#asktheexpert my 6 months old baby does not sleeps for a long duration... he sleeps only for 40-45 mins and Wakes up very easily in day time.. in night also after every 1.5 to 2 hours he wakes up takes my feed and then sleep. is this normal as babies of this age sleeps for a longer stretch as per my knowledge

Question

Accepted Answer

It's common for six-month-old babies to have short sleep cycles, but frequent night waking and short naps can be exhausting for both baby and parents. At this age, babies should ideally get 13-15 hours of sleep daily, including 2-3 naps during the day and longer sleep at night.

Possible Reasons for Short Sleep Duration:

✔ Sleep Cycle Maturation – Babies transition between light and deep sleep frequently, causing frequent wake-ups.
✔ Hunger or Growth Spurts – At 6 months, babies may wake up due to hunger, especially if they are going through a growth spurt.
✔ Discomfort (Gas/Teething) – Gas, colic, or teething discomfort can disrupt sleep.
✔ Sleep Associations – If your baby needs rocking, feeding, or patting to sleep, they may wake up looking for the same comfort.
✔ Overstimulation Before Bedtime – Too much play or screen exposure before sleep can make it hard to settle down.
✔ Short Naps Leading to Overtiredness – An overtired baby finds it harder to stay asleep.

Tips to Improve Sleep Duration:

✅ Follow a Fixed Sleep Routine – Try consistent bedtime and nap times daily.
✅ Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment – Keep the room dark, quiet, and cool (white noise can help).
✅ Encourage Self-Soothing – Put your baby in the crib drowsy but awake to help them learn to settle independently.
✅ Try Gentle Sleep Training – Techniques like Ferber method or pick-up-put-down may help.
✅ Increase Daytime Feeds – Ensure your baby is well-fed during the day to reduce night waking due to hunger.
✅ Check for Teething Discomfort – If teething, try teethers or a cold washcloth to soothe gums before bed.
✅ Help Extend Naps – If baby wakes up after 40-45 minutes, try patting or rocking them back to sleep instead of immediately picking them up.

If sleep issues persist beyond 8-9 months, or your baby is extremely fussy and unable to sleep at all, consult a pediatrician to rule out underlying issues like reflux or allergies. Let me know if you need help with a sleep schedule!