Feed, Play, Sleep - Coles Baby Club

Babies are individuals, and their sleep needs vary. Your own baby’s tired signs are the best indication of when he needs sleep. A routine of feed–play–sleep may seem very difficult when he is very young and play is virtually non-existent but stick with it. As he gets older, this routine will develop good habits and it will become less difficult as his attention span and interest in play increase.

Why feed–play–sleep

Following the order of feed then play then sleep may seem strange at first, and be contrary to your natural instincts, but there are several good reasons to stick with it.

Baby goes to bed awake which means that:

• his last memory is not of you rocking him to sleep – which discourages him to expect this to every time he needs to sleep
• he may be startled to wake up alone if you have transferred him to the cot after falling asleep elsewhere
• he will learn his cot is a safe and pleasant place to sleep
• he will learn to fall asleep unassisted

Settling technique for the under one

• Look for tired signs
• Darken the room
• Remove stimulating toys
• Consider if clothing is suitable for sleep
• Tuck sheets firmly, which gives a clear message that sleep is expected
• Leave the room and stay out unless baby is upset
• If baby is upset, listen for two minutes without entering the room (if you are strong)
• If baby is still upset after two minutes, re-enter the room but avoid eye contact
• Avoid lifting out of cot – try patting, stroking or rocking baby gently where they lie
• Leave room and repeat with longer gaps before re-entering the room each time

By the age of one it is expected that they can fall asleep unaided.

 

Age	No. hours asleep	No. sleeps per day	Period of time awake before needing a sleep (including feed and play)	Period of each sleep	Suitable play for age
1–4 weeks	16 hours in day	4	1 hour	3 hour	Faces, music, singing, mobiles
1–3 months	15 in day	3–4	1–11/2 hours	21/2–3 hours	Rattles, textures
3–6 months	8–10 hours at night	2–3	2–21/2 hours	2 hours	Balls, toys to hold or touch, teething rings, encourage ‘tummy time’ and ‘floor time’
6–12 months	10–12 hours at night	2	3–31/2 hours	11/2–2 hours	Peek-a-boo, books with colour and noise, moving toys, tummy time, floor time
12 months and beyond	10–12 hours at night	1–2	4+ hours	1–11/2 hours	Sandpit (digging, pouring), push/pull toys, dancing, boxes, puzzles, story books