Herbie Murray
Newborns tend to sleep a lot, with some babies sleeping for up to 16 to 18 hours a day. However, newborns also wake up frequently due to their tiny stomachs, and they get hungry soon after feeding. This is a normal part of their growth and development. Newborns also take some time to develop an internal 24-hour rhythm or circadian rhythm, which is why they initially struggle to differentiate between night and day. As a result, newborns may sleep for most of the day and wake up frequently at night. To promote healthy sleep habits, it is important to establish a safe sleep environment and a consistent sleep schedule, including a calming bedtime routine.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of hours of sleep | 16-18 hours each day |
| Sleep patterns | No fixed sleep pattern initially |
| Sleep schedule | Newborns follow their own schedule |
| Sleep environment | Should be placed on their back to sleep, on a firm, flat surface |
| Sleep habits | Develop a calming evening routine |
| Sleep challenges | May be hyper and hard to soothe if sleep-deprived |
| Sleep safety | Avoid products that claim to lower the risk of SIDS |
| Sleep and growth | Waking up frequently to feed is an important part of a newborn's growth |
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What You'll Learn
Safe sleep environments
Creating a safe sleep environment for your newborn is crucial to lower the risk of sleep-related infant deaths, including Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Here are some detailed guidelines to ensure a safe sleep environment for your baby:
Sleep Position
It is recommended to always place your baby on their back to sleep, both for naps and at night. Sleeping on the back significantly reduces the risk of SIDS compared to sleeping on the side or stomach. This recommendation has contributed to a substantial decline in the rate of SIDS since 1992.
Sleep Surface
Use a firm, flat sleep surface for your baby. Cover the mattress with a fitted sheet that fits snugly. Do not place any soft objects or loose items in the crib or bassinet, including plush toys, pillows, blankets, unfitted sheets, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, and bumper pads. These items can pose a risk of suffocation or strangulation. Additionally, ensure that all sleep products you use, such as the mattress and crib, are approved by the relevant safety organizations and meet federal safety standards.
Room-Sharing and Bedding
While it is safe to share a room with your baby, putting them to sleep in the same bed as you is not recommended due to the increased risk of SIDS and other sleep-related deaths. Dress your baby appropriately for the room temperature, and avoid overbundling or covering their head while sleeping. Keep an eye out for signs of overheating, such as sweating or feeling hot to the touch.
Breastfeeding and Smoking
Breastfeeding your baby, if possible, is recommended as it can help reduce the risk of SIDS. Additionally, avoid smoking, as it can also increase the risk of SIDS.
Awareness of Products Claiming to Reduce SIDS Risk
Be cautious of products or devices that claim to lower the risk of SIDS, such as sleep positioners (wedges or incliners) or monitors that detect a baby's heart rate and breathing pattern. Currently, there are no known products that can effectively do this.
Creating a Calm and Quiet Environment
In the first few weeks, your baby's brain is still learning to differentiate between night and day. Keep the environment calm and quiet during middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes. Maintain low lighting, and avoid playing or talking with your baby to reinforce that nighttime is for sleeping.
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Sleep patterns
Newborns follow their own sleep schedules and it may take a few weeks for them to develop an internal 24-hour rhythm or a "circadian rhythm" that helps them differentiate between night and day. During this time, it is important to keep things quiet and calm during nighttime feedings and diaper changes. Keeping the lights low and resisting the urge to play or talk to your baby will help them understand that nighttime is for sleeping.
It is recommended that newborns be fed every two to three hours if breastfeeding and every three to four hours if bottle-feeding. In the first few weeks, it is also recommended to wake your baby every 3-4 hours to eat until they show good weight gain. After that, it is okay to let your baby sleep for longer periods at night.
It is important to note that newborns should sleep in a safe environment. They should sleep in a bassinet or crib in your room or a separate room, and the sleep surfaces and products used should be approved by the relevant safety authorities. Overheating is a risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), so it is important to dress your baby appropriately for the room temperature and avoid covering their head while they sleep.
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Sleep schedules
To help your newborn learn the difference between day and night, expose them to light and play with them gently during the day. At night, provide a dim and quiet environment for sleep. Keeping things calm and quiet during nighttime feedings and diaper changes can also help.
It is important to create positive sleep associations and a bedtime routine for your newborn. Holding your baby until they fall asleep may create a negative sleep association, resulting in them needing to be held to fall asleep. Instead, teach your baby to fall asleep on their own and provide a safe sleep environment.
Babies have different sleep patterns, and some may start sleeping through the night (for 5-6 hours) by 2-3 months of age, while others may take longer. Most babies start sleeping through the night by 6 months of age, but some may not sleep through the night until closer to 1 year.
Remember, growth spurts, teething, illnesses, and other factors can affect your baby's sleep patterns, so be prepared to adjust your routines as your baby grows and enters different stages.
