Sleep at 9 months: what’s normal, what’s tough, and when to reach out

Changes at 9 months

Much of what goes on at bedtime makes sense once you look at the CDC’s 9-month milestones. Each has a sleep angle.

All of these milestones are healthy, and any of them can turn bedtime into a bargaining session. By the time most families reach Actually Sleeping, they’ve already tried things by themselves. Dr. Sam writes a single plan for your baby that takes standing, separation and feeds into account, and we coach you bootcamp-style before night one.

Not one of them is a problem. They’re markers of healthy development that just happen to clash with sleep.

What counts as normal

A review of observational studies found babies from 9 months averaged 12.6 hours of sleep per 24 hours, with a normal range of roughly 9.4 to 15.8 hours. From 6 to 11 months, babies averaged 2.2 naps daily. Two naps is common at this point rather than a rule, and on long days some babies still squeeze in a short third nap.

The hardest parts for parents

• Protest at bedtime. According to the AAP, a predictable routine helps children accept separation, while a routine that shifts from night to night tends to bring more protest.
• Standing up in the crib without knowing how to get back down.
• Naps at daycare. Unfamiliar faces and noise can lead to short daycare naps and an overtired evening.
• Waking early. Light, noise and how long the afternoon awake stretch runs can all contribute.

Safe sleep for 9 month olds

• Lower the mattress to its bottom setting now, since many 9 month olds can pull up.
• Keep the crib away from windows and cords. Before age 1, no pillows, blankets, bumpers or toys in the crib.
• Start them on their back; once your baby rolls both ways, let them stay in whatever position they choose.
• No bottle in bed. As part of its advice on preventing tooth decay, the AAP recommends against putting a baby to bed with a bottle.

About night feeds

Your custom plan sets how night feeds are handled, based on your baby’s age.

Signs it’s time to call the pediatrician

• Snoring on most nights, or gasping or noisy breathing during sleep.
• Night waking along with fever, ear pain, vomiting or diarrhoea.
• Your baby isn’t sitting unsupported yet, isn’t babbling, or doesn’t look over when you say their name. All of these appear on the CDC’s 9-month list.
• Extremely loud screaming episodes early in the night that nothing calms. They’re usually harmless, but mention them to the doctor if they keep happening.

Next steps

When bedtime has become an hour of protest, what helps is a single consistent response suited to your baby, used by every caregiver. Actually Sleeping writes that plan for your baby and checks in with you 1:1 each day while it settles in. We guarantee that your baby will sleep 8–12 hours through the night within 14 days of consistent, correct implementation of your sleep plan. Parents describe their experience in our 7 to 9 month reviews. See also the 9-month schedule, separation anxiety at bedtime and daycare naps. To get started, book a free consultation with Dr. Sam.