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How can I extend my 9 month old baby’s naps abd help her sleep??

4 replies

Elizabethellen · 06/01/2025 11:13

My baby (9 months) has never been a great sleeper. Newborn days were nights and days of cluster feeding and she would average at 15mins to two hours sleep per 24 hour period. Hvs and midwives all reassured me this was normal- just not very nice for me.

I now have her napping 3 times a day, if we can fit them in. She only naps for 20-25 minutes each time. Bedtime is about 7, but it’s hard to say when our day begins because the night is almost hourly wake ups with me settling her. She’s in her own crib in her own room but this has been an issue even when in the beside me crib. I settle her by turning her on her side and firm back rubbing or tapping and shushing. Usually by the 5-8th wake up I give up and have her in my bed. I’m sure this isn’t helping but it’s the only way either of us gets any longer than an hour sleep!

We’ve tried fading method and have a v consistent bedtime routine with a bath, story and feed that we’ve even tagged another 30 minutes of wind down time on to.

Does anyone have any suggestions of what is causing all the wake-ups and the short naps?

I’m wondering if this is just her because it’s how it’s always been or if I should be doing something about it.

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
angelpie33 · 07/01/2025 07:22

By 9 months old, babies will generally only be having two naps so I would work towards that as a start. It is not uncommon for babies to only start having longer naps (45 mins +) when they drop to 2, I definitely experienced that with my baby. If you can slowly stretch out her awake time by keeping her engaged/ introducing a new activity you will hopefully be able to get there.

Average total sleep needs (i.e. day + night) over 24 hours is 12-16 hours - what is her current schedule for sleep? It may also be that you need to push bedtime slightly later for example.

Overthebow · 07/01/2025 07:29

I don’t think you need to extend the naps at 9 months, most are on 2 naps a day at that point. You may get some longer naps if you transition to 2 naps but the sleep time will probably be the same.

CM327509 · 03/02/2025 00:48

Do you have an update please? Currently going through this with our 9 month old

CM327509 · 03/02/2025 15:17

CM327509 · 03/02/2025 00:48

Do you have an update please? Currently going through this with our 9 month old

@Elizabethellen

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