How Often Should Preemies Sleep?

A premature baby often reaches his milestones at the time he would have if born on time. For example, if he's born 2 months early, he's likely to reach his 6 month milestones at 8 months of age. This applies to sleep patterns as well, according to HealthyChildren.org, published by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Understanding your preemie's sleep needs helps ensure that he's getting the rest he needs to grow and develop.

  1. General Sleep Patterns

    • Your preemie is likely to sleep more than the average 16 to 17 hours that babies born at term do, according to the Kids Health website. However, she probably won't sleep for long periods like an infant born on time does. Making sure your preemie gets enough shut-eye is vital to her health and development. You can help establish healthy sleeping habits by rocking or breastfeeding your preemie until she gets sleepy, then putting her in her crib, according to the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital.

    Daytime Sleep

    • Newborns spend a good portion of the day sleeping, so ensuring that your preemie is resting between feedings is a healthy daytime habit. He needs to eat eight to 10 times per day, with no more than fours hours between each feeding, according to Kids Health. Letting your preemie sleep between feedings, but waking him to nurse or have a bottle at regular intervals helps him grow and develop. If your preemie doesn't stir when it's time to eat, try taking his covers or clothes off to help him wake up a bit so he can eat. Preemies often fall asleep as they eat, which is a good way to ensure they're getting enough sleep for growth. Just be sure to wake up your baby in time for the next feeding.

    Night Sleep

    • Weight plays a role in how soon a baby sleeps through the night. Most babies start sleeping through the night at about three months of age, or when they weigh between 12 and 13 pounds, according to the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital. However, since your preemie weighed less than a full-term infant upon delivery, she might not sleep through the night until she's six to eight months old, notes HealthyChildren.org. This night waking gives you the chance to fill her tummy with breast milk or formula, which she needs to catch up on her growth and development.

    Safe Preemie Sleep

    • Just as with a full-term infant, your preemie should always sleep on his back to prevent the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, unless otherwise directed by his pediatrician. Avoid covering him with fluffy blankets or putting stuffed animals in his crib. Instead, use a firm mattress with a tight-fitting sheet and a blanket sleeper to keep him warm without risk of covering his face. HealthyChildren.org suggests giving your preemie a pacifier and running a small fan in his room, both of which might help reduce the risk of SIDS.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • 4th Month Sleep Regression: Signs And 10 Tips To Handle It
      Four-month sleep regression results in a sudden change in sleep patterns that may cause worry in new parents. It is a condition where four-month-olds, who had previously been sleeping well, suddenly begin waking up at night and have trouble falling b
    • How to Get a Baby to Self-Soothe to Sleep
      A baby that can self-soothe provides its parent with a night of restful sleep without having to get up several times during the night to put the baby back to sleep. The trick to getting your baby to self-soothe is to always lay her down when she is d
    • How to Set Up an Evenflo BabyGo Playard
      The Evenflo BabyGo Playard is a complete nursery for a baby when traveling. The Playard includes a bassinet for newborns and five side pockets for organization. Its heavy-duty wheels, carrying bag and easy set-up make this Playard easily portable. Th