Your first month with your new infant is a goldmine of special moments, combined with an array of questions about their sleeping routine. As a parent, you need to understand your 4-week-old infant's sleeping habits for both their development and yours. Here we explore everything you need to know about your 1-month-old's sleep routine, including how much sleep they need and practical tips for better rest.
How Much Sleep and Awake Time Does a 1-Month-Old Need?
Babies sleep around 14-17 hours a day when they are 1 month old. But that is not in long, uninterrupted hours. Your baby's sleep pattern is still in the process of developing, which is why they wake up very often.
A 1-month-old infant should only be awake for about 45-60 minutes at a time. This short "wake window" is normal and also reflective of their low tolerance to stimulation. Keeping your baby up longer can lead to overtiredness, which can make it more difficult for them to wind down.
Some of the signs that your baby is becoming overtired are:
- Fussing
- Back arching
- Eyes avoiding eye contact
- Yawning
- Clenched fists
Recognizing these indications and responding in time can avoid a healthier sleeping rhythm.
Sample Sleep Schedule for a 1-Month-Old Infant
While every baby is unique, here's a general framework for a 1-month-old sleep schedule. Remember that this is just a reference point - your baby's personal rhythm might differ slightly:
-
6:00 AM: Morning wake-up and feeding
-
7:00-8:30 AM: Nap
-
8:30 AM: Feeding and brief awake time
-
10:00-11:30 AM: Nap
-
11:30 AM: Feeding and brief awake time
-
1:00-2:30 PM: Nap
-
2:30 PM: Feeding and brief awake time
-
4:00-5:30 PM: Nap
-
5:30 PM: Feeding and brief awake time
-
7:00-8:00 PM: Short evening nap
-
8:00 PM: Feeding, bedtime routine
-
9:00 PM: Bedtime
-
Throughout the night: Expect 2-3 feedings
In summary, infants at 1 month tend to nap 4-5 times a day, ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours in length each. They need naps for their development and to prevent overtiredness. To nap best, set up a relaxing environment. The Momcozy Baby Sound Machine can be especially useful in this regard, with 34 high-fidelity sounds, such as soothing white noise and lullabies that sound like the reassuring noises of the womb.
App Remote Control
Sleep-Wake Routine
7 Color LED Light
34 Sounds
Set a Bedtime Routine for a 1-Month-Old
Even though a consistent bedtime routine can be considered a bit early for your child's stage in life, so incorporating some comforting actions can be useful in communicating with your child about needing a longer period of sleep. Consider these factors for a comforting bedtime routine:
- Dimming lights to create a peaceful atmosphere
- A warm bath (if your pediatrician approves)
- Gentle massage with baby-safe lotion
- Feeding in a quiet environment
- Swaddling securely
Speaking of swaddling, the Momcozy Baby Swaddle can be a game-changer for your 1 month old's sleep. Made from ultra-soft bamboo-derived viscose and cotton that's three times softer than regular cotton. The generous 47"x47" size perfectly recreates the womb's comfort, helping prevent startling reflexes and promoting longer, deeper sleep for your little one.
Is There a Sleep Regression at 1 Month Old?
Technically, there is no 1-month sleep regression. What parents might observe is their newborn becoming more alert as they move out of the sleepier newborn phase. Your baby is growing more aware of the world, and this can affect its sleep.
This is normal development rather than a regression. Your baby might begin to:
- Stay awake slightly longer
- Be more reactive to environmental stimuli
- Exhibit more clear sleep-wake cycles
How to Help My 4-Week-Old Baby Sleep Well?
Establishing healthy sleep habits early can benefit both you and your baby. Here are practical strategies to help your 4-week-old sleep better:
-
Recognize sleep cues: Respond to early signs of tiredness like yawning, eye-rubbing, or decreased activity.
-
Maintain a consistent environment: Using a smart sound machine with app-controlled settings allows you to create the same sleep conditions for every nap and bedtime.
-
Swaddle securely: Swaddles featuring slight stretch can ensure your baby stays comfortably wrapped while preventing startling movements that can disrupt sleep.
