A baby's sleep patterns change quickly and can have a big impact on everyday life. To help you better understand and manage this special time, here are the most important information and tips for you:

The phases of baby sleep

1) Newborn phase (0-2 months)

In the first few weeks of life, a newborn baby sleeps for around 15 to 20 hours a day, albeit in very short periods of two to four hours. This is because the sleep-wake rhythm is not yet fully developed and the baby first has to get used to life outside the womb. During this time, it is normal for your baby to wake frequently to feed/feed.

Tips: To create a calming sleeping environment for your newborn, keep the room dark and quiet. The best place to sleep is right next to you in a co-sleeper. Make sure the room temperature is between 18 and 19 degrees. Also develop a gentle sleep routine, such as singing a lullaby or gently rocking your baby.

2) Infant phase (3-6 months)

During this phase, your baby begins to develop longer sleep phases, especially at night. The total sleep time is around 14 to 16 hours per day. The sleep phases become more regular and your baby begins to recognise a difference between day and night.

Tips: Introduce a regular bedtime and evening routine to help your baby fall asleep. Recurring routines and rituals give your baby a sense of security and safety. Ensure that the sleeping environment is quiet, calm and dark. Pay attention to signs of tiredness and put your baby down before they are overtired. Offer regular daytime naps so that your baby gets enough sleep. The best place to sleep at night is still the co-sleeper or a cot next to your bed.

3) Transition phase (7-9 months)

Between seven and nine months, many babies develop a more regular sleep routine.The night sleep phases lengthen and most babies now sleep ‘through the night’ (5 hours a night), with a total sleep time of around 13 to 15 hours a day.

Tips:To help your baby prepare for bedtime, it's important to establish a set sleep routine.This routine should include consistent sleep times to support your baby's biological rhythm.Avoid over-stimulating the baby just before bedtime or exposing them to strong stimuli as this can disrupt their sleep.The sleeping environment should be quiet, low-stimulus and dark, regardless of whether the baby sleeps in a co-sleeper or cot.

4) Toddler phase (10-12 months)

In the last quarter of the first year of life, your baby sleeps around 12 to 14 hours a day, with the majority of sleep occurring at night.Daytime naps are usually reduced to one or two naps.

Tips:Be consistent with the sleep routine, even if it is sometimes difficult.If your child is now sleeping in their own room, make sure they have the right cot* and a dark, quiet and non-stimulating sleeping environment.

*The cot should have enough space for your child and the air must be able to circulate well in the bed.The bed should not have any sharp corners or edges. The mattress should be at the bottom so that your little one cannot climb out/fall out.

Here is a summary of the most important tips for sleeping in the first year of life: 

1. Sleeping environment: A dark, quiet room and a safe sleeping environment (sleeping position on the back and a firm baby mattress) are essential. You can find more information in my article on the optimal sleeping environment (link).It is best to invest in a cot that grows with your baby - which can be converted from a co-sleeper to a cot - so that your baby always has the same sleeping environment. Room temperature 18-19 degrees.
2. Consistency: Fixed bedtimes and wake-up times help to stabilise the sleep-wake rhythm.
3. Routines and rituals: Establish a fixed evening routine. Rituals such as singing, soft music (white noise) or a bedtime story can help prepare your baby for sleep.
4. Safety: Use a sleeping bag instead of a blanket to avoid overheating and the risk of suffocation.Do not put loose blankets or pillows in the cot.
5. Closeness and security: Closeness to the parents is particularly important in the first few months. A co-sleeper that stands next to your bed is a good solution here

Your baby's sleep development in the first year of life is an important part of their growth and development.With patience, love and the right approach, you can help your baby develop healthy sleeping habits. Remember that every baby is unique and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Pay attention to your baby's needs and adapt the sleep routine accordingly.This will help you get through this exciting time together.