A.J. asks from Sterling, VA on May 05, 2007
3 Month Olds Sleeping Patterns
Okay, so I have a wonderful, happy and healthy 3 month old boy (just turned 3 months on the 29th) well, he doesn't stay awake for really any longer than 2 hours. He goes to sleep at 10 PM, usually wakes up once during the night (if at all) and then wakes up at 8 AM. By 10AM he wants a nap which is normal, but he'll only take about 1-1.5 hour nap, then within 2 hours, MAYBE 3 if I stretch it he's ready for another nap, then he'll take a longer nap 2-3 hours, then once he wakes up, same thing....around 2 hours later he's ready for his last nap before going to sleep again. I am a little concerned that this isn't normal....
Any input is much appreciated.
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M.M. answers from Washington DC on May 06, 2007
Girl, don't worry about his sleeping. Sounds like he is doing just fine!! Matter of fact I don't think I would go around bragging about his sleeping for fear of a another mother strangling you!! Lol
Keep up the good work, he's doing fine!!
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K.L. answers from Washington DC on May 05, 2007
This is very very normal! You should be thanking your lucky stars he does so well overnight!
I am a nanny for an almost 6 month old and she naps for 45 to 90 minute increments throughout the day, and is awake for somewhere between 1 to 3 hours between naps (depending on what else is going on). She sleeps 12 hours over night and has since she was 8 weeks old. Also, she goes to sleep on her own just fine with hardly any fussing.
I recommend reading the Weissbluth book "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child".
3 moms found this helpful
A.G. answers from Washington DC on May 06, 2007
I think your son has a wonderful sleeping pattern that I would have wanted for my son at that age. You should be ectstatic that he is sleeping through the night! Babies usually take about 3 naps like that around that age. Dont worry, as long as hes eating enough and getting his 15 or so hours of sleep for his age, you are doing great.
Keep up the good work!
A.
A.M. answers from Washington DC on May 06, 2007
I'm sure that you are already reassured by now but I wanted to add that the book people have posted about actually states that you need to try to put down your baby by 2 hours from the time he woke up last! So yours is right on schedule and you are paying good attention to his natural body rhythms by letting him sleep and not messing him up. And if it changes, that's okay too! My three month old (girl who just turned 3 months on the 23rd!) was on a pretty good schedule like that, but when the weekends come and visitors disrupt the schedule, I can really notice it in her happiness.
L.P. answers from Harrisburg on May 05, 2007
Hi A.,
I agree that you should feel very fortunate to have a baby that sleeps so well. Enjoy it while you can because before you know it he will be up running all over the place and you will wonder what happened to that baby that slept so much :)
L.
C.J. answers from Harrisburg on May 05, 2007
YOU ARE SO BLESSED TO HAVE HIM SLEEPING THE WAY THAT YOU DO! That is amazing, and I will tell you why....My daughter is 20 months old, and still wakes up sometimes in the middle of the night to have a drink......it drives me nuts, but hey, thats what mommy do best......care for there children
M.Y. answers from Washington DC on May 06, 2007
A.!! Enjoy that!! And be blessed that you have an amazing li'l sleeper!! Some babies sleep alot some don't. I managed to have two of them that never slept... So while you can soak it all up and enjoy it. On average, babies that young are supposed to sleep 10 or more hrs a day. Wow you are so lucky!!
A.K. answers from Washington DC on May 06, 2007
A.,
First, Congratulations on your new little one! Now - count your lucky stars you have such a wonderful sleeper!!! :) This is normal sleeping for a three month old baby and besides that you are also helping him set wonderful sleeping habits. I would enjoy it while it lasts (hopefully he will continue!) My daughter was always a great sleeper but my son hit the 4 month mark and went haywire!!!! He was not a very good sleeper from the 4 - 6 month mark. After having two great sleepers this became very frustrating and emotionally draining. So for now all I can say is that your baby is perfectly happy and healthy and sleeping wonderfully! It won't be long that you will look back on these days and wonder what happened! :)
M.W. answers from Washington DC on May 06, 2007
A., there is a wide range of what is considered to be normal. We use the term "normal" for the average, but it does not mean that if a baby is different they are abnormal. They are all individuals. My son required solid food at 5 weeks because he was taking in over 40 ozs. of formula, which was too stressful for his kidneys. At that time he started sleeping all night as well. It was not the usual, but it was not abnormal. He continued to be a healthy child. Although he was very pudgy as an infant and toddler, he slimmed out over one astonishing year and now looks like a bean pole at 23. If he were a baby today, he would be put on a diet, and maybe it would not be the right thing for him. So, if your child looks healthy and acts happy, don't sweat it. Relax and enjoy your night's sleep. And, give in to the urge to brag about how your son is already sleeping through the night to those moms who are still in the night feeding loop.
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