ABC OF BABY’S ZZZs

During his first year, the time your baby spends awake alters drastically. Here’s a quick guide:

BIRTH TO SIX WEEKS

40 to 60 minutes at a time

SIX TO 12 WEEKS

60 to 80 minutes at a time

THREE TO SIX MONTHS

90 minutes at a time

SIX TO NINE MONTHS

120 minutes at a time

NINE TO 12 MONTHS

150 minutes at a time

You’ll notice your baby is overtired when he shows these signs:

■ Irritability

■ Looking away from you

■ Squirming with frantic movements

■ Arching his back and neck

■ Frowning

■ Hiccups and colour changes around the mouth

■ Gagging and spitting up

■ Crying

When this happens you should:

■ Calm his environment and reduce stimulation (noise, light, etc).

■ Hold him firmly and avoid chopping and changing positions.

■ Swaddle him tightly with his hands near his face.

■ Say “sshh” quietly and rock him gently in your arms, or push him in his pram.

■ Let him suck on his or your finger or a dummy.

■ Persevere with one strategy for about two minutes before trying another.