How much does a one month old baby sleep? (Read This)

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At around 1 month old your baby is likely to need 14-17 hours of sleep in a 24 hour period. (kidshealth, Stanford Medicine) However, how many naps and how long a baby sleeps can really vary. Some baby’s that have low birth weight or are premature may not be able to consume enough milk to sleep for long and may need waking in order to feed. 

One of the most common struggles new parents face is coping with their newborn’s sleep patterns. I’ve been there as a parent and as a professional supporting parents through their first few weeks. Try not to compare your baby’s sleep to a friends. Each baby is different.

Melatonin, the sleep stimulating hormone isn’t produced naturally in a baby until they are 3 months old! Instead baby’s get this from breast milk. (pubmed)

A common frustration for parents of Newborn Babies is that they don’t sleep at night and instead are asleep all day. The experience of sleep deprivation takes its toll, leaving them feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. If you find yourself in this position, fret not, as you are not alone.

It is not uncommon for newborns to have unpredictable and irregular sleep patterns during their early months, leaving parents questioning whether their little ones are getting enough rest.

If your one-month-old seems to be taking brief naps of no more than 30 minutes, it’s helpful to understand the factors contributing to this behavior and learn effective strategies to help your baby establish healthy sleep habits.

Why does my 1 month old wake every 30 minutes?

If your one-month-old baby is waking up every 30 minutes, you’re not alone in this seemingly perplexing situation. Infants at this age commonly experience fragmented sleep patterns due to a combination of factors.

Firstly, their cycles are shorter compared to adults, lasting about 30 to 45 minutes. As a result, they may wake up naturally after completing one cycle. Additionally, one-month-olds are still adjusting to the outside world and are often more sensitive to stimuli, such as hunger, discomfort, or overstimulation. Consequently, even minor discomforts like a wet diaper or feeling too warm can cause them to wake up frequently.

Secondly just because your baby is stirring or even fussying a little doesn’t mean that you need to get them up. They can settle themselves and might need a little reassurance that you are still there. Keep the place you put your baby to sleep consistent for the evening and main naps in the day, Babies like routines. 

Thirdly if your baby is waking up and screaming and is difficult to settle. Seek medical advice  from your healthcare provider. This can be reflux which can be triggered when a baby lies down.

Also Read: Why Does My Baby Scratch Everything?

If your 1 month old is waking every 30 minutes use our checklist

If your baby is having trouble sleeping longer than 30 minutes, here’s a list of things to check to identify possible reasons for the frequent awakenings:

• Hunger:Ensure your baby is getting enough feeds and isn’t waking up due to hunger. Newborns have small tummies and may need to eat frequently.
• Diaper:Check if the diaper is wet or soiled, as discomfort from a wet diaper can disrupt their sleep.
• Comfort and Temperature:Ensure your baby is dressed appropriately for the room temperature, not too hot or cold, and provide a comfortable sleeping environment.
• Sleep Environment:Create a calm and quiet sleep space, free from excessive noise, bright lights, or distractions.
• Sleep Routine:Establish a consistent bedtime routine to signal to your baby that it’s time to sleep. This can include activities like bathing, reading, or gentle rocking.
• Nap Duration:Keep an eye on how long your baby is awake between naps. Overtiredness can make it difficult for them to settle into a longer sleep.
• Sleep Associations:Be mindful of any sleep associations that might hinder your baby from self-soothing, such as relying on rocking or feeding to fall asleep.
• Physical Discomfort:Check for signs of physical discomfort, such as gas, colic, or reflux, which could be causing your baby to wake frequently.
• Overstimulation:Avoid overstimulating your baby before sleep. Calm and soothing activities leading up to naptime can help them transition into sleep more easily.
• Illness or Teething:Consider if your baby is unwell or teething, as these factors may disrupt their sleep patterns.
• Day-Night Confusion:Help your baby differentiate between day and night by exposing them to natural light during the day and keeping the environment dim and quiet at night.
• Sleep Environment Changes:If your baby has recently transitioned from the womb to the outside world, they may need time to adjust to their new sleep environment.

