Most newborns sleep 16 to 18 hours a day and they tend to sleep in two- to three-hour increments, even at night. Almost all the babies sleep especially in the early months is typically full of interruptions because a baby's sleep cycle is shorter than an adult's. The sleep cycles are different in babies as they have twice as many light sleep cycles as adults, more light sleep than deep sleep, and their overall sleep cycles are shorter.

  The babies can sleep frequently as they move from deep to light sleep in any sleep cycle and they take a lot of time to get deep sleep. The parents may have a frustrating experience of gently rocking or holding a baby until she falls asleep, laying her down and then, the minute her head touches the mattress, watching the baby wake up.

Sleep patterns:

When the child completes the third month then your child will probably sleep about 15 hours a day and nine hours at night, and the other six hours will be broken into three daytime naps. On the completion of the sixth month it is seen that may be taking roughly two naps of two hours apiece, and the rest will be nighttime sleep. There is a significant decrease in the amount of naps as they may decrease by about 30 minutes, for a total sleep of 14 hours. The baby can wake up several times in the night during the first six months, and even once a night at a year old.

Tips for a sound sleep of baby:

As The back sleep position is the safest, and every sleep time counts and hence the baby should be placed at the right position. One should not use pillows, blankets, quilts, sheepskins, and pillow-like crib bumpers in your baby's sleep area, and keep any other items away from your baby's face. One should avoid smoking during the birth of a child and it should nit be around the baby. The dress of baby should be comfortable in light sleep clothing, and keep the room at a temperature that is comfortable for an adult.

Baby Sleep Problems:

If your baby is sleeping well then it is seen that the parents are worried about the health of their child and parents also cannot get a sound sleep. One should be potent enough to create a secure environment that allows sleep to overtake your baby and then one should decide about a long- term goal is to help your baby develop a healthy attitude about sleep. There are many sleep problems in older children and adults stem from children growing up with an unhealthy attitude about sleep, as sleep can be a fearful state for them. One should teach baby a restful attitude about sleep when they are young and both you and your children will sleep better when they are older.

Ways for a sound sleep of the baby?

One should be cautioned about the place where the baby should not sleep in a bed or on a couch or armchair with adults or other children, but he or she can sleep in the same room as you. When the baby is awake and someone is watching; change the direction that your baby lies in the crib from one week to the next; and one should avoid too much time in car seats, carriers, and bouncers. One should never place the baby to sleep on pillows, quilts, sheepskins, or other soft surfaces. The best place for baby’s sleep is the one where all family members sleep the best is the right arrangement for you and your baby.

Conditioning of the baby:

The parenting role should be such that it should set the conditions that make sleep attractive and to present cues that suggest to baby that sleep is expected. If baby learns to go to sleep by himself, he may be better able to put himself back to sleep without parental help, because he doesn't associate going to sleep with parents reassuring. The Babies who enjoy consistent bedtimes and familiar with sleep rituals usually go to sleep easier and stay asleep longer. The parents are advised to follow a perfection of sequence of a warm bath, rocking, nursing, and lullabies.

Some Facts about infant sleep –

A Baby enters sleep through a light sleep cycle which lasts for about twenty minutes. Also a baby has a shorter and lighter sleep cycle as compared to adults. Although it can vary, babies awaken two or three times a night from birth to six months, once or twice from six months to one year and may awaken once a night from one to two years. The sleep habits of babies are more determined by individual temperaments than the ability of the parent to get baby to sleep. For an infant, the definition of "sleeping through the night" is generally a five hour stretch. It is not possible to force sleep upon a baby. And the last fact which one must already know if one has or had a baby is that babies need help to go to sleep.

Helping your baby sleep better –

One should hold and soothe baby frequently during the day also. Many babies seem to respond well to being held close in a sling or in a baby carrier. Also, consider day-time routines and sleep patterns. Late naps interfere with continuous and deep sleep during nighttime, so have a consistent bedtime, especially for older babies. Always try and keep a relaxing, nurturing routine leading up to bedtime, for instance a soothing bath or massage, singing, or reading a book. This helps to prepare the baby for sleep. If you indulge in active play with the baby, it will keep the baby awake. Keep a watch for signs that your baby has entered deep sleep such as limp, dangling limbs or a motionless face, before moving him. Then you can ascertain your baby will not wake up during a move to cradle or bed.