Evie Summers
Sleep is essential for a newborn's growth and development, but it can be challenging for new parents to establish healthy sleep patterns. Newborns typically sleep for one to four hours at a time and are awake for one to two hours before falling back asleep. They average 16-17 hours of sleep per day, but this varies, and some may sleep up to 18 hours. As newborns grow, their sleep patterns change, and they gradually sleep less during the day and more at night. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine, creating a calm environment, and teaching self-soothing techniques are essential steps in helping newborns develop healthy sleep habits.
Characteristics of teaching a newborn to sleep
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleep training | Teach self-soothing techniques, such as comforting noises, patting, or singing. |
| Sleep patterns | Newborns sleep 16-18 hours a day, in stretches of 1-4 hours. |
| Sleep environment | Keep the room temperature comfortable, and cut down on light. |
| Daytime routine | Feed-play-sleep pattern, with a full feed before sleep. |
| Nighttime routine | Consistent bedtime routine, teaching the difference between day and night. |
| Sleep location | Baby sleeps in the same room as parents for the first 6 months to reduce the risk of SIDS. |
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What You'll Learn
The importance of a bedtime routine
Establishing a bedtime routine is crucial for teaching your newborn to sleep. A consistent routine helps your baby recognise when it is time to wind down and prepare for sleep. While every baby is different, with unique sleep patterns and needs, a well-structured routine can promote longer and better-quality sleep.
A bedtime routine might include a variety of calming activities such as a warm bath, a soothing massage, reading a story, or singing a lullaby. These activities signal to your baby that it is time to relax and settle down for the night. As your baby grows accustomed to this routine, they will begin to associate these activities with sleep, making it easier for them to transition into a peaceful slumber.
The "feed-play-sleep" pattern is a popular and effective approach. After a feed and nappy change, your baby is likely to be alert and energetic, making it an ideal time for play and interaction. Following this active period, you can then begin the bedtime routine, gradually calming and soothing your baby as bedtime approaches.
Consistency is key. Maintaining a regular bedtime each night helps your baby develop an internal body clock, enabling them to naturally anticipate and prepare for sleep. Over time, your baby will learn to self-soothe, falling asleep more easily and for longer stretches. This routine also helps you as a parent, providing a structured framework to navigate the challenges of newborn sleep.
It is important to remember that flexibility is also necessary. As your baby grows, their sleep patterns and needs will change, and you may need to adapt your routine accordingly. Be patient and prepared for adjustments, ensuring that your baby's bedtime routine remains a positive and nurturing experience.
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Self-soothing techniques
Teaching your baby to self-soothe is a process that will help them throughout their lives. It is a skill as important as smiling, crawling, or walking. When your baby learns to self-soothe or stay calm in the presence of stimulation, they begin to regulate their mood.
- Before assuming that your baby is cranky, review their list of needs. Your baby won't be able to self-soothe if: they have a wet or soiled diaper, their clothes are too hot or cold, there are too many distractions in the room, they have gas or need to be burped, they are hungry or thirsty, or they are overtired.
- Babies love routine. Try to put your baby to bed at the same time every day and stick to a consistent nighttime routine. A schedule will keep them from becoming overtired.
- Pacifiers can help young babies learn to self-soothe, but limit their use to naptime and bedtime, and combine them with other methods like white noise so that your baby doesn't learn to rely on the pacifier alone.
- If your baby fell asleep while feeding, gently burp them to wake them up a little, then use other self-soothing techniques to help them calm back down.
- Watch what your baby does to settle or take note of something they like that could become an attachment object, such as a favourite blanket or teddy. For the first four days, offer this object every time your baby fusses during the day. By day 8, put at least two of these objects in their cot for them to find at night.
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Distinguishing between night and day
Newborns have just entered the world from the cosy, dark and noisy environment of the womb, where they were rocked to sleep by their mother's movements. It is no wonder that they have no concept of night and day and can easily confuse the two.
To help your baby distinguish between night and day, you can start by exposing them to daylight, especially in the early afternoon. A 2004 study at Liverpool John Moores University found that babies who were exposed to daylight between 12 pm and 4 pm slept better at night than babies who were not. Try to take your baby outside at least once a day to get some sunlight and fresh air. Open the windows and let in some natural light if going outside doesn't feel manageable. You can also reinforce the idea that daytime is for fun and activity by carrying your baby in a sling or baby carrier for long periods during the day.
At night, make sure their environment is dark and quiet. You can also use tight swaddling and white noise to signal that it is time for sleep. During the day, open the curtains and don't worry about keeping the house silent while they sleep. You can also immerse your baby in the hustle and bustle of normal life, so they learn that daytime is for being awake and seeing people.
