How much awake and sleep time for baby in a 24 hour period?

[Emma1979]

those magical figures did my head in when dd was a baby... absolutely worried me to the core... dd was always awake hours on end and didn't sleep nearly 'enough' according to what she should be.

the thing about those figures is, the number (ie 16 hours out of every 24) is the AVERAGE, therefore there are loads of babies that may sleep as little as 10 hours out of 24, and some lovely babies that sleep as much as 20 hours out of 24..... so really you need to throw the numbers out the window and just go with what works for you. i wish i had of realised this all those months ago it would have saved me a lot of worry (and wrinkles)...

it DOES get easier and you do learn to read their tired signs really well... but personally i think as long as they are coping okay, how long they are awake etc isn't too important... on the other hand if they are crying, cranky, highly strung etc etc etc, then clearly things aren't working too well and i'd be working at having bubs awake for maybe 1.5hrs then trying for a nap.

good luck and enjoy your bubba xx

[MummyDuck]

Instead of looking at figures look for tired signs......

Not all babies are Average... they will sleep more or less then the guidelines.

I spend 3 weeks in a M & B unit and we learnt so much about settling etc etc.

I have just put DD into a routine which helped greatly because for the first time since she was born she was only sleeping 40 minute blocks during the day and waking at 4am. Now she expects sleep time and goes downs without a fuss - most days.

If you dont want to do a routine like I said look for tired signs. I didnt know what i was looking for before hospital but now I do. For instance DD:

Blows Raspberries
Arches her back
Arms get jolty
Yawns
Rubs face
If laying down she will roll over and rub her face against her mat
Whinging

Even if she cries when you go to put her down it could just be a case of overtiredness or just fighting to stay awake so she doesnt miss out on anything. Try rocking her till she is sleepy (but not asleep) or use a dummy. Are you still wrapping her?? It could help extend sleep times.

My DD is 3 months and is definately tired after being awake for about 1.5 hours. She is sleeping 12 hours at night and 4 to 5 during the day. Which if you were looking at figures is pretty average.