Remember, every baby is unique, and it may take some time to identify the specific reasons behind your baby’s short sleep duration. Be patient, observe your baby’s cues, and offer comfort and support as needed to help them establish better sleep habits over time. If you have concerns about your baby’s sleep patterns or overall well-being, don’t hesitate to seek advice from a pediatrician or a qualified healthcare professional.

Also Read: Do Babies Know When To Stop Eating

What is an example sleep schedule for a 1 month year old?

For a 1-month-old baby, sleep schedules can vary quite a bit as newborns have not yet developed a regular circadian rhythm. However, there are some general patterns that many 1-month-olds tend to follow. Here’s an example of a typical sleep schedule for a 1-month-old:

• Total Sleep in 24 Hours: 14-17 hours
• Nighttime Sleep: Around 8-9 hours (usually not continuous, with feedings every 2-3 hours)
• Daytime Sleep: Around 5-6 hours, divided over 3-4 naps

A 1-month-old baby’s sleep schedule might look something like this:

• Morning: Wake up and feed, followed by a short period of wakefulness (about 45-60 minutes).
• Late Morning Nap: 1-2 hours after waking up.
• Midday: Feed upon waking, followed by wakefulness and then another nap.
• Afternoon: Similar pattern of feeding, wakefulness, and napping.
• Early Evening: Shorter nap or quiet time.
• Night: Start of the longest sleep period, but expect wake-ups every 2-3 hours for feedings.

It’s important to remember that every baby is unique, and their sleep patterns can vary widely. Some might sleep more during the day and less at night, while others might have longer stretches of sleep at night. At this age, the key is to be responsive to the baby’s needs, as they are still too young for any formal sleep training or strict scheduling.

Regular feeding, comforting, and ensuring a safe sleep environment are the main priorities.

Why is my one month old awake for so long?

There are several reasons why a one month old may be awake for longer than you would expect:

Developmental Changes: At one month old, your baby is going through significant developmental changes. They are becoming more aware of their surroundings and may be fascinated by the new sights, sounds, and sensations they are experiencing. This increased alertness can lead to longer wakeful periods.

Feeding Frequency: Newborns have small stomachs and need to feed frequently. They may wake up often to satisfy their hunger and support their rapid growth and development. Breastfed babies, in particular, tend to feed more frequently compared to formula-fed babies.

Day-Night Confusion: One-month-olds are still establishing their circadian rhythm, which regulates their sleep-wake cycle. They might be more wakeful during the night and sleepier during the day, leading to longer periods of wakefulness at certain times.

Discomfort or Colic: Your baby may be awake for longer if they are experiencing discomfort from issues like gas, colic, or reflux. These conditions can make it challenging for them to settle and fall asleep.

Overstimulation: Too much activity, noise, or bright lights can overstimulate a one-month-old baby, making it difficult for them to relax and fall asleep.

Need for Interaction and Comfort: One-month-olds crave human interaction, comfort, and touch. They may stay awake longer if they are seeking comfort and reassurance from their caregivers.

Incomplete Sleep Cycles: Like mentioned before, newborns have shorter sleep cycles, and they may not yet have developed the ability to link their sleep cycles seamlessly. This can lead to more frequent awakenings and longer wakeful periods.

What are signs of sleep readiness?

You baby simply might not be able to sleep for long yet, but they will. Sometimes parents miss signs that their baby is actually tired and ready for a nap. They baby then becomes too tired and overstimulated which makes it more difficult for them to settle.

Recognizing the signs of sleep readiness in a baby can help you to put them to bed at the right time, which can lead to better sleep for both the baby and the parents. Here are common signs that a baby is ready for sleep:

1. Rubbing Eyes: When tired, many babies rub their eyes or pull on their ears.
2. Yawning: This is a classic sign of sleepiness in both babies and adults.
3. Looking Away: A baby might turn away from engaging activities or people, indicating they’re overwhelmed and need a break, often in the form of sleep.
4. Fussiness: Increased crankiness or fussiness can be a sign that a baby is tired and needs rest.
5. Decreased Activity: Slower movements or less interest in play can indicate that a baby is getting tired.
6. Losing Interest in People and Toys: A baby who is usually interested in toys and people around them might start to show disinterest when they need sleep.
7. Clinginess: Some babies become more clingy to their parents or caregivers when they are tired.
8. Fluttering Eyelids or Heavy Eyes: If a baby’s eyes are beginning to close or if they can’t seem to keep their eyelids open, they are likely ready for sleep.
9. Quieting Down: Some babies become quieter and more still when they are ready for sleep.