-
Differentiate day and night: Keep daytime activities in bright environments and nighttime activities in dimmed settings to help your baby begin distinguishing between day and night.
-
Practice safe sleep guidelines: Always place your baby on their back on a firm, flat surface without loose bedding or soft objects.
Does a 1-Month-Old Need to Eat During the Night?
Yes, most 1-month-old babies need to eat during the night. Their small stomachs can only hold limited amounts of milk or formula, and they're growing rapidly. Most 1-month-olds need to be fed every 2-3 hours, including overnight.
Night feedings are biologically normal and essential for your baby's development. They support proper weight gain, brain development, and hydration while also helping maintain milk production for breastfeeding mothers. While nighttime wake-ups can be exhausting, these frequent feedings are a temporary but crucial part of your baby's early growth.
Why Do Babies Fight Sleep at 1 Month?
It can be frustrating when your exhausted baby seems to resist sleep. Several factors might contribute to this behavior:
-
Overtiredness: When babies exceed their wake windows, stress hormones like cortisol can make it harder for them to settle.
-
Understimulation or overstimulation: Finding the right balance of engagement during awake periods can be challenging.
-
Discomfort: Hunger, wet diapers, temperature issues, or digestive discomfort can prevent relaxation.
-
Environmental factors: Bright lights, loud noises, or inconsistent sleep settings can make it difficult for babies to transition to sleep.
Can My 1-Month-Old Baby Sleep 7 Hours Without Feeding?
While some 1-month-old babies will, on occasion, sleep a longer stretch, it's not usual or recommended that they go 7 hours without eating at this age. Most pediatricians would recommend waking a 1-month-old to feed if they sleep more than 4-5 hours, especially if they have not yet reached their birth weight.
If your 1-month-old infant slept 7 hours without feeding one or two times, it might be:
- A developmental phase
- Recovery from a particularly stimulating day
- A growth spurt preparation
Always consult with your pediatrician about your baby's specific feeding needs.
FAQs about 1-Month-Old Baby Sleep Pattern
Q1. Why does my 1-month-old keep waking up at night?
Frequent night wakenings occur commonly in infants of this age, and most often these wakenings can be attributed to feeding, comfort needs, and physiological sleep patterns. Infants actually spend a lot of active sleep, similar to REM sleep, so overnight wakenings can be related to these cycles.
Q2. Why does my 1-month-old baby wake up when put down?
The startle reflex (Moro reflex) is particularly strong at this age, causing babies to feel like they're falling when placed on a flat surface. The temperature change from your warm body to the cooler crib, and the loss of physical contact can also trigger waking.
Proper swaddling can significantly reduce these wake-ups by securely containing the startle reflex while maintaining breathability. The silky-soft fabric creates a transition between your warm embrace and the crib surface.
Q3. Can my 1-month-old baby sleep with a pacifier?
Yes, pacifiers can be safely used in helping prevent SIDS, but if you’re a breastfeeding mom, you may want to wait a few weeks after you’ve established a good breastfeeding routine, probably around 3 to 4 weeks, before giving your baby a pacifier.
Q4. Can a 1-month-old sleep on their stomach or side?
No, newborn babies must be put to sleep on their backs until they can roll over by themselves. Back sleeping is one of the most important factors in reducing SID risks.
Q5. Should I swaddle a 1-month-old baby when sleeping?
Yes, most 1-month-olds benefit from swaddling as it helps dampen the startle reflex and provides a womb-like feeling of security. The Momcozy Baby Swaddle's versatile 47" square design allows for various swaddling techniques to suit your baby's preferences while maintaining proper hip positioning.
Ready to Help Your Baby Sleep Better?
Your baby's first month is one of adjustment and learning. Even if your baby's sleep patterns don't look so predictable, try to be reminded of the fact that frequent wakeings and unpredictable sleep patterns can be a totally normal part of your baby's growth and development phases. By being mindful of your 1-month-old baby's needs for sleep and establishing a predictable and secure sleep space with tools such as quality swaddles and a sound machine, you will be establishing a strong foundation for better sleep patterns in the future.