Is it okay for an infant to sleep 10-12 hours at night?
Our 4-month-old baby regularly sleeps for 10+ hours at night. I know this isn't normal (and we feel pretty blessed for it), but is it okay? Are there any health problems or downsides to this?
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At KidsHealth.org, growth spurts are listed as a reason for increase in sleep patterns.
Most infants, when going through a growth spurt (usually around the ages of 7-10 days, 2-3 weeks, 4-6 weeks, 3 months, and 4 months), will nurse or want a bottle more often, and may even sleep less throughout the day. But most babies will sleep noticeably more (overall) during these growth periods because of the intense need to conserve energy.
However, Dr. Sears explains how excessive sleep can deprive a child of what is needed to thrive.
But it's possible for excessive sleep to keep an infant from thriving. "Thriving" means more than just getting bigger, it means that your baby is developing to his fullest potential; physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Babies are born with attachment-promoting behaviors (e.g. crying) that cue their caregivers to the quantity and quality of touch and feeding they need in order to thrive. Infants who sleep too much may not initiate interaction, so you have to do it (as you've been doing when you wake him up to feed).
We suggest that you continue to schedule your baby's feedings at least every three hours during the day, but let him wake you at night. Be sure to have him weighed frequently by your doctor to be sure he is gaining enough weight . Because they are not demanding babies, heavy sleepers often do not get enough to eat. This is why you are wise to take charge of the feeding routine and continue to awaken your baby for meals every three hours during the day.
In addition to insuring that your baby gets adequate food, it's also important to make sure he gets enough touch. Demanding babies often cry if somebody doesn't hold them, but easy babies often sleep right through potential holding times. One way to address this is to wear your baby around the house in a baby sling at least a couple hours a day to provide touch and stimulation.
I believe that his concerns are valid and are worth considering. Otherwise, enjoy your easy keeper!
We were told by our pediatrician that before 2 weeks, you shouldn't let your baby sleep for too long. After that, enjoy your blessing of a full night's sleep!
I have 4 month old twins and they've been sleeping about 10-12 hours a night since they were about 3 months old. Sometimes one will wake up around 3 or so either to eat or they were just uncomfortable and then they go right back to sleep. Worried me in the beginning and sometimes still does but they're ok. I just always check them. They were 5 weeks early and both over 6lbs at birth but they're growing like normal 4 month old babies their pediatrician said. Praise God.
From what I've read and heard, 4 months is exactly when babies start sleeping through the night. There is a big difference between a newborn and a 4 month old. Yeah, a 2 week old shouldn't sleep for 12 hrs at a time, but at 4 months that's amazing! My 4 month old sleeps 12 hrs at night with one wake up at 3am and I can't wait for her to drop that feed.
So yeah, totally OK and totally amazing!
My 4 month old has been sleeping 10-12 hours a night for about a month and a half. She usually had one feeding at the 6 hour Mark but has dropped that. She still takes a 2-3 hour nap in the mid afternoon and a few cat naps here and there but she's thriving and such a happy baby. Enjoy the blessing!
My daughter is almost 6 months and she sleeps 11-12 hours at night in addition to one 45 minute nap in the morning and a 2-2 1/2 hour nap in the afternoon. The more they sleep, the better they sleep and the more active they will be during the day.
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