my baby is 16 months old still he wakes up every hour at night,feed a little and then sleeps back. how can I make him sleep for more hours?

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Accepted Answer

Frequent night waking in a 16-month-old is common, especially if they are used to nursing or bottle-feeding to soothe themselves back to sleep. Here are some strategies to help your baby sleep for longer stretches at night:

1. Establish a Consistent Bedtime Routine

Create a calming routine to signal bedtime, such as:

A warm bath.

Reading a story.

Gentle massage.

Dimming the lights.

Singing a lullaby.

Ensure the routine is the same every night and at the same time.

2. Encourage Self-Soothing

Gradually reduce the number of times you feed your baby at night.

Encourage your baby to fall asleep without feeding by offering other soothing methods, like patting their back or giving them a comfort object like a blanket or stuffed toy.

Avoid picking up the baby immediately when they wake up unless they are very upset.

3. Offer More Calories During the Day

Ensure your baby is eating enough during the day, especially before bedtime.

Include high-protein and high-fat foods like yogurt, cheese, avocado, or peanut butter (if already introduced) to keep them full longer.

Avoid giving sugary snacks in the evening.

4. Set the Sleep Environment

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

Use white noise or a soft nightlight if needed.

Ensure the baby’s crib is safe, free of toys, and inviting for sleep.

5. Limit Daytime Naps

Monitor the total nap time during the day to ensure your baby isn’t oversleeping.

At 16 months, most babies need about 2-3 hours of nap time split across 1-2 naps. Avoid naps too close to bedtime.

6. Gradual Weaning (If Breastfeeding or Bottle-Feeding at Night)

Slowly decrease the duration or quantity of night feeds over a week or two.

Replace feeds with water in a bottle to discourage the habit.

7. Address Separation Anxiety

At this age, separation anxiety can cause frequent waking. Spend quality time together during the day to reassure them of your presence.

8. Seek Professional Advice If Needed

If the waking persists despite trying these strategies, consult your pediatrician to rule out underlying causes like:

Teething discomfort.

Ear infections.

Reflux or digestive issues.

Suggested Sleep Schedule for 16-Month-Olds:

Total Sleep in 24 Hours: 12-14 hours.

Daytime Nap: 1-2 naps, totaling 2-3 hours.

Nighttime Sleep: 10-12 hours.

Consistency and patience are key to helping your baby sleep through the night. Implementing these changes gradually will give you and your baby the best chance of success.