One of the biggest mysteries that comes with entering the world of parenthood is figuring out just how long your 3-month-old should nap. Timing feeds, play time, and sleeping can seem pretty scary, but don’t you worry. We’re going to break it down and get your little one the rest they need to grow big & strong!
Understanding Your 3-Month-Old's Sleep Needs
First things first -- How much sleep does your 3-month-old actually need? On average, babies at this age require about 14 to 17 hours of sleep over a span of 24 hours. That includes night time sleep as well as naps. But let’s dive deep into those crucial daytime naps.
How Long Should a 3-Month-Old Nap Be?
Although nap lengths will vary, for the most part a newborn should be snoozin’ anywhere from 1 to 2 hours at a time. With that being said every child is unique so some may prefer shorter or longer naps.
Nailing the Last Nap
The last nap of the day sets the stage for bed time, so having a shorter one between 30 to 45 minutes ensures they aren’t fully rested enough to resist!
The Daily Total
Remembering how many hours a three month old should sleep in an entire day can be tough but if you aim for around that golden range of about 14 –– 17 hours including all naps and night time rest then you’ve done it right!
Feeding and Sleep
Working out how long your baby should sleep between feeding is very important! During daylight hours, start by feeding every two or three hours followed by awake time and then their nap.
Awake Windows
You’ll want to keep your newborn awake for about an hour –– an hour & thirty minutes before they take a nap. Watching for sleep cues like eye rubbing and yawning during this time is vital so you can time their naps just right.
3 Month Old Sample Schedule
Creating a three month old sample schedule can keep to structure during your day as well as regulate your babies sleep patterns. Here’s an example of what one might look like:
7:00 AM: Good Morning Sunshine — Wake up and feed!
8:00 AM: Playtime! — Engage in gentle play, perfect for bonding and stimulating their little minds.
9:00 AM: Morning Nap — You want them to get about 1.5 hours of rest here.
10:30 AM: Feed — Time for another feeding after waking up.
11:30 AM: Playtime Again!— More bonding and play before the next nap.
12:30 PM Midday Nap — Another 1.5-hour nap should recharge them plenty enough!
2:00 PM Feed — Refuel themselves for the afternoon!
3:00 PM Short Play — Keep this playtime brief & calming.
4:00 PM Last Nap — Cap this one at about 45 minutes.
4:45 PM Awake and Play — Enjoy some light activities before the evening routine begins
6::00 PM Feed & Begin Bedtime Routine— Start winding down with a bath, feeding, and maybe a bedtime story too if you’d like!
7::30 PM Bedtime - Sweet Dreams!
Adjusting for Your Baby
Keep in mind that even though this is just a template –– some newborns might need longer naps while others are completely fine with shorter ones. The key is observing their behavior & responding to it accordingly!
Tips for Successful Napping
Timing isn’t everything when it comes to getting your child to take a nap; you’ll also want to create an environment that makes them feel most comfortable. Make sure their space is nice & quiet as well as dimly lit. Being consistent with where they nap can also help them build good sleeping habits.
Conclusion: The Power of Flexibility
Understanding how long your baby should sleep and planning your day accordingly is obviously very helpful, but it’s also super important to stay flexible. Babies are unpredictable and what they need changes all the time! By staying observant, patient, and adaptable, you’ll find what works for you and your little one. It’ll make sure that they get the best sleep possible at this age. They’ll be getting some much needed rest and rejuvenation in no time!