Sleep facts for baby and you

Author Name: Heidi Holvoet, PhD

Use this facts and guidance page to browse and read about the good-to-know basics and effective ideas for most common baby and parent sleep challenges.

General facts

Why is sleep important?

How much sleep is enough? Find out how many hours is typical at different ages and how to know if your little one sleeps enough or too little.

How she makes it through naps and nights is governed by her sleep patterns . These help us understand that sleeping is a skill that needs to develop.

The rapid development from newborn sleep patterns toward adult-like ones explains so well how unpredictable sleeping can be in the first weeks and months.

Understanding external effects on infant sleep patterns also helps you steer things in the right direction. These effects range from personality through home situation and cultural differences to feeding.

Methods and approaches

Start at the sleeping through the night section to explore how to help your little boy or girl settle well and keep asleep, gently and effectively, without crying it out.

When looking for a specific approach that works for you and your little boy or girl, start with this sleep method overview , where I discuss my own approach as well as the No Cry Solution , Ferber, the Baby Whisperer , etc.

Crying it out : pro's and con's and what to do if you want to avoid having your child cry it out. If you are considering it, have a quick look at when cry it out is a no-no .

For You

Good nights for your infant are important, but equally important for you, as a parent or carer.

Mainly during the first year, many parents experience some form of sleep deprivation and its effects .

These simple relaxation techniques like belly breathing help many moms and dads too.

During pregnancy

During pregnancy, keeping well rested is important to stay fit and healthy.

Relieve pregnancy fatigue and pregnancy sleeping problems thanks to simple and effective gestures.

Discover how you can prepare your little one for good naps and nights through bonding during pregnancy .