I'm unable to maintain a sleep routine for my 3 month old boy at night. Daily he is extending half an hour. please give me tips to maintain sleep routine during night

Question

Accepted Answer

Establishing a consistent sleep routine for a 3-month-old baby can be challenging, but with patience and consistent effort, it is achievable. Here are some tips to help you maintain a nighttime sleep routine:

1. Establish a Bedtime Routine

Create a calming bedtime routine to signal to your baby that it’s time to sleep. Keep the routine consistent and start it around the same time every evening.

Bathing your baby in warm water.

Dressing them in comfortable sleepwear.

Dim the lights in the room.

Read a short story or sing a lullaby.

Offer a final feeding session.

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2. Set a Regular Bedtime

Start the bedtime routine 30 minutes before the desired sleep time.

Aim for a consistent bedtime, for example, around 7:30 or 8:00 PM.

Gradually adjust the timing by 10-15 minutes each night if the baby’s bedtime is shifting later.

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3. Follow Age-Appropriate Wake Windows

At 3 months, your baby can typically stay awake for 1-2 hours between naps.

Avoid overtiring the baby, as it can make it harder for them to settle down at night.

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4. Encourage Daytime Naps

Ensure your baby gets enough daytime sleep to avoid being overtired at night.

Maintain a balance: too much daytime sleep can also disrupt nighttime sleep.

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5. Limit Stimulation Before Bedtime

Reduce activities and noise levels in the evening.

Avoid screen time or bright lights near the baby.

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6. Create a Sleep-Conducive Environment

Keep the room dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature.

Use white noise or a fan to block out household sounds.

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7. Teach Baby to Fall Asleep Independently

Place your baby in the crib while drowsy but still awake.

Let them learn to self-soothe rather than relying on feeding or rocking every time.

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8. Limit Nighttime Stimulation

When your baby wakes up at night, keep the lights dim and interactions minimal.

Use a calm and soft voice while soothing or feeding.

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9. Offer a Full Feeding Before Bedtime

Ensure your baby has a full feeding before going to sleep to reduce frequent night waking.

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10. Be Patient and Consistent

Establishing a sleep routine takes time.

Be consistent with your approach, and your baby will gradually adjust.

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Sample Sleep Schedule for a 3-Month-Old

7:00 AM: Wake up and feed.

8:15 AM - 9:30 AM: Morning nap.

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM: Mid-morning nap.

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM: Afternoon nap.

5:00 PM - 5:30 PM: Evening nap.

7:30 PM: Begin bedtime routine.

8:00 PM: Sleep for the night.

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If Challenges Persist

If your baby continues to resist a sleep routine, consult a pediatrician to rule out underlying issues like reflux or feeding problems.