A consistent 9 month old sleep schedule can be established and maintained. The key to success is avoiding sleep regression, which often occurs when your baby is working towards a major milestone such as crawling, pulling up, or saying their first word. Sleep regressions generally last for a few days, and it’s important to continue your baby’s sleep routine and avoid introducing new habits in the wake of interrupted sleep.
Creating a sleep schedule for your 9-month-old isn’t as complicated as it may seem and will allow you to enjoy more rest. It may take some time to get your baby used to a specific schedule, but it will allow you and your baby to enjoy better sleep as your child grows. Keeping a consistent schedule is a smart way to improve your sleep routine. There are many factors to consider when implementing a 9-month-old sleep schedule.
One option for a 9-month-old sleep schedule is the Ferber Method. With this method, you sit in a chair next to your baby’s bed. Do not interact with your baby during this time. As your baby begins to cry at night, move the chair to the doorway. Gradually increase the time between the checks. If the baby is still crying, you may have to try a more intensive sleep training program.
By nine months, your baby is likely ready to drop the third nap and transition to a two-nap schedule. The first nap will probably last about two hours, and the second will be around three hours. It is a general schedule for nine-month-olds, and the schedule can vary depending on your child and family’s needs. When the third nap starts to fade, your baby will most likely continue to take longer naps during the day or even drop them altogether.
The best time to introduce a new routine to your 9-month-old is around seven to eight in the evening. Your baby will start throwing temper tantrums and fighting during bedtime, so try to establish a relaxing and soothing routine. After the morning nap, your child should be ready for bed at 8:00 PM. During the day, ensure you stick to a consistent schedule and try not to introduce special activities at this age.
Your 9-month-old will likely need twelve to sixteen hours of sleep daily, with two naps per day. Depending on your child’s age, a longer nap can result in shorter wake windows, which can make your child cranky. It is also important to remember that teething can impact your baby’s sleep up to two years later, so your new routine will need to be flexible. However, once you have established a routine, you’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.
Your 9-month-old sleep schedule should also follow the wake windows (or “wake windows”) recommended by pediatricians. Most babies need 11 hours of sleep each day, so you may want to extend this window until your baby is fully awake. You may also have to extend the nap time because your baby is growing and needs more awake time. For example, if it takes longer than 20 minutes for your child to fall asleep, or if she is waking up earlier and later in the day, your baby may need more sleep.