How to Tell if Your Baby Has Low, Average, or High Sleep Needs
Learning how your baby sleeps can feel like cracking a secret code. You might be used to hearing "low sleep needs," "average sleep needs," and "high sleep needs," but what exactly do they mean? Let's demystify and determine how to determine where your little one falls.
What Do "Low," "Average," and "High" Sleep Needs Mean?
In simple words, these are the terms used to explain the sleep your baby needs within 24 hours:
Low Sleep Needs: Simply put, your baby sleeps fewer hours in 24 hours than other babies their age. They may nap less, have larger wake windows, and remain alert and happy.
Average Sleep Needs: Your baby's sleep pattern is in sync with typical expectations for their age.
High Sleep Needs: Your baby requires more sleep than average for their age. They may nap longer and experience shorter periods of wakefulness.
How Are These Sleep Needs Determined?
Several things influence your baby's sleep requirements:
1. Age: Sleep needs vary as your baby grows. Newborns may sleep 16 to 18 hours a day, whereas infants/babies may require 12 to 16 hours, including naps.
2. Temperament: Naturally more alert, some babies sleep less, whereas others are easily sleepy.
3. Genetics: Babies do inherit sleep patterns and sleep needs from their patterns (about 40% according to this study)
4. Developmental Stage: Some milestones, such as crawling, temporarily influence sleeping patterns.
Understanding Your Baby's Sleeping Needs
These categories and indicators can help you observe and determine your baby’s sleep needs. I have to caveat that with the only reason you need to know this is just to help you figure out a working schedule that gets you both the best sleep possible! It’s not something you need to obsess over and constantly tweak, analyze, etc.
Indicators of Low Sleep Needs:
Longer wake periods without seeming overtired
Content and alert behavior with reduced sleep.
High Sleep Needs Indicators:
Longer naps.
Shorter wake windows before showing signs of tiredness.
Irritability or fussiness when not getting extended sleep.
Evidence-Based Insights for Sleep Needs for Babies
Studies highlight the heterogeneity of infant sleep needs. A study underscored that infants sleep more than twice as many hours as their counterparts in the first year.. Another study underscored that sleep is a dynamic process of development with striking inter-individual variation.
Practical Recommendations: What does this all mean?
Being aware of your baby's unique sleep needs may enable you to create an appropriate sleeping environment:
Watch and Adjust: Watch for your baby's cues and adjust routines as needed (not based on age)
Consistency is Key: Establish a regular sleep and wake routine to establish their internal clock.
Establish a Sleep-Conducive Environment: Ensure the sleeping environment is quiet, dark, and at the optimal temperature.
Seek Professional Help if Necessary: If sleep problems persist, it can be beneficial to seek the advice of a pediatric sleep consultant.
Client Experiences with Heaven Sent Sleep
A number of parents have been helped by Heaven Sent Sleep. Founder Ashley Olson has been praised for her ability and understanding attitude. One client described, "After reading everything (hi, enneagram 5), we had amazing success with baby sleep and I began assisting my friends."
In order to find out more about how to work out your child's sleep needs, read our in-depth guide:
Remember, every baby is unique. Embracing the unique sleep patterns and needs of your child can lead to improved sleeps and happier days for both of you.
