Ashwin Lewis
Sleep is critical for a newborn's physical and mental health, as they require a lot of rest while they grow and develop. Newborns sleep for about 18 hours a day, waking up multiple times at night to feed. While it is important to establish a bedtime routine, it is also crucial to understand that each newborn has a unique sleep pattern. This raises the question of whether it is okay to leave a newborn sleeping, especially when parents need to run a quick errand or take a much-needed break.
Is it ok to leave a newborn sleeping?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleep duration | Newborns sleep for about 30 minutes to three hours at a time. They wake up to feed and then go back to sleep. |
| Sleep patterns | Newborns follow their own sleep patterns and it's unlikely to be the same as other babies. |
| Sleep training | Sleep training methods vary for each baby. It's ok to experiment and combine methods to help your baby sleep. |
| Sleep environment | The sleep environment should be safe and free of hazards. All sleep products should be approved by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and meet federal safety standards. |
| Daytime sleep | Newborns sleep a lot during the day. It's ok to let them nap, but don't keep them up during the day to improve nighttime sleep. |
| Nighttime sleep | Newborns wake up repeatedly at night in the first few months. It's important to keep things quiet and calm during nighttime feedings and diaper changes. |
| Bedtime routine | Establish a familiar and relaxing bedtime routine, such as bathing, reading, and singing. Be consistent to help your baby associate these activities with sleeping. |
| Safe sleep practices | Avoid products that claim to lower the risk of SIDS, such as sleep positioners or monitors. Always place your baby on their back to sleep and remove any hazards that could cause suffocation or strangulation. |
| Parental concerns | It's normal for parents to worry about leaving their baby sleeping at home alone, even for a short time. It's important to prioritize your baby's safety and well-being. |
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What You'll Learn
Safe sleep environments
Leaving a newborn baby alone while they're sleeping is a personal decision for parents, and there are differing opinions on the topic. Some parents are comfortable leaving their baby alone for a short time while they are in another room, while others prefer to keep their baby in eyesight at all times.
Creating a safe sleep environment can help reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and other sleep-related deaths. Here are some recommendations for creating a safe sleep environment for newborns:
Alone
Babies should always be on their own sleep surface, in a separate but close-by safe place. Bed sharing is a risk factor for SUIDS (Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome) and other sleep-related deaths. It is best to move the baby to a safe sleep place if they fall asleep in a car seat or swing.
Back
Babies should be placed on their backs every time they sleep. They will not choke if they spit up, and this position reduces the risk of SIDS.
Crib
The crib should be empty, with no bumper pads, pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, toys, or supplies. The crib should have spindles no wider than 2-3/8 inches apart and sides that do not drop down. Always place your baby on a firm mattress with a tightly fitted sheet.
Other Recommendations
- Breastfeed if possible, as it has been shown to decrease the risk of SUIDS.
- Avoid smoking around the baby, as SUIDS is more common in babies exposed to smoke.
- Keep the room at a comfortable temperature.
- Use a sleep sack or wearable blanket instead of loose blankets to keep the baby warm.
- Avoid products that claim to reduce the risk of SUIDS, such as wedges or baby positioners, as these have not been tested for effectiveness or safety.
- Do not use non-prescription home monitors to reduce the risk of SUIDS. If a monitor is medically necessary, a doctor will prescribe it.
- Do not let the baby sleep on couches, armchairs, or other soft sleep surfaces.
- Avoid using soft bedding, comforters, pillows, loose sheets, blankets, sheepskins, toys, or positioners in the sleep area.
- Decorate the baby's room as desired, but leave the sleep space empty.
By following these guidelines, you can help create a safe sleep environment for your newborn.
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Sleep training methods
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 little before picking them up to console them. After a few minutes, place your baby back in their crib. Repeat this process until they fall asleep. Over time, gradually increase the time between picking them up and putting them down. This method can be started when your baby is around three months old.
The Cry-It-Out (CIO) Method
The CIO method, also known as extinction or full extinction, involves putting your baby to bed with a bedtime routine, cuddles, and a kiss goodnight. Then, you leave 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 is popular and proponents say it works quickly, many parents feel uncomfortable with this approach as they worry about elevating their baby's stress levels.
The Gradual Method
This method is similar to the pick-up/put-down approach but is more gradual and gentle. You start by comforting your baby when they cry and then slowly reduce the amount of comforting over time. This method is suitable for babies who are at least three months old.
The Chair Approach
This method involves sitting with your baby in their room while they fall asleep. Each night, you gradually move the chair further away from the crib until you are eventually outside the room. This approach can help your baby get used to falling asleep independently while still feeling your presence.
It is important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to sleep training. Different methods work for different babies, and you may need to experiment and adjust as your baby grows. Always consult with your pediatrician or a healthcare professional to determine the best approach for your baby's unique needs.
