Healthy sleep habits are essential for infants to grow, learn, and thrive. This article covers everything you need to know—from establishing good sleep habits and bedtime routines to when to seek help from a provider.
At Pediatric Associates of Austin, we understand that every baby is unique. If you ever need personalized assistance, feel free to reach out to our caring team in Austin, Texas, for support and sleep medicine expertise.
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Infants need a lot of sleep. Newborns typically sleep around 14–17 hours a day, though patterns vary. Establishing healthy sleep habits for newborns starts early. Babies naturally cycle between lighter and deeper sleep and can wake frequently. They also begin consolidating sleep at night as they grow, helping them stay asleep for longer stretches.
Proper sleep supports memory consolidation, brain development, and physical growth. A lack of adequate sleep or enough sleep leads to sleep deprivation, which affects parents and babies alike. Help your newborn to develop a consistent routine to help your infant fall asleep more easily and learn to sleep through the night as they grow.
There are several benefits of helping your newborn to get a good amount of sleep. Some of the benefits include the following:
Many parents have benefited from the following tips:
A bedtime routine works best as follows:
A sleep-friendly environment may include the following:
Look for the following clues that indicate sleepiness:
You can promote self-soothing by following these steps:
Keep the following in mind with regard to daytime naps:
Sleep issues can affect all areas of development:
Typical sleep problems include trouble falling asleep, frequent wakings, or early morning wakings. Without intervention, these can snowball into problematic patterns.
Avoid these common pitfalls:
Instead, aim to establish good sleep habits gradually, reinforcing consistent cues and environments.
If your baby consistently has the following difficulties, it may be time to discuss with your baby’s provider:
Sleep issues can sometimes signal underlying conditions, such as reflux, allergies, or sleep apnea. Early evaluation ensures peace of mind and professional guidance.
At Pediatric Associates of Austin, we specialize in supporting families through all stages of child development. Whether it’s managing sleep routines or addressing sleep problems, our experienced team is here to help.
If sleep disruptions are taking a toll on your family, contact our office in Austin, Texas, today. We’re here to help you achieve the peace and a good night’s sleep that you and your baby deserve.
Medically reviewed by Emily Woodard, MSN, APRN, CPNP
Most infants do best with a bedtime between 6:30 and 8 pm, but follow your child’s cues and ensure they get 11–17 hours of sleep per day, including naps.
For toddlers who resist napping, gently adjust schedules: shift nap times and shorten duration gradually. Keep bedtime routine consistent to promote healthy sleep habits.
Excessive daytime sleeping may limit nighttime sleep. Aim for a balance of awake time and naps to avoid staying awake fatigue, but ensure consolidated night sleep.
Gentle settling methods work best for many families. If your child wakes crying, you can go in to soothe without feeding or rocking, encouraging self‑settling over time.
Always place your baby on their back for sleep with a firm mattress and no loose bedding; this approach reduces the risk of SIDS.