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Soothing techniques
The 5 S's
Dr. Harvey Karp, a renowned pediatrician, has developed a technique called the 5 S's, which has become a standard pediatric practice for soothing babies and is taught in hospitals and clinics worldwide. The 5 S's stand for:
- Swaddling: Wrapping the baby in a light blanket can help soothe them and trigger a calming reflex that mimics the sensations of the womb.
- Side/Stomach: Holding the baby close to your chest and then slowly moving them to your side or stomach can help calm them down.
- Shushing: Making a soft, shushing sound near the baby's ear can mimic the sounds they heard in the womb and help trigger their calming reflex.
- Swinging: Gently swinging or jiggling the baby in your arms can recreate the sensation of being in the womb and help them relax.
- Sucking: Offering a pacifier or allowing the baby to suck on their fingers can provide comfort and help them self-soothe.
Other Soothing Techniques:
- Rocking and Cuddling: It is perfectly fine to rock and cuddle your newborn, especially when they are fussy. Singing to them can also help them settle down.
- Keep Things Calm and Quiet: During nighttime feedings and diaper changes, keep the lights low and avoid playing or talking too much with the baby. This helps reinforce the association between night and sleep.
- Stick to a Consistent Schedule: Newborns thrive on consistency. Try to maintain a regular nap and bedtime schedule, and pay attention to their awake times to avoid missing naps or bedtime.
- Plan Activities Around Sleep: While your life doesn't have to revolve around your baby's sleep schedule, if you have a sensitive sleeper, it might be worth planning activities and events around their nap times to avoid meltdowns.
- Safe Sleep Environment: Always place your baby on their back to sleep, and use a firm, flat sleep surface with a snug-fitting sheet. Keep soft objects, such as toys, pillows, and blankets, away from the baby's sleep area to prevent the risk of SIDS and suffocation.
- Address Reflux or Colic: If your baby cries during feeds, it could be a sign of reflux or colic. Speak to your health visitor or GP for advice on managing these conditions.
- Ask for Help: If you feel overwhelmed or stressed by your baby's crying, don't be afraid to ask for help. Reach out to friends, family, or your health visitor, or contact support helplines specifically for new parents.
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Sleep training methods
While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to sleep training, it is generally recommended to start sleep training after the 4th trimester, between 4-6 months of age. By this age, most babies can sleep for 6 hours between feeds overnight, and many start to sleep through the night.
The "Pick-Up/Put-Down" Method
This method involves placing your baby in their crib while they are drowsy but still awake. If they start to fuss, wait a moment, and then pick them up to console them. After a few minutes, place them back in their crib. Repeat this process until they fall asleep. Over time, gradually increase the wait time before picking them up and reduce the amount of time spent consoling them. This method can be started when your baby is around 3 months old.
The "Cry-It-Out" Method
Also known as extinction, full extinction, or CIO, this method involves putting your baby to bed with a bedtime routine, cuddles, and a kiss goodnight, and then leaving the room. If the baby cries, you do not respond. The idea is that they will eventually tire themselves out or self-soothe back to sleep. While this method can work quickly, many parents feel uncomfortable letting their baby cry without providing comfort. This method is generally not recommended for newborns, as they often need help falling asleep and are unable to self-soothe.
The Gradual Method
This approach is similar to the "pick-up/put-down" method but is more gradual and gentle. It involves putting your baby down while they are still awake and then gradually moving towards putting them down while they are asleep. This method can help your baby get used to falling asleep independently without feeling abandoned.
The Chair Approach
This method involves sitting with your baby in their room while they fall asleep. Each night, you gradually move your chair further away from the crib until you are eventually outside the room. This can help your baby feel reassured and gradually adjust to falling asleep independently.
The "Wake-to-Sleep" Method
This technique involves waking your baby up slightly as you put them into their crib while they are still drowsy. This can help to reset their sleep drive and encourage them to fall into a deeper sleep.
It is important to remember that every baby is unique, and you should choose a method that you and your baby are comfortable with. Sleep training can be challenging, and it is normal to encounter bumps along the way. Be patient, consistent, and prepared for some rough nights. Additionally, always follow safe sleeping guidelines to ensure your baby's safety.
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Frequently asked questions
A sleeper is a type of clothing designed for newborns and infants, often with built-in feet and sometimes with mittens. They are designed to be comfortable and safe for sleeping.
It is recommended to have around 5-10 sleepers for a newborn. Newborns tend to sleep a lot and go through multiple sleepers per day.
Yes, there are several safety concerns to keep in mind. Newborns should always be placed on their back to sleep and bed-sharing is not recommended as it increases the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). The sleep surface should be firm and flat, and the room should be kept at a comfortable temperature to avoid overheating.
It is important to be patient as newborns take time to develop a 24-hour rhythm or circadian rhythm. During the first few weeks, you can help your newborn adjust by keeping things quiet and calm during middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes, and by exposing them to natural light during the day.
