March 1

Baby Sleep Day

Say goodbye to sleepless nights and hello to a well-rested baby on Baby Sleep Day! Learn tips and tricks for getting your little one to snooze peacefully.

Yearly Date
March 1
Type
Day

Introduction

Get ready to catch up on some much-needed rest on Baby Sleep Day, which falls on March 1! This special day was created to raise awareness about the importance of healthy sleep habits for babies and young children. Did you know that infants can sleep up to 18 hours a day? And as they grow, they still need plenty of rest – about 14 hours for toddlers and 10-12 hours for preschoolers. So let's take this day as an opportunity to prioritize our little ones' sleep and make sure they get the rest they need for their growth and development.

Baby Sleep Day Timeline

1950s
Early Sleep Studies
During the 1950s, initial studies on infant sleep patterns began to shape our understanding of baby sleep needs.
1965
REM Sleep Discovery
Research revealed distinct differences between baby and adult sleep, including more frequent and longer periods of REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep in infants.
1980s
Safe Sleep Campaigns
The launch of "Back to Sleep" campaigns during this period significantly reduced Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) occurrences globally.
1995
Sleep Training Methods
The emergence of sleep training methods like the Ferber method and the extinction method offered parents new tools to manage baby sleep.
2016
American Sleep Association Guidelines
ASA provided new comprehensive guidelines for pediatric sleep, recommending different sleep durations for various age groups.
2017
First Baby Sleep Day
The Pediatric Sleep Council established the first Baby Sleep Day to promote the importance of good sleep habits for babies.

How to Celebrate Baby Sleep Day

1

Host a sleepover for parents

Invite some new parents over for a baby sleepover! This is a great way to bond with other parents and share tips and tricks for getting your baby to sleep.

2

Create a calming bedtime routine

Take the day to create a calming bedtime routine for your baby. This could include a warm bath, reading a book, and playing soft music to help them drift off into dreamland.

3

Attend a baby sleep workshop

Search for local workshops or classes focused on infant sleep and attend one to learn more about how to help your baby get the best rest possible.

4

Take a family nap

Gather your family and take a nap together to celebrate Baby Sleep Day! Take turns snuggling with your little one while the others rest and recharge.

5

Create a personalized bedtime story

Put your creative skills to the test and write a personalized bedtime story for your baby. This will not only help them fall asleep, but also create a special memory for you and your little one.

Why Baby Sleep Day is Important

A

Promotes healthy development

Getting enough sleep is crucial for a baby's growth and development. When babies get good sleep, their brain develops, they have better motor skills, and are less prone to behavior issues.

B

Helps with mood and behavior

Babies who do not get enough sleep can become irritable, fussy and difficult to soothe. This can also affect their learning and attention span.

C

Allows for proper rest for parents/caregivers

When babies are sleeping well, this allows for time during the day for parents and caregivers to get some much needed rest or attend to other responsibilities. Babies who don't sleep well can make it difficult for adults to get any rest or focus on other tasks.

Baby Sleep Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Feb 28
Tuesday
2024
Feb 29
Thursday
2025
Feb 28
Friday
2026
Feb 28
Saturday
2027
Feb 28
Sunday