It’s important to observe your baby’s individual patterns and cues, as signs vary baby to baby. They may show different signs of sleep readiness. Responding to these cues promptly can help prevent your baby from becoming overtired, which can actually make it harder for them to fall asleep and stay asleep.

We do not offer medical advice. If you are concerned about your baby’s sleep consult your healthcare provider.

Products that will genuinely help you!

A portable bassinet and stand that connects to your stroller and is safe enough for overnight sleeping.The Inglesina Electra travel system has a portable bassinet and stand. The mattress is so good it reduces flat head syndrome and is use in hospitals in Italy! What’s more the travel system is stylish slimline and easy to maneuver. There’s nothing more annoying than having your baby fall asleep whilst on a morning stroll only for you to have to wake them or push your dirty wheeled stroller indoors.

White noise machines are amazing here is my favorite. These can really help your baby stay asleep for longer and get more overnight sleep. 

Baby Shusher– It makes white noise which sounds like a womb, trust me just get one and thank me later!

Baby Brezza Formula Pro Advanced One of the major annoyance of not breastfeeding is night feeds. Getting up bleary eyed to make formula milk and wait for it to cool, Baby Brezza Formula Pro Advanced is a God send for tired parents, digitally controlled so you can can program the machine to make milk from your phone whilst you are in bed!

What’s the longest a 1 month old should be awake for?

At one month old, a baby’s wakeful periods should generally be quite short due to their developing sleep patterns and rapid growth. The longest a one-month-old baby should typically be awake for is around 60 to 90 minutes. After being awake for this period, they will likely show signs of sleepiness and may need to take a nap.

As a general rule, newborns require a lot of sleep, often totaling around 14 to 17 hours a day. However, they tend to have short sleep cycles, lasting about 30 to 45 minutes, and may wake up frequently. As they grow and develop, their sleep patterns will evolve, and they will gradually be able to stay awake for longer periods between naps.

It’s important to remember that all babies are unique, and individual variations in sleep needs and patterns are entirely normal. If you have concerns about your baby’s sleep or wakefulness, or if they are showing signs of unusual fussiness or difficulty falling asleep, don’t hesitate to consult with your pediatrician for guidance and reassurance. They can provide personalized advice based on your baby’s specific needs and development.

What should I do to help a baby sleep for longer?

To help your one-month-old establish better sleep habits and possibly reduce longer wakeful periods, you can try the following:

Create a Calm Environment: Provide a calm and soothing sleep environment that minimizes stimulation and distractions. Being picked up and held by lots of different people all day can be over stimulating for your baby. Its great to have support from family and friends but also important for you to develop a routine that works for you are your baby.

Watch for Sleep Cues: Look for signs of sleepiness, such as yawning, rubbing eyes, or becoming fussy, and put your baby to sleep when you notice these cues to prevent overtiredness.

Check your babies awake windows are appropriate: at 1 month this will be between 60-90 minutes of awake time between naps no more!

Establish a gentle daily routine: Think of your daytime with your baby as 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of night time with naps in the daytime. Think of your baby’s bad time being 12 hours from when they first wake in the morning. For example if in the long run you want to establish a 7pm bedtime, wake your baby at 7 am, let nap nap every hour-hour and half in the day most babies who sleep well at night have a short morning nap and a longer afternoon nap that will establish around 6 months of age. some of these naps your baby may take whilst in pram and you are taking a walk, that’s fine. However try to think about what you need as well. If your want time to recoup in the day and establishing two periods during the day when your baby is placed in their crib ideally in the morning and after lunch. This will help your to establish a routine that works for you. Try not to rock or feed your baby to sleep. if they are fallen asleep in this way , rouse them gentle and put them back down.

Establish a Bedtime Routine: Develop a consistent bedtime routine to signal to your baby that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep. Despite what some people say about letting babies learn to sleep in noisy bright environments, humans just don’t work that why, we get better sleep in dark quiet environments and 1 month is a good age to start putting your baby to sleep in their bassinet/ crib and regular times. Your baby is unlikely to have an established sleep schedule until they are 6 months old. This doesn’t mean that you are not able to begin good sleep hygiene routines in at this age and it helps to establish a good routine later on.

