Colin Snow
Sleep is a common concern for new parents. Newborns sleep around the clock, waking up every couple of hours to eat. They need between 14 and 19 hours of sleep per day, but they don't yet have a sense of day and night. It can take a few weeks for a baby's brain to start to differentiate between night and day, and there are no tricks to speed this up. However, there are some things you can do to help your baby develop a healthy sleep pattern.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleep duration | Newborns sleep around 14–19 hours a day. |
| Sleep patterns | Newborns follow their own sleep patterns and schedules. |
| Sleep environment | The room temperature should be between 68–72°F. |
| Sleep position | Place newborns on their back to sleep. |
| Sleep space | Use a small crib to help newborns feel secure. |
| Sleep routine | Establish a bedtime routine and keep the lights low during nighttime feedings. |
| Sleep aids | Swaddling can help soothe newborns and prevent the startle reflex. |
| Sleep interruptions | Hunger, thirst, illness, and teething are common reasons for sleep interruptions. |
| Parental involvement | Room-sharing is recommended, but bed-sharing is not due to the risk of SIDS. |
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What You'll Learn
Recognise signs of sleepiness and overtiredness
Recognising the signs of sleepiness and overtiredness in your newborn is key to improving their sleep. Newborns don't have a sense of day and night, and they sleep around the clock, waking often to eat. They need 14 to 17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period, with some sleeping up to 18 or even 19 hours a day.
Signs of sleepiness in newborns include yawning, rubbing their eyes, sucking their fingers, pulling their ears, becoming quiet and still, or making jerky movements. When you notice these signs, it's a good idea to put your baby down to sleep. If you miss this window and your baby becomes overtired, they may display frantic crying, extreme fussiness, or arching of the back.
To help your baby sleep, you can try swaddling them, which can prevent them from startling themselves awake and keep them feeling snug and secure. Make sure the swaddle is not too tight or loose, and stop swaddling if they start trying to roll over. You can also try putting them to sleep in a small crib and keeping the room temperature between 68°F and 72°F.
Keep in mind that every baby is different, and they will have their own unique sleep patterns. It's important to be patient and give them time to adapt to life outside the womb and develop their own sleep rhythm.
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Swaddling
To swaddle your baby, you can use a variety of wraps, from traditional wrap-style swaddles to those with zippers or velcro. Choose one that you can manage easily and that will keep your baby securely wrapped without being too tight or too loose. Make sure your baby's swaddle is not too tight or too loose, as this can make them uncomfortable and affect their sleep.
However, it's important to stop swaddling your baby once they start trying to roll over, as this could be dangerous. Additionally, ensure that your baby does not get too hot while swaddled, as this can also disturb their sleep. The ideal room temperature for a comfortable and safe sleep is between 68°F and 72°F.
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Safe sleep practices
Firstly, it is recommended to practice room-sharing without bed-sharing. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises that room-sharing is safer than separate rooms or bed-sharing. Room-sharing involves placing your baby's crib or bassinet in your bedroom, which facilitates feeding, comforting, and monitoring during the night. While room-sharing is safe, bed-sharing increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related dangers.
Secondly, always place your baby on their back to sleep. Sleeping on their back reduces the risk of suffocation and is recommended by the AAP to prevent SIDS. Cribs and bassinets should have firm, flat surfaces without any toys, stuffed animals, pillows, or extra bedding, as these can pose safety hazards.
Thirdly, maintain a comfortable room temperature for your baby. Experts recommend setting the room temperature between 68°F and 72°F for optimal comfort and safer sleep. Newborns can be sensitive to temperature changes, so ensuring they are neither too hot nor too cold can help improve their sleep.
Additionally, swaddling your baby can provide comfort and security. Swaddling involves wrapping the baby snugly in a light blanket, which can soothe them and prevent them from startling themselves awake. Ensure that the swaddle is not too tight or too loose, and discontinue swaddling once your baby starts trying to roll over.
Furthermore, it is important to establish a sleep routine and differentiate between night and day. Newborns need time to adjust to the difference between night and day, so keep the environment calm and quiet during middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes. Let your baby fall asleep in their crib at night to associate it with sleep, and avoid playing with or talking to them during this time.
Remember, every baby is unique, and their sleep patterns may vary. Be prepared to adapt to your baby's changing needs as they grow, and always prioritize safe sleep practices to ensure your little one's well-being.
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Room-sharing
As a new parent, one of the toughest challenges is the lack of sleep. Babies need time to adapt to life outside the womb and to develop their own sleep rhythm.
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep, not on their stomach or side. Cribs and bassinets should have firm, flat surfaces, without toys, stuffed animals, pillows, or bedding.
- Swaddling your baby can help keep their arms and legs still so they don't move and wake themselves up. It can also prevent them from startling themselves awake.
- Keep the room temperature between 68°F and 72°F for comfort and safer sleep.
- During the first few weeks of a baby's life, they will sleep a lot during the day and at night. It is important to keep them awake a little longer during each waking period during the day to increase their need for sleep later.
- Newborns follow their own schedule and it may take a few weeks for their brain to know the difference between night and day. It helps to keep things quiet and calm during middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes. Try to keep the lights low and resist the urge to play with or talk to your baby.
- If your baby is formula-fed, encourage your partner to share the feeds. If you are breastfeeding, ask your partner to take over the early morning changing and dressing so you can go back to sleep.
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Keeping baby awake longer during the day
Keeping your baby awake longer during the day can help them sleep better at night. Here are some tips to keep your baby awake during the day:
Firstly, it is important to understand your baby's sleep patterns and needs. Newborns sleep around 14 to 19 hours a day, including daytime naps, and wake up every few hours to feed. As they grow, they will need fewer night feeds and may sleep for longer stretches. Understanding these patterns can help you plan their daily activities and gradually adjust their sleep schedule.
To keep your baby awake during the day, provide a stimulating environment with age-appropriate sensory play and interaction. Engage them with different sights, sounds, and textures, such as reading books, singing songs, or taking them outside for a walk. However, be mindful of overstimulation, as too much sensory input can make it challenging for your baby to fall asleep.
Additionally, create a distinction between day and night for your baby. Keep the atmosphere calm and quiet during middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes. Use low lighting and avoid playing or talking excessively, signaling that nighttime is for sleeping. In contrast, allow for some noise during the day so your baby gets used to sleeping through everyday sounds.
It is also crucial to watch for signs of tiredness and put your baby to sleep before they become overtired. Signs of sleepiness include yawning, rubbing eyes, and pulling at ears. Putting your baby to sleep when they first show these signs can help prevent them from becoming overtired, which can make it harder for them to settle down later.
Remember, every baby is unique, and their sleep patterns will vary. Be patient and give them time to adjust and develop their own sleep rhythm.
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