5 1/2 month old sleep patterns

[lulu123]

My five and half month old typically falls asleep for the night between 12 and 1 am, sleeps till 5 am, wakes up to eat, then falls asleep from about 6-9 am. He only takes one or two short naps during the day. It seems as though hes sleeping only about 8-10 hours a day. My husband and I are wondering if these are normal sleep patterns?

[LadyCatherine185]

That is much less than the "average" or "suggested" amount of sleep for a 5 month old. Under age 1, most babies need a total of at least 13-14 hours of sleep. However, some kids really do just need less sleep. How does he act during the day? Is he fussy/cranky? Or happy/content?

[lulu123]

Originally Posted by LadyCatherine185

That is much less than the "average" or "suggested" amount of sleep for a 5 month old. Under age 1, most babies need a total of at least 13-14 hours of sleep. However, some kids really do just need less sleep. How does he act during the day? Is he fussy/cranky? Or happy/content?

Hes a little of both during the day but does seem to have a lot of fussy periods.

[LadyCatherine185]

He may not be getting enough sleep. For my DS, I had to watch for the "sleepy cues" (fussiness, rubbing his eyes, yawning, etc) and get him to sleep quickly. He faught sleep really bad, too. I had to rock him in the pitch black dark, with white noise until he calmed down and nursed to sleep. He took a lot of short naps, but if he didn't he'd be really grumpy. And usually better/more daytime sleep= more nighttime sleep.

I highly recommend reading the book "The No Cry Sleep Solution" by Elizabeth Pantley.

How do you usually get him to go to sleep? Maybe changing your routine will help. Some babies do better with background noise/stimulation, while others need complete quitness and darkness to "shut off" as my DS did. Do you have a carrier/sling? Can you go for a walk and get him to take a nap? What about the stroller?

[lulu123]

Originally Posted by LadyCatherine185

He may not be getting enough sleep. For my DS, I had to watch for the "sleepy cues" (fussiness, rubbing his eyes, yawning, etc) and get him to sleep quickly. He faught sleep really bad, too. I had to rock him in the pitch black dark, with white noise until he calmed down and nursed to sleep. He took a lot of short naps, but if he didn't he'd be really grumpy. And usually better/more daytime sleep= more nighttime sleep.

I highly recommend reading the book "The No Cry Sleep Solution" by Elizabeth Pantley.

How do you usually get him to go to sleep? Maybe changing your routine will help. Some babies do better with background noise/stimulation, while others need complete quitness and darkness to "shut off" as my DS did. Do you have a carrier/sling? Can you go for a walk and get him to take a nap? What about the stroller?

I think part of the problem is that we dont have enough routine. Ive tried laying him down but ususally he wont sleep. Sometimes he will in the stroller or swing. I think he may be teething also.

[LadyCatherine185]

A routine is good. Bedtime/naptime routine is great. My DS was never able to just be "layed down" and fall asleep. Most babies can't/don't. If he falls asleep in the swing or stroller, he may need motion to sleep. You could try wearing him until asleep, or rocking him, or using a bouncy ball. Try watching sleep cues, and write down what times of day he is usually sleepy. If you notice a pattern, try to catch him BEFORE he gets grumpy during those times he is usually tired, and start trying to get him to sleep by walking with him, putting him in the swing/stroller, etc.

Hope this helps! Good luck.