Colin Snow
Newborns have a range of survival methods that help them navigate the world in their first few months of life. One of the most well-known is crying, which newborns do for 2-3 hours a day for the first 6 weeks of their lives. Crying is a way for newborns to communicate their needs, and it can be a source of stress for new parents, who are already dealing with sleep deprivation. Another survival method is sleep – newborns need 14-17 hours of it a day, and they wake up every couple of hours to eat. Establishing a sleep routine for newborns can be challenging, but it is crucial for their development and the well-being of their caregivers. Finally, reflexes are a critical survival method for newborns. These automatic muscle responses to stimulation, such as the grasp reflex and the rooting reflex, are indicators of healthy nervous system development.
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What You'll Learn
Crying as a sleep training method
The cry-it-out method was first introduced in the 1980s by Richard Ferber, who advocated for the controlled crying or graduated extinction approach. This method involves letting a child cry for gradually increasing periods before offering comfort. However, Ferber later clarified that he didn't intend for this method to be used for every child with sleep issues. Another variation, the "unmodified extinction" method, was proposed by Marc Weissbluth and involves simply putting the baby in their crib and closing the door.
The cry-it-out method is based on the idea that falling asleep is a skill that babies need to learn, just like rolling over, crawling, or walking. By meeting the baby's needs (feeding, clean diaper, etc.) and then leaving them to self-settle, parents provide the necessary space for their little ones to develop this skill. While it can be challenging to hear your baby cry, proponents of this method argue that it teaches self-soothing and results in better sleep for both the child and the parents.
However, the cry-it-out method is not without its criticisms and concerns. Firstly, there is a lack of scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness. While some studies suggest that sleep training, including cry-it-out methods, can reduce sleep problems in the short term, these studies often rely on parent reports, which can be biased, instead of objective sleep measurements. Additionally, there is no proof that cry-it-out is the fastest or most effective method, as its popularity suggests. In fact, gentler approaches, such as "camping out" (where a parent sleeps next to the baby's crib) or parental education about baby sleep, have been found to be equally or more effective in improving sleep for both babies and parents.
Furthermore, critics argue that letting a baby cry can be distressing for both the child and the parents. It is important to remember that every baby is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to sleep training. Pediatricians generally recommend waiting until a baby is at least 12 weeks old and weighs 12 pounds before considering sleep training, including the cry-it-out method. Additionally, it is essential to rule out any underlying medical issues, such as reflux, that may be causing sleep disturbances.
In conclusion, while crying as a sleep training method may work for some families, it is not the only option and should be approached with caution. Parents should be reassured that there are gentler and more gradual methods available that can effectively improve sleep for both themselves and their babies. Ultimately, the decision should be based on the unique needs and temperament of the baby, and parents should feel empowered to explore different approaches to find what works best for their family.
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Newborn survival reflexes
Newborn babies are born with a set of reflexes that help them survive and thrive in their new environment. These reflexes are built-in responses to certain stimuli, and they develop at different rates in different babies. Here are some of the most common newborn survival reflexes:
Rooting Reflex: This is a basic survival instinct that helps newborns find and latch onto a nipple to feed. When the side of their mouth or cheek is touched, they will turn towards that side, open their mouth, and begin to make sucking movements. This reflex is present until around 6 months of age.
Sucking Reflex: The sucking reflex is another survival mechanism that helps newborns feed. They will suck on anything placed in their mouth, even if they are not hungry. This reflex fades between 6 and 12 months of age.
Tonic-Neck Reflex (Fencer's Reflex): This reflex is observed when the baby's head is turned to one side, causing the arm and leg on that side to straighten, while the opposite arm and leg flex. This reflex typically disappears by 4 months of age.
Moro ("Startle") Reflex: When a baby's head is allowed to drop backward, they will appear startled, reaching out with their arms and palms up. Loud, unexpected noises can trigger this reflex, and the baby may cry when startled. This reflex usually disappears around 2 months of age.
Step Reflex: When held upright with their feet touching a flat surface, babies will appear to try to take steps. This reflex usually disappears by 2 months of age.
Grasp Reflex: When a baby's palm is stroked, they will grab and hold on tightly. This reflex also causes their toes to curl if the bottom of their foot is stroked. The grasp reflex begins to disappear around the third month.
It is important to monitor a newborn's reflexes and behaviors, as they can provide important insights into their development. Regular check-ups with a doctor can help identify any potential problems. Additionally, understanding normal newborn behavior can help parents and caregivers better respond to the baby's needs and promote their overall well-being.
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Newborn sleeping patterns
Newborn babies have a set of built-in reflexes and survival methods that help them to stay alive and thrive. One of these reflexes is the rooting reflex, which is a baby's ability to find and latch onto a nipple to feed. This is a basic survival instinct that is present until the baby is around 6 months old. Newborns also have a sucking reflex, which is a survival mechanism that does not necessarily indicate hunger.
