sleeping space with another person. While it may provide some benefits, such as facilitating breastfeeding and promoting bonding, it also carries risks. Bed-sharing increases the likelihood of unsafe sleep practices, such as having loose bedding and pillows in the sleep area, which can increase the risk of SIDS. Additionally, bed-sharing can lead to sleep deprivation for parents, as they may be frequently woken by their baby's movements and sounds.
When considering room-sharing vs. bed-sharing, it is essential to prioritize safe sleep practices and follow recommendations from trusted sources, such as the AAP. Room-sharing can be a safer option that provides some benefits, while bed-sharing carries higher risks and may disrupt the sleep of both babies and parents. However, ultimately, the decision should be made based on the specific circumstances and needs of the family, in consultation with a healthcare professional.
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Crib safety
It is important to ensure that your 9-month-old's crib is safe and secure. Here are some guidelines for crib safety:
Crib Condition
- Check that the crib meets the current safety standards. If it is older than 10 years, it may not meet the latest standards.
- Ensure that the crib has not been recalled by the manufacturer and that it is in good condition.
- The crib should be assembled correctly, with no missing, loose, or broken parts. All screws, brackets, and hardware should be secure and properly installed.
- The slats should be no more than 2 3/8 inches (6 centimetres) apart, with no decorative cutouts that could trap your baby's head.
- The sides of the crib should not drop, and there should be no sharp or jagged edges.
- The corner posts should be tightly attached and no more than 1/16 inch (1.5 millimetres) high to prevent your baby's clothing from getting caught.
Mattress and Bedding
- Use a firm, flat, tight-fitting mattress that fits snugly against the sides of the crib.
- Do not use soft mattresses, as they may increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
- Use a fitted sheet specifically designed for crib use, and ensure it fits snugly over the mattress.
- Avoid using blankets, which can pose a risk of suffocation. Instead, consider using a sleeper. If you do use a blanket, tuck it around the crib mattress, covering your baby only up to their chest.
- Do not place pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, bumper pads, or stuffed toys in the crib, as they can also pose a suffocation risk.
Baby's Sleepwear and Environment
- Dress your baby appropriately for the room temperature, and avoid overbundling to prevent overheating.
- Keep your baby away from secondhand smoke, as it increases the risk of SIDS.
- Ensure that the crib is not placed near windows, drapes, or cords that your baby could reach and potentially get entangled in.
- Remove mobiles, toys, and other objects that your baby can touch from the crib.
- Make sure your baby's sleepwear and bedding are flame retardant.
- Avoid using products that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS, such as sleep positioners or monitors, as there are no known products that can effectively do so.
- Keep your baby's neck area clear by removing bibs and necklaces before placing them in the crib.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your 9-month-old's crib is safe and comfortable for them to sleep in.
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Daytime schedules and night sleep
Daytime Schedules:
At 9 months old, your baby's wake windows, or the time they are awake between naps, typically range from 2.5 to 3.5 hours. These wake windows are usually shorter in the morning, lasting around 2.5 to 3 hours, and gradually increase throughout the day, reaching up to 3.5 hours. This means your baby will likely take two naps during the day. The duration of these naps can vary, ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
To promote healthy daytime schedules, it's important to establish a consistent bedtime routine. This can include soothing activities such as a warm bath, followed by storytelling or singing. These activities signal to your baby that bedtime is approaching, helping them relax and prepare for sleep.
Night Sleep:
Most 9-month-old babies require 12-16 hours of sleep per day, including a stretch of 9-12 hours at night. At this age, your baby may be able to sleep through the night without needing a feed. However, every baby is different, and some may still require a night feed or two.
To establish a healthy night sleep routine, you can employ various techniques, such as the cry-it-out method or sleep training. The cry-it-out method involves putting your baby to bed when they are tired but still awake, allowing them to learn to self-soothe and fall asleep independently. This method can be emotionally challenging for parents and may involve listening to your baby cry. Sleep training, on the other hand, is a broader term for teaching your baby to fall asleep on their own, and it can involve various techniques tailored to your baby's needs.
It's important to remember that all babies are unique, and you should always consult your pediatrician if you have any concerns or questions about your baby's sleep patterns.
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Separation anxiety
Around the 9-month mark, babies go through a significant developmental phase, often referred to as the 9-month sleep regression. During this time, they may experience separation anxiety, which can make it challenging for them to fall asleep independently and lead to sleep disruptions.
To manage separation anxiety during bedtime, here are some strategies to consider:
- Maintain a consistent bedtime routine: A predictable routine can help your baby feel more secure. Include activities such as dinner, bath time, reading a book, singing a song, and dimming the lights before placing your baby in their crib while they are drowsy but still awake.
- Room-sharing: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing. Place your baby's crib in your bedroom to keep them nearby, which can aid in comforting and monitoring them during the night.
- Camping Out method: This approach involves gradually moving further away from your baby's crib after putting them to bed. You can step out of sight for short periods, reassuring them that you will return, and then slowly increase the duration of your absences.
- Play Peek-a-Boo and "I'll Be Right Back": These games teach your baby about object permanence in a fun and reassuring way. When you disappear and reappear, you reinforce the idea that even if they can't see you, you will come back.
- Brief reassurance: If your baby cries or calls out, offer brief reassurance without taking them out of the crib. You can provide loving words from the bedroom door, letting them know you're close by and it's time for sleep. Gradually lengthen the time between these check-ins.
- Address overtiredness: Ensure your baby is getting adequate sleep during the day. If they are shifting from three naps to two, an early bedtime (around 6 pm) can help prevent overtiredness, which can exacerbate separation anxiety.
- Physical activity: Include physical activity in your baby's daily routine to help them practice their new motor skills, such as standing and crawling. This can aid in their overall development and help them settle down for sleep.
- Avoid new habits during regression: Avoid implementing new habits, rules, or restrictions during a regression phase. Consistency is key to helping your baby navigate through this challenging period.
Remember, every baby is unique, and separation anxiety typically lessens as they become more secure and independent. These strategies can help you support your baby through this developmental milestone and foster the development of healthy sleep habits.
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Frequently asked questions
A crib is a safer option than co-sleeping, as it reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Cribs also help babies learn to self-soothe and fall asleep independently.
It is recommended to put your baby in the crib while they are drowsy but still awake. If they cry, wait a few minutes before soothing them without taking them out of the crib. Repeat this cycle until they get used to sleeping in the crib.
Ensure the crib has a firm, flat sleep surface with a snugly fitted sheet. Keep soft toys, pillows, blankets, and other loose items away from the crib to prevent hazards. Dress your baby appropriately for the room temperature and avoid covering their head while sleeping.
