All babies are different in many ways, especially in how much sleep they require. Your new baby sleeps most of the time, usually 17 hours out of 24 during the first month. They have different stages of sleep.

By the time your baby is three months old, he may well be sleeping about 10 hours a night, with another five hours during the day, often in two distinct naps, morning and afternoon.

This baby sleep pattern involves a lot of commitment and perseverance but can be very successful in getting your baby to sleep through. This pattern involves usual bed time rituals such as bath, possibly a snack and a story, rocking and cuddling.

Put your baby in her crib to get to sleep. If your baby starts crying allow a minimum of 5-10 minutes of crying before returning to comfort her.

Don’t pick up the baby, just shush her quietly and pat her on the back. Leave the room after 2 minutes even if your baby continues to cry. Some experts suggest that not talking at this moment can support the walking and crying behavior.

You have to comfort your baby that you are there but still encourage her to go to sleep.

After the first half hour of crying, the time difference between visits should be increased by 5-10 minutes each time to 15-20 minutes. This method can take time, and can be trying on your nerves, but in time.

Soon your baby will learn that you are not going away and that you are nearby. This baby sleep pattern instructs your baby self-comforting, but also gives her the assurance and protection that you are there for her.

Many women are happiest fitting in with their baby’s pattern, feeling that sleeping together – as mothers and babies do all over the world – is best.