Sleep Duration for 1.5-Month-Old Infants
A 1.5-month-old infant should sleep 14-17 hours per 24-hour period, including naps, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. 1
Normal Sleep Patterns for Young Infants
Young infants at this age typically have:
- Total sleep duration of 14-17 hours per 24-hour period 2, 1
- Multiple sleep periods throughout the day and night
- Short sleep cycles of 40-60 minutes 1
- Frequent wakings for feeding approximately every 2-3 hours 2, 1
By 2 months of age, many infants begin feeding approximately every 3-4 hours, which may allow for slightly longer sleep periods, but the total recommended sleep duration remains the same 2, 1.
Sleep Distribution
At 1.5 months of age, sleep is not consolidated into long nighttime periods but rather distributed throughout the 24-hour day:
- No clear distinction between day and night sleep yet
- Multiple naps throughout the day
- Sleep periods typically last 2-4 hours before waking for feeding
- Longest sleep stretches may begin to emerge during nighttime hours
Safe Sleep Practices
When ensuring your 1.5-month-old gets adequate sleep, always follow these safety guidelines:
- Place infant on their back for every sleep period 1
- Use a firm mattress in a safety-approved crib with a fitted sheet 1
- Practice room-sharing (infant sleeps in parents' room but on a separate surface) 1
- Avoid bed-sharing, particularly for infants under 3 months 1
- Keep pillows, blankets, and soft toys out of the sleep area 1
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Expecting too much nighttime sleep: At 1.5 months, expecting long stretches of nighttime sleep is unrealistic and can create unnecessary stress.
- Inconsistent sleep environment: Even at this young age, beginning to establish consistent sleep routines can be beneficial.
- Ignoring hunger cues: Adequate nutrition takes priority over sleep schedules at this age.
- Unsafe sleep positions: Placing an infant on their side or stomach significantly increases the risk of SIDS 1.
- Using sleep positioners or wedges: These have no evidence of reducing SIDS risk and may pose suffocation hazards 1.
Remember that while 14-17 hours is the recommended total sleep duration, individual infants may have slightly different sleep needs, and the pattern of sleep will evolve rapidly over the coming months.