The Average Sleep Amount for a 9 Month Baby

All developmental milestones are approximate, including how much sleep an infant needs. Each child will mature at different rates. However, it is important to know what is typical at each age so that you, as a parent, know what to expect.

Infant Sleep Patterns

• At nine months old, a baby will sleep 11 to 12 hours at night. She may still wake up during the night, but she should be able to fall back to sleep quickly. She should also take two naps per day, one to two hours each. This means that infants of this age should sleep 11 to 15 hours per day.

Pre-bedtime Routine

• To encourage your child to fall asleep more easily, you need to establish a bedtime routine. The most important thing about a nighttime routine is consistency. Start by setting a specific time and sticking to it. Next, give your child a "warning." Say, "It's almost bedtime." Offer a bottle or feeding. Then give the child a warm bath.

Bedtime Routine

• Once the child is dressed for bed, read a favorite story to her. Play soft music while reading. Make sure the baby has a favorite, safe sleep toy. Tell her good night and give kisses and hugs, but do not linger for very long. Do not put the child to bed with a bottle.