Offer Comfort and Soothing: Be responsive to your baby’s needs for comfort and interaction, as this can help them feel secure and settled, lower your voice as you talk to your, ensure your baby is fed and has a clean nappy, and lay them down in their crib in a dark and quiet room. They may fuss a little if they wake after 30 minutes you can use your voice or gentle touch to sooth them and they will eventually settle back to sleep for longer. eventually.

Practice Safe Sleep: Ensure your baby is sleeping on their back in a safe sleep space, following the guidelines to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Remember that every baby is unique, and it’s entirely normal for sleep patterns to vary during the first few months of life. If you have concerns about your baby’s wakeful periods or sleep patterns, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your pediatrician for guidance and reassurance.

What are false starts at bedtime?

False starts are when you baby appears to have gone to sleep and wakes half an hour or so after being put to bed. there are several reasons for these. Often this can happen if your baby is used to you settling them back to sleep after a sleep cycle. Its ok to reassure your baby that you are still there by using your voice or stroking their face. Swaddling can help newborns who wake with a startle reflex to feel more secure, this normally settle by three months of age, always be available to your baby but they don’t always to picking up. When you are considering how you want to parent think about your lifestyle and what is realistic for you and your family. We are all different. Feeding on demand will help you establish a good milk supply if you’re breastfeeding and sleeping very near your baby will help you get through the nights and continue feeding for longer. Be careful that you have a plan for safe co sleeping if you are getting very little sleep. As accidental co sleeping is extremely dangerous yet most new parents do it. The risk of SIDS is greatly reduced if a plan for safer co sleeping is made for those times when your baby is not sleeping for long periods.

Also read; Are There Benefits Of Co Sleeping?

Final thoughts

Your baby doesn’t have a sleep problem if they are under 6 months. As humans our sleep cycles and circadian rhythms don’t develop until this time, however establishing routines will help you and your baby to develop healthy patterns of sleep.

I breastfed one baby and was unable to breastfeed the other for longer than 6 weeks. I don’t have a personally agenda for either as every mom/ parent has their own story. All I will say is that establishing a routine that allowed me to rest was vital and find a way to recover from birth and reconnect with myself outside of being a mother was essential for me to enjoy my children. Follow you instincts as a parent and ensure your baby’s sleep area is safe and CLEAN wherever they sleep.

If you are concerned about your baby’s sleep you should always consult your healthcare provider.

What’s the longest a 1 month old should be awake for?

At one month old, a baby’s wakeful periods should generally be quite short due to their developing sleep patterns and rapid growth. The longest a one-month-old baby should typically be awake for is around 60 to 90 minutes. After being awake for this period, they will likely show signs of sleepiness and may need to take a nap.

As a general rule, newborns require a lot of sleep, often totaling around 14 to 17 hours a day. However, they tend to have short sleep cycles, lasting about 30 to 45 minutes, and may wake up frequently. As they grow and develop, their sleep patterns will evolve, and they will gradually be able to stay awake for longer periods between naps.

It’s important to remember that all babies are unique, and individual variations in sleep needs and patterns are entirely normal. If you have concerns about your baby’s sleep or wakefulness, or if they are showing signs of unusual fussiness or difficulty falling asleep, don’t hesitate to consult with your pediatrician for guidance and reassurance. They can provide personalized advice based on your baby’s specific needs and development.

What should I do to help a baby sleep for longer?

To help your one-month-old establish better sleep habits and possibly reduce longer wakeful periods, you can try the following:

Create a Calm Environment: Provide a calm and soothing sleep environment that minimizes stimulation and distractions. Being picked up and held by lots of different people all day can be over stimulating for your baby. Its great to have support from family and friends but also important for you to develop a routine that works for you are your baby.

Watch for Sleep Cues: Look for signs of sleepiness, such as yawning, rubbing eyes, or becoming fussy, and put your baby to sleep when you notice these cues to prevent overtiredness.

Check your babies awake windows are appropriate: at 1 month this will be between 60-90 minutes of awake time between naps no more!