Newborns have limited control over their bodies and will often cry, whimper, or make strange noises during light sleep. They may sleep anywhere from 20 minutes to 4 hours at a time between feedings until they are around 3 months old, at which point they may start sleeping 6-8 hours at night. However, it is important to note that every baby is different and develops at their own rate.
Sleep training is a controversial practice that aims to help babies learn to fall asleep on their own. One of the most well-known sleep training methods is the "cry-it-out" (CIO) method, which involves letting a baby cry until they fall asleep. This approach has been criticized by some parents and experts who believe that it is harmful to the baby. However, others argue that it is an effective way to teach babies to self-soothe and fall asleep independently. While the CIO method may work for some babies and parents, it is not suitable for everyone, and there are other gentler approaches to sleep training that can be effective, such as camping out or parental education.
It is important for parents to understand their baby's sleep patterns and what methods work best for them and their baby's temperament. Educating new parents about baby sleep can lead to better sleep outcomes for newborns at 3 and 6 months. Additionally, being aware of and responding to an infant's communications during activities like bathing can help newborns regulate their cortisol levels.
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Crying as a response to jitters and trembling
It is common for newborns to experience jitters and trembling of the arms and legs during crying. This phenomenon, which typically resolves by 1 to 2 months of age, is a normal survival response and does not indicate any underlying issues. However, if jitters persist beyond this timeframe or occur when the baby is not crying, further investigation may be warranted.
The act of crying can induce shaking or trembling in newborns, particularly when they are hungry. This response is often accompanied by stiffening of the body. While occasional body shakes during crying are generally harmless, frequent and prolonged episodes of crying accompanied by shaking may signal a more serious concern. In such cases, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended.
It is important to distinguish between normal trembling and potential seizures. Seizures in newborns are characterised by muscle jerking and eye blinking, and they do not typically involve crying. If you suspect your baby is experiencing seizures, it is crucial to seek medical advice promptly.
While crying is a common response to jitters and trembling in newborns, it is not the only reason babies cry. Hunger, discomfort, or the need for attention are among the many other reasons that newborns may cry. As such, it is important for caregivers to be attentive to the baby's needs and provide comfort and reassurance as necessary.
Understanding the underlying causes of crying and addressing any concerns is an essential aspect of newborn care. While crying is a normal and expected part of an infant's development, it can be distressing for both the baby and the caregiver. By recognising crying as a form of communication, caregivers can respond appropriately and foster a sense of security and trust.
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Crying as a response to vision and hearing problems
Newborns have been exposed to sounds since their time in the womb, including their mother's heartbeat, the gurgles of her digestive system, and even the sound of her voice and the voices of other family members. Human voices, especially those of the mother and father, are a baby's favourite "music". Babies also respond to music and other sounds in their environment.
If you are concerned about your baby's hearing, you can look out for warning signs such as no response to sound or only responding to some sounds. You can also observe how your baby responds to your voice. If your baby is crying in the bassinet, notice how quickly they calm down when they hear your voice. Most newborns have a hearing screening before being released from the hospital, but if your baby did not have one, it is important to have a hearing screening within the first month of life.
Babies are born with light-sensitive eyes. Their eyes are also sensitive to bright light, so they are more likely to open their eyes in low light. It is normal for a newborn's eyes to cross or drift outward until their vision improves and their eye muscles strengthen. Newborns can also see in colour, and their eye coordination will have improved enough to follow a moving object by the time they are two months old.
If you are worried about your baby's vision, notice if they watch your face closely or follow moving objects. If your baby's eyes seem to cross more than just briefly, or if their eyes appear cloudy or filmy, be sure to tell your doctor. An eye exam may be necessary if there is a family history of eye diseases or vision problems.
In summary, crying can be a response to vision and hearing problems in newborns, and it is important for parents to be aware of warning signs and seek medical advice if they have any concerns.
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Frequently asked questions
All newborns cry and get fussy sometimes, and it's normal for a baby to cry for 2-3 hours a day for the first 6 weeks. During the first 3 months, they cry more than at any other time. Babies may cry because they are hungry, tired, uncomfortable, or in pain. It's important to never shake a baby, as this can cause shaken baby syndrome or abusive head trauma.
Newborns should get 14-17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period, and some may sleep up to 18-19 hours per day. They wake up every couple of hours to eat, and breastfed babies feed more frequently than bottle-fed babies. Newborns don't have a sense of day and night, so they sleep around the clock.
Here are some tips to help new parents cope with sleep deprivation:
- Prioritize napping over chores.
- If you have a partner or family member to help, take shifts so that one person can sleep while the other cares for the baby.
- Drink caffeine, but not too close to bedtime.
- Go for a walk to get some fresh air and an energy boost.
- Join a support group for new parents.
Reflexes in newborns include the grasp reflex, where they will grasp a finger placed in their palm, and the rooting reflex, where they will turn their head and make sucking motions when their cheek is stroked. Another example is the parachute reflex, where the baby will extend their arms forward as if to break a fall when their body is rotated quickly. While these reflexes may not be directly linked to immediate survival, they are important indicators of nervous system development and function.
