In the early growth of children, good work and rest habits are the cornerstone of their healthy growth. For babies aged 0-18 months who have just embarked on the journey of life, how to arrange a reasonable schedule has become the primary challenge faced by every parent. However, your baby's sleep and activity needs change rapidly at this stage, which makes many parents feel both lost and helpless. A scientific and reasonable 24-hour schedule can not only meet the needs of the baby's physical and psychological development, but also provide parents with a clear guide to help them better understand and support the baby's growth.
In the first few months of life, the baby's main activity is sleep. At this stage, their sleep patterns are scattered, day and night. It is crucial for parents to understand and adapt to this. Newborns need about 16 to 18 hours of sleep per day, during which time their sleep is often interrupted by the need for feeding and diaper changes.
In order to help parents better organize their sleep at this stage, it is recommended to divide your baby's sleep into short rest periods, usually 2 to 4 hours each time. At night, although babies also need to wake up to feed, parents can gradually extend their nighttime sleep by helping them distinguish between day and night with soft lighting and a quiet environment.
At this stage, it is important to create a safe, comfortable sleeping environment。The use of a crib and a secured sleeping bag can provide stability while keeping the room temperature within a comfortable range and avoiding overheating or cold, which is essential for promoting good sleep patterns.
At this time, your baby's body and brain are developing rapidly, and they begin to exhibit more regular sleep and waking patterns。Sleep time is usually reduced to about 14 to 15 hours per day. At this stage, babies begin to be able to stay awake for longer, which provides an opportunity to introduce solid foods.
The introduction of complementary foods is an important milestone in this phase. Start by choosing a single ingredient such as a pureed vegetable, fruit or cereal, and gradually observe your baby's reaction and acceptance. Remember to allow a few days between two new foods to make it easier to identify any potential allergic reactions.
When adjusting your baby's diet, it's important to maintain a regular feeding routine. This helps your baby develop pleasurable eating and sleeping patterns, which in turn promotes better night's sleep. Also, making sure your baby has enough time to relax after activity and play can help them fall asleep more easily.
As babies enter middle infancy, they become more curious and active, with an interest in exploring the world around them. During this period, your baby's sleep needs are reduced to about 12 to 14 hours a day. More time is essential for your baby's physical and mental development.
Your baby's daily routine should include a variety of games that stimulate brain and body development。For example, simple jigsaw puzzles, building blocks, and age-appropriate reading activities. These activities not only promote your baby's cognitive and physical skills development, but they also help to fatigue them and prepare them for a good night's sleep.
In addition, establishing a daily rhythm such as regular meals, games, and sleep times can provide stability and a sense of security for your baby. Although your baby may start to show separation anxiety at this stage, it can help them feel more at ease by maintaining a consistent routine.
As we enter late infancy, babies begin to show more independence, including when it comes to sleep. During this period, your baby's sleep needs remain at about 12 to 14 hours a day, but they may no longer need daytime naps. This is an ideal period to develop the skills to fall asleep independently.
To promote your baby's independent sleep, a regular bedtime routine can be introduced, including quiet activities such as reading a story or a soft lullaby。This helps your baby relax and get ready for sleep. At the same time, teaching your baby to self-soothe, such as with soothing toys or small blankets, can help them fall back asleep more easily when they wake up during the night.
At this stage, encouraging your baby to fall asleep in their own bed is key. Although it may be challenging at first, through consistency and patience, babies will learn to fall asleep on their own, which will be beneficial for both their long-term sleep habits and the development of independence.