At 9 months old, babies are hitting milestones left and right! They’re learning to crawl, maybe even pull themselves up to stand, and their little personalities are really starting to shine. With all this development happening, it’s no surprise that their sleep patterns can shift and change.
Sleep is super important for healthy development at this age, so understanding your 9-month-old’s sleep needs is key. It can be tricky to navigate these changes, but with the right information, you can help your baby (and yourself!) get the rest you both need.
This article will give you a complete guide to the ideal 9 month old sleep schedule, common sleep challenges at this age, and tips to help you create a routine that works for your family.
Understanding 9-Month-Old Sleep Needs
At nine months, your baby is likely active, engaged, and on the move. All that activity requires a lot of sleep! Here’s what you can expect when it comes to your baby’s sleep needs.
How Much Sleep Does a 9-Month-Old Need?
Your baby will likely need around 13 to 15 hours of sleep per day, including 10 to 12 hours at night and 2 to 3 hours during the day. Many babies at this age take two naps.
Keep in mind that every baby is different, and some babies need more sleep than others. Pay attention to your baby’s cues and adjust their schedule as needed.
Wake Windows
At nine months, most babies can comfortably stay awake for 2.5 to 3.5 hours between sleep periods. You may notice that the first wake window of the day is a little shorter than the others.
It’s important to keep an eye on your baby for signs of tiredness, such as eye-rubbing, yawning, or fussiness. Putting your baby down for a nap before they become overtired can help them fall asleep more easily and sleep more soundly.
Establishing a 9-Month-Old Nap Schedule
By 9 months old, most babies have settled into a two-nap schedule. If your baby is still taking three naps, it may be time to transition to two.
Transitioning to Two Naps
How do you know when it’s time to drop a nap? You may notice that your baby is resisting one of their usual naps, or that their naps have gotten shorter than usual.
When your baby is napping, try to let them sleep for at least an hour. On the other hand, you probably don’t want them to nap for much longer than two hours at a stretch.
Sample Nap Schedule
Every baby is different, but here’s a sample schedule to give you a general idea of when your 9-month-old might need to sleep:
- Wake for the day: 7:00 a.m.
- Nap 1: 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
- Lunch: 12:00 p.m.
- Nap 2: 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Dinner: 5:30 p.m.
- Bedtime routine: 6:30 p.m.
- Asleep for the night: 7:00 p.m.
Keep in mind that this is just a suggestion. You’ll want to adjust the schedule based on your baby’s wake windows and cues. If they seem tired earlier, move up naptime. If they’re wide awake, push it back a bit.
9-Month-Old Bedtime Routine and Night Sleep
By nine months, your baby may be sleeping for longer stretches at night. Here’s what you might expect when it comes to bedtime and nighttime sleep.
Bedtime Routine
A consistent bedtime routine is key to helping your baby wind down and prepare for sleep. Try to do the same things in the same order every night. A calming bath, putting on pajamas, feeding, reading a book, and singing a lullaby are all great options.
Bedtime and Night Sleep
Most 9-month-olds do best with a bedtime between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM. At this age, your baby will ideally sleep for 10 to 12 hours at night without waking. Of course, that’s not always the case. Night wakings are still common, especially when babies are going through a growth spurt or experiencing separation anxiety.
If your baby wakes up at night, offer reassurance and comfort, but try to keep stimulation to a minimum. A quick cuddle or a few soothing words can help your baby feel secure without fully waking up.
Common Sleep Challenges and Solutions
Even with a great sleep schedule, you may still run into sleep snags. Here are some of the most common challenges parents face around the nine-month mark.
9-Month Sleep Regression
Just when you think you’ve got this parenting thing down, a sleep regression can rear its head. Many babies experience a sleep regression around nine months, which means they suddenly start waking up more at night or skipping naps.
Often, sleep regressions are tied to developmental milestones. Your baby may be learning to crawl, pull up, or even say a few new words. All that brainpower at work can sometimes disrupt sleep.
The best strategy for dealing with a sleep regression is to stay consistent with your routines and offer extra comfort. It’s tempting to start new habits during a regression, but sticking to the plan will help your baby get back on track faster.
Addressing Night Feedings
By nine months, many babies no longer need nighttime feedings for nutritional reasons. If you’re thinking about weaning your baby from night feeds, you can gradually reduce the amount of milk you offer each night. Your pediatrician can help you decide if this is the right step for your baby.
Teething and Sleep
Teething discomfort can definitely disrupt sleep! Offer your baby teething toys to chew on or talk to your pediatrician about pain relief options.
Pacifier Use
Pacifiers can be a great way to soothe a baby to sleep, but they can also cause problems if your baby wakes up every time the pacifier falls out. One strategy is to teach your baby to replace the pacifier themselves. During the day, you can guide their hand to their mouth with the pacifier, so they learn to do it on their own.
Sleep training at 9 months
If you haven’t sleep trained your baby yet, don’t worry. Nine months isn’t too late to start!
There are several sleep training methods you can try. Some popular options are:
- The Ferber method (also known as “controlled crying”)
- The cry-it-out method
- Gentle, no-cry methods
Because every baby is different, you may want to consider finding a personalized sleep plan. These plans will take into account your baby’s unique needs and temperament.
Whatever method you choose, remember that consistency is key. It might take a few days or weeks, but if you stick with it, your baby will eventually learn to fall asleep independently.
In Closing
Every 9-month-old is different, and each baby has unique sleep needs. Sticking to a consistent routine can help your baby — and you — get the rest you need.
If you run into sleep challenges, remember the strategies we’ve discussed, like creating a calming bedtime routine, ensuring adequate daytime naps, and fostering independent sleep skills.
Trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to adjust the schedule to fit your baby’s specific needs. Remember, healthy sleep habits are essential for your baby’s well-being and development. So, prioritize sleep, and enjoy these precious moments with your little one!