What are sleep windows?

If you're a parent of a baby, you've probably noticed that they spend a large part of the day sleeping and that they are not yet able to stay awake for long periods of time. As babies grow, their sleep routines change, as their sleep is an evolutionary process, and many parents often have questions, especially first-timers... How much sleep does my baby need? How do I know if they're sleeping enough?🤔

 

 

Understand your baby's sleep windows

Sleep windows help us answer those questions we frequently ask ourselves. But what are sleep windows? They refer to the amount of time your baby can (or should) stay awake during the day according to their age. Knowing these periods will allow you to anticipate and know when they should sleep.

Here's a baby sleep chart by age so you can see your baby's sleep periods:

As the baby gets older, the time they spend awake during the day increases. For example, the sleep window for a 4-month-old baby lasts between 1.5 and 2.5 hours. This is the time they will be awake between naps.

If our baby is 3 months old, we should put them to sleep more or less 1 hour after they wake up. That is, the maximum time they should stay awake is 1h-1h45. Therefore, we advise you to keep track of your baby's sleep hours every day so that they don't get too tired by bedtime (which makes it difficult for them to fall asleep).

You can write everything down in a notebook or even download a mobile app to monitor their activity (many include options to track breastfeeding, diaper changes, etc.) This way, it will be easier to identify when your baby is sleepy and anticipate their needs, to avoid that inconsolable crying when they are very tired.

The fact that sleep windows indicate a specific period for each age range does not mean that you must strictly adhere to the established schedule. If your baby is tired earlier, it is important to adapt to their needs and put them to sleep when they ask for it. But it is a good guide that we should keep in mind.

The importance of routines for babies

In addition to knowing our baby's sleep windows, it is very important to follow specific sleep routines, both for naps and bedtime. Through these patterns, our little ones will know what to do at all times, and that will give them security. An example of a baby sleep routine could be the following: bath > dinner > story and cuddles > put to bed. Remember to do it with enough time so there are no rushes; it should be a relaxed and pleasant moment.

In addition, it is also advisable to provide a safe sleeping environment to ensure their rest and that of the entire family. At Petite Marmotte, we are sleep specialists and design organic cotton products that help those little marmots sleep. Therefore, below, we are going to give you a series of recommendations:

1. Nest bed: our star product⭐ for its comfort and versatility. Its enveloping and ergonomic shape will make them feel very comfortable, ensuring quality rest. It will be their favorite place.

2. Sleeping bag: perfect for babies between 0-6 months: the safest way to sleep warm, without the risk of uncovering themselves. No more colds!

3. Anti-reflux wedge: thanks to its incline, it prevents and improves infant colic and reflux. It also helps with better digestion and reduces nasal congestion in case of colds.

What did you think of this post about baby sleep windows? Did you know about them or was it new to you? As always, we look forward to hearing from you!