Hello Doctor,
My baby is 6 months old,she is sleeping only 6 -7 hrs in a day,I have tried few sleeping techniques,kindly suggest

Question

Accepted Answer

It's quite common for a 6-month-old baby to sleep for about 6 to 7 hours during the day, but it can feel challenging for parents if the baby isn’t getting enough rest. At this age, babies typically need around 12 to 15 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period, including naps. Since you've tried a few techniques, here are additional suggestions you can try to help improve your baby's sleep pattern:

1. Establish a Consistent Sleep Routine:

Create a Soothing Bedtime Routine: A calming pre-sleep routine like a warm bath, gentle massage, soft lullabies, or reading a book can help signal to your baby that it’s time to wind down.

Same Sleep Time: Try to put your baby to sleep at the same time each day, even for naps, to create consistency.

2. Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment:

Dark and Quiet Room: Use blackout curtains to make the room dark and use white noise (a fan or a sound machine) to mask outside noises.

Comfortable Temperature: Keep the room temperature between 68°F (20°C) and 72°F (22°C) for optimal sleep.

3. Encourage Full Naps:

Watch for Sleep Cues: Look for signs of sleepiness (rubbing eyes, yawning, becoming fussy) and put your baby to sleep as soon as you notice these signs.

Nap Duration: At 6 months, babies typically need 2-3 naps a day, lasting 1-2 hours each.

4. Avoid Stimulation Close to Nap Time:

Limit Active Play Before Sleep: Avoid overstimulating activities like playing with bright toys or engaging in active games close to naptime or bedtime.

5. Feed Before Sleep:

If your baby is still breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, make sure she has a good feed right before sleep, as a full stomach can help her sleep longer.

6. Gradual Sleep Training (If Needed):

Pick Up/Put Down Method: Gently put your baby back in the crib when she wakes up, without picking her up immediately, to encourage self-soothing.

Ferber Method: If you are open to it, you could try letting your baby self-soothe with intervals of comforting her (check every few minutes and gradually extend the time between checks).

7. Avoid Late Naps:

Ensure the last nap of the day is not too close to bedtime. Aim for a gap of 3-4 hours between the last nap and bedtime.

8. Watch for Sleep Regression:

At 6 months, babies sometimes go through sleep regression, which can cause temporary disruptions in their sleep patterns. This phase usually passes with time.

9. Daylight Exposure:

Ensure your baby gets exposure to natural daylight during the day, as this helps regulate the circadian rhythm and improves nighttime sleep.

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If you've tried these techniques and your baby’s sleep pattern still seems unusual or concerning, it may be helpful to consult a pediatrician or sleep consultant for personalized advice.

Hello Doctor, My baby is 6 months old,she is sleeping only 6 -7 hrs in a day,I have tried few sleeping techniques,kindly suggest