It is important to note that newborns will sleep a lot, but in short batches of around 2-4 hours. They will also need to be woken up frequently to feed in the first few weeks. As your baby grows, they will need fewer night feeds and may be able to sleep for longer.
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Safe co-sleeping practices
Create a Safe Sleep Environment:
- Follow recommendations from trusted sources like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to create a safe sleep environment. This includes placing your newborn on their back to sleep and using a firm, flat surface with a fitted sheet, such as a crib or bassinet.
- Avoid co-sleeping on couches, armchairs, or seating devices like swings, as they increase the risk of SIDS and accidental suffocation or strangulation.
- Ensure the room temperature is comfortable for your baby, neither too hot nor too cold, as it can disturb their sleep.
Breastfeeding and Responsiveness:
- Breastfeeding mothers tend to move their babies closer to their face, which can increase the risk of suffocation. Instead, keep your baby at chest level, and they will likely stay there due to the natural "cuddle curl" position.
- Breastfeeding mothers are generally more responsive to their babies' needs, reducing the risk of rolling over onto them. However, if you are a non-breastfeeding mother, be extra cautious and aware of your baby's position while co-sleeping.
Consistency and Routine:
- Establish a consistent nighttime routine to help your baby sleep better and longer. This includes a regular bedtime, calming activities like reading, and a quiet, dark environment.
- Gradually teach your baby that nighttime is for sleeping by keeping the curtains open during the day, playing games, and not worrying too much about everyday noises during their daytime naps.
Self-Soothing:
- Encourage self-soothing techniques to help your baby sleep independently. If they wake up, try comforting them without immediately reaching for a bottle or breastfeeding.
- Understand your baby's cries and different communication methods to distinguish between their needs and simple wakefulness.
Safe Surface and Responsiveness:
- Research suggests that by four months, bedsharing with a healthy baby by any responsible non-smoking adult on a safe surface is generally safe.
- Ensure you are a responsive and healthy adult (non-smoking, sober) when co-sleeping, as this significantly reduces the risks associated with shared sleep.
Remember, it is always best to consult your pediatrician or healthcare provider for personalized advice and to address any concerns about your newborn's sleep habits and safety.
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Sleep training methods
Sleep training involves teaching your baby to fall asleep and stay asleep by themselves, without help from caregivers. There are several sleep training methods that can help your baby sleep through the night.
Firstly, it is important to establish a bedtime routine. This can include activities such as a bath, story time, and cuddles. A regular bedtime routine can help your baby learn when it is time to slow down and get ready for bed. It is also beneficial to have a consistent nighttime routine, which can help your baby sleep better and longer, with less frequent wake-ups.
Another method is to teach your baby to self-soothe. This involves allowing your baby to learn to comfort themselves back to sleep when they wake up during the night. You can start by letting them cry for a short period, such as two minutes, and gradually increasing the time before you return to comfort them. This helps your baby learn to self-regulate and fall back asleep on their own.
Additionally, it is important to create a conducive sleep environment. This includes maintaining a comfortable temperature in the room and minimising light. You can also try "camping out", which involves comforting your baby until they are calm, then sitting or lying down next to their cot and pretending to be asleep. If your baby wakes up or cries, make comforting noises to let them know you are there.
It is also recommended to feed your baby right before their bedtime so that they are full and comfortable enough to fall asleep. However, it is important to move them to their crib or bassinet after feeding so that they do not associate feeding with falling asleep.
Finally, it is crucial to be consistent and patient throughout the sleep training process. It may take a few days or weeks for your baby to adjust to the new routine, but with persistence and flexibility, they will eventually learn to sleep through the night.
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Frequently asked questions
It is normal for newborns to wake up repeatedly during the night for the first few months. You can try to feed your baby right before you plan to go to sleep so that they are full and comfortable enough to fall asleep. During the day, a good pattern to follow is 'feed-play-sleep'. At night, you can try waking your baby for a feed just before you go to bed. This might help them sleep a little longer.
Self-soothing can help your baby learn to sleep comfortably on their own. Babies often wake up for no reason on their own throughout the night, so learning to distinguish between them needing something or simply waking up can help them sleep overnight. Before reaching for the bottle or beginning to breastfeed, try other methods of soothing.
Having a consistent nighttime routine can help your baby sleep better and longer, with less frequent wake-ups. A regular bedtime routine can consist of numerous activities to help soothe your baby and get them ready to sleep. This might include a bath, story, and cuddle.
It is important to get your baby comfortable with falling asleep on their own before the separation anxiety phase, which starts at around eight months of age. At bedtime, let your baby cry for a bit and be consistent and patient. For a 4 to 12-month-old child, you can return and pat or sing to them.
