Safer Sleep Week 10-16th March 2025

Greater awareness of safer sleep saves lives; Baby’s sleep patterns.

One of the topics Safer Sleep Week 2025 will focus on is: Exploring baby sleep patterns. How long should your baby sleep for their age?

You might feel the urge to help your baby sleep longer or through the night, but it’s important to know that it’s normal for babies under one (and sometimes even older) to wake up during the night. Babies’ sleep patterns differ from adults’ and evolve over the first few years.

Young babies typically wake often for feedings. While night waking can be challenging, seeking support and creating a plan for how to manage it can be beneficial.

It’s also worth noting that encouraging babies to sleep for longer or more deeply than is typical for their developmental stage could interfere with their ability to respond if something goes wrong, like if their mouth or nose becomes obstructed. This could increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

• Newborn Your baby may sleep for anywhere between eight to 18 hours a day, but only for two to three hours at a time.
• 3-6 months Your baby may sleep for longer periods now as they need fewer night feeds. Some babies may sleep for eight hours or longer at night, but not all will.
• 6-12 months Your baby may sleep for up to 12 hours at night but factors like teething, illness or hunger may mean they wake more frequently again

Around a third of babies will have never slept all night by 12 months. All babies are different and their sleep patterns will change, so try not to compare your baby to others. If you are really worried about your babies’ sleep pattern, ask your midwife, health visitor or GP for support. For more advice on safer sleep for babies visit: Safer Sleep Week | The Lullaby Trust

Remember: Sleeping your baby in the same room as you for at least the first six months helps to reduce the risk of SIDS

Safe Sleep for a baby

Please read Safer sleeping – Health Under 5s (healthforunder5s.co.uk) to help your baby stay safe while sleeping

Sleep for toddlers and older children

Watch our video https://youtu.be/oMgso2vtMvs

We also like the Sleep Charity which also has lots of help and advice https://thesleepcharity.org.uk/

Need help with your baby or childs sleep?

If you do require any support with routines or have issues with your child settling and waking at night, please do contact your health visiting team for support.

To find your local Health Visiting team contact information follow this link – Your Health Visiting Service – Sussex | Health for under5s