A new baby will require as much sleep as they need, usually waking when they are hungry or if their nappy needs changing. At first, it will be difficult to know what your baby wants when it is crying or tired. Once you are settled into a routine, you will recognise when your baby is ready for a nap. You will want to settle him into taking naps appropriately during the day, and so that he will sleep at night without too much trouble.

Babies will still rub their eyes when they are small, an indication that they are tired and yawn too. He may also get fussy and a little upset. When your child gets older, they become more active and try to avoid sleep even if they are tired.

Try getting your baby to sleep at regular times during the day, so if they need a nap about 3 times a day, space out to mid morning, early afternoon and late afternoon which is appropriate for a baby who’s bedtime will be about 7.30 – 8.00 p.m.

Towards dinner time your baby will usually get tired, so then the parents face the dilemma of what they should do. If you allow your baby to sleep, you may find that they will not sleep at bedtime. The other option is to try to keep your baby awake and then settle him to bed at an earlier time.

Most parents prefer to try to keep the baby awake so that they get into the routine of when their bedtime is. If it has been a very busy and tiring day for your baby, you should let him have a short nap, then feed and play with him a little before putting him down for the night.

Keeping to a regular routine for naps and bed time will get your baby used to sleeping regularly at certain times.