Establish a gentle daily routine: Think of your daytime with your baby as 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of night time with naps in the daytime. Think of your baby’s bad time being 12 hours from when they first wake in the morning. For example if in the long run you want to establish a 7pm bedtime, wake your baby at 7 am, let nap nap every hour-hour and half in the day most babies who sleep well at night have a short morning nap and a longer afternoon nap that will establish around 6 months of age. some of these naps your baby may take whilst in pram and you are taking a walk, that’s fine. However try to think about what you need as well. If your want time to recoup in the day and establishing two periods during the day when your baby is placed in their crib ideally in the morning and after lunch. This will help your to establish a routine that works for you. Try not to rock or feed your baby to sleep. if they are fallen asleep in this way , rouse them gentle and put them back down.

Establish a Bedtime Routine: Develop a consistent bedtime routine to signal to your baby that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep. Despite what some people say about letting babies learn to sleep in noisy bright environments, humans just don’t work that why, we get better sleep in dark quiet environments and 1 month is a good age to start putting your baby to sleep in their bassinet/ crib and regular times. Your baby is unlikely to have an established sleep schedule until they are 6 months old. This doesn’t mean that you are not able to begin good sleep hygiene routines in at this age and it helps to establish a good routine later on.

Offer Comfort and Soothing: Be responsive to your baby’s needs for comfort and interaction, as this can help them feel secure and settled, lower your voice as you talk to your, ensure your baby is fed and has a clean nappy, and lay them down in their crib in a dark and quiet room. They may fuss a little if they wake after 30 minutes you can use your voice or gentle touch to sooth them and they will eventually settle back to sleep for longer. eventually.

Practice Safe Sleep: Ensure your baby is sleeping on their back in a safe sleep space, following the guidelines to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Remember that every baby is unique, and it’s entirely normal for sleep patterns to vary during the first few months of life. If you have concerns about your baby’s wakeful periods or sleep patterns, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your pediatrician for guidance and reassurance.

What are false starts at bedtime?

False starts are when you baby appears to have gone to sleep and wakes half an hour or so after being put to bed. there are several reasons for these. Often this can happen if your baby is used to you settling them back to sleep after a sleep cycle. Its ok to reassure your baby that you are still there by using your voice or stroking their face. Swaddling can help newborns who wake with a startle reflex to feel more secure, this normally settle by three months of age, always be available to your baby but they don’t always to picking up. When you are considering how you want to parent think about your lifestyle and what is realistic for you and your family. We are all different. Feeding on demand will help you establish a good milk supply if you’re breastfeeding and sleeping very near your baby will help you get through the nights and continue feeding for longer. Be careful that you have a plan for safe co sleeping if you are getting very little sleep. As accidental co sleeping is extremely dangerous yet most new parents do it. The risk of SIDS is greatly reduced if a plan for safer co sleeping is made for those times when your baby is not sleeping for long periods.

Also read; Are There Benefits Of Co Sleeping?

Baby Sleep Sacks

I love sleep sacks. They are great because they help keep you baby as a constant temperature and prevent your baby slipping under covers or wiggling free. We don’t recommend the use of weighted sleep aids for babies. It’s natural for baby’s to startle and then sleep again as they fall in and out of sleep cycles. Eventually their sleep will become deeper but there is a concern that weighted sleep sack could restrict respiration if used incorrectly. Therefore they are not recommended by pediatricians for children under 1 and certainly not for newborns. Whereas there have been no deaths yet leading pediatricians are concerned. Why risk it? You sleep deprivation will end!

Final thoughts

Your baby doesn’t have a sleep problem if they are under 6 months. As humans our sleep cycles and circadian rhythms don’t develop until this time, however establishing routines will help you and your baby to develop healthy patterns of sleep.

I breastfed one baby and was unable to breastfeed the other for longer than 6 weeks. I don’t have a personally agenda for either as every mom/ parent has their own story. All i will say is that establishing a routine that allowed me to rest was vital and find a way to recover from birth and reconnect with myself outside of being a mother was essential for me to enjoy my children. Follow you instincts as a parent and ensure your baby’s sleep area is safe and CLEAN wherever they sleep.