When your baby turns 9 months old, their sleep habits may change. Developmental milestones, growing curiosity, and even separation anxiety can disrupt nap and bedtime routines. Let’s take a look at these changes and how to manage them effectively.
Most 9-month-old babies need around 12-16 hours of sleep in any 24-hour period. This usually includes a 10-12 hour nap at night and two 2-3 hour naps during the day. While these numbers may vary, it’s important to establish a routine that works for your baby.
Research from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine supports this field, showing that proper sleep promotes your baby’s overall development.
Sleep problems are common at this age and are usually related to:
Developmental milestones: Crawling, standing and other physical developments may make it difficult for your baby to settle.
Separation anxiety: Your baby is more aware of their surroundings and may resist being left alone at bedtime.
Teething: Discomfort caused by new teeth can also disrupt sleep.
These factors lead to common behaviours such as refusing to take naps or waking frequently during the night, which can be frustrating but is completely normal.
Your 9-month-old baby is curious and wants to explore the world around them. He may be resistant to naps because he doesn’t want to miss out on anything. Sleep regressions are also common during this time as the humans’ brains process new skills.
Here are some tips to deal with sleep issues:
Create a soothing bedtime routine: A predictable routine will let your baby know it’s time to settle down. This might include a bath, quiet play, soothing lullabies, etc.
Adjust your sleep schedule: Be mindful of bedtime and make sure it’s not too close to bedtime. Ideally, naps should end 3-4 hours before bedtime.
Deal with separation anxiety: If your baby cries when you leave the room, soothe him but also encourage him to settle down on his own by not rushing back immediately.
Be consistent: Whether you try a gentle sleep training method or a set routine, consistency is key. Giving your baby time to self-soothe will help him learn to fall asleep more independently.
Yes, sleep training is safe and very effective at this age. One method you can try is the “Graduated Extinction” technique, which involves gradually increasing the time between checks with your baby to encourage them to self-soothe.
Research shows that sleep training has no long-term negative effects on emotional or behavioural development.
Sleep is essential for your baby’s brain development. While resting, your baby consolidates memories, processes information, and grows physically.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, lack of sleep can lead to emotional regulation problems and developmental delays later in life.
Total sleep needed per day: 12-16 hours.
Nighttime sleep: 10-12 hours.
Number of naps: 2 per day, lasting 1-1.5 hours each.
Nighttime wakeups: 1-2 times, although some babies may sleep through the night.
Sleep changes are normal at 9 months of age, but understanding the reasons behind them can help you take steps to manage naps and bedtime more effectively. Focus on creating a calming routine, addressing separation anxiety, and consistently using sleep training methods if needed.
With some patience and perseverance, you and your baby can enjoy more restful nights. If the problem persists, it may help to consult a paediatrician.
Child Psychologist at Deep connection
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