What time should bedtime be?

Have you ever wondered what time your baby’s bedtime should be? If so, you’re not alone.

Every baby is different, and their sleep needs vary as they grow. For instance, a 3-month-old typically sleeps 9 hours at night and 5 and a quarter hours during the day, while a 6-month-old sleeps 10 hours at night and 3 and three-quarter hours during the day. As they reach 12 months, the night-time sleep extends to 10 and a quarter hours, accompanied by 2 and a half hours of daytime sleep.

You want to find the balance between the amount of sleep your child needs, their wake-up time, and when you would like them to go to bed. It’s crucial to consider whether you prefer a later bedtime for more time in the evening or an earlier bedtime for a leisurely morning. Furthermore, there is a natural lull that most children experience between 7 and 8 PM, making bedtime more manageable during this period. Observe your child’s awake-sleep cycle and work towards finding the right balance that allows them to fall asleep at the appropriate time naturally. The key to establishing the perfect bedtime for your baby lies in understanding their unique sleep patterns and starting a bedtime routine that aligns with those rhythms. By considering their sleep needs, natural rhythms, and family preferences, you can create a bedtime routine that works best for everyone. So, whether it’s aiming for that sweet spot between 7 and 8 PM or adjusting bedtime to accommodate your child’s ideal sleep duration, this mini-masterclass is a helpful guide to navigating this important aspect of parenting.