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How much sleep is normal
Newborns follow their own schedule and sleep pattern. In the first few weeks, newborns sleep for about 30 minutes to three hours at a time, and then stay awake for about two hours before going back to sleep. Newborns wake up a lot because their stomachs are tiny, and they get hungry not long after feeding. These short bursts of sleep and wakefulness are normal and an important part of a newborn's growth.
The National Sleep Foundation recommends that newborns get 14-17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period. Some newborns may sleep up to 18-19 hours a day. Newborns should be fed every 2-4 hours, depending on whether they are breastfed or bottle-fed. If your newborn is sleeping longer than 4 hours, you may need to wake them up to feed them.
It is normal and necessary for newborns to sleep a lot because they are quickly growing and developing. They need sleep to support their physical and mental health. However, if you are worried that your baby is sleeping too much or too little, be sure to talk to your pediatrician.
It is important to remember that every baby is different, and their sleep patterns will vary. Some babies may sleep for 5 to 8 hours or longer at night, but not all. It may take a few weeks for a baby's brain to distinguish between night and day. To help your baby understand the difference, keep things quiet and calm during middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes, and let your baby fall asleep in their crib at night.
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Bedtime routines
Establishing a bedtime routine for your baby is important to teach good sleep habits and help them get the sleep they need. Bedtime routines offer comfortable predictability to the end of the day, which is important for getting quality sleep.
- Be consistent: Consistency is key when establishing a bedtime routine. Try to start your child's routine at the same time every night and follow the same order of activities.
- Keep it short: When your baby is around 6 to 8 weeks old, you can start a bedtime routine. It should be very short at first and may include activities such as a cuddly feeding and reading a book.
- Create a calming environment: Avoid anything that might overstimulate your child right before bed. Keep the environment calm and quiet, with low lights.
- Wind-down activities: Include calming activities in your bedtime routine, such as reading books, singing lullabies, or giving your baby a gentle massage. Research suggests that babies who receive a massage before bedtime produce more melatonin, which helps them sleep.
- Bath time: A soothing bath can be a relaxing part of your baby's bedtime routine. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends against bathing newborns every night as it can dry out their delicate skin.
- Feeding: Include a feeding session in your bedtime routine to fill your baby's tank before the night. If your baby tends to fall asleep during feedings, you can move this part of the routine up to before the bath.
- Safe sleep environment: Ensure that all sleep surfaces and products you use for your baby's sleep have been approved by the relevant safety organizations and meet federal safety standards. Remove any hazards, such as items with cords, ties, or ribbons that could pose a risk of strangulation.
- Sleep training: As your baby grows, you can start sleep training to help them fall asleep independently. This can include methods such as teaching your baby to fall asleep on their own or using formal sleep training techniques for babies 5 months and older.
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Leaving a baby sleeping at home alone
Leaving a newborn baby sleeping at home alone can be a scary thought for new parents. It is understandable to worry if your newborn is not with you at all times, but it is also exhausting to be with them 24/7. So, is it okay to leave a newborn sleeping at home alone?
The short answer is no. Babies should never be left alone at home, even if it is just for a few minutes. It is best to avoid leaving them alone in the house, even if they are sleeping, as they could wake up and get upset or hurt themselves. However, it is understandable that there are times when you may need to leave them alone briefly, such as when you need to take a shower or go to the bathroom. In these cases, it is crucial to ensure that your baby is safe. You can place them in their cot or basket, ensuring they don't get too cold or too hot, and keep the time away as short as possible.
If you need to leave the house for a few minutes, it is best to wake the baby and take them with you, even if they are sleeping. Alternatively, you could ask a neighbour or friend to watch over the baby while you are gone. It is important to remember that leaving a baby alone, even for a short time, can be risky, and it is always better to be safe than sorry.
Some parents may feel that leaving their baby sleeping in a safe space, such as a cot, for a short time is acceptable, while others may never consider it. Ultimately, it is up to each parent to decide what they are comfortable with, but it is essential always to put the baby's safety first and ensure they are never left alone for long periods.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not recommended to leave a newborn baby sleeping alone at home. If you need to pop out, ask a neighbour to watch your baby or run the errand for you.
Newborns sleep a lot because they are growing and developing. They need sleep to support their physical and mental health. Newborns sleep for about 30 minutes to three hours at a time and wake up to feed. They will sleep away at least half of each day during their first year.
Newborns follow their own schedule. You can help your baby sleep by creating a familiar and relaxing bedtime routine. Bathing, reading, and singing can soothe your baby and signal the end of the day. Make sure to use sleep surfaces and products that have been approved by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and meet federal safety standards.
Watch out for items with cords, ties, or ribbons that can wrap around a baby's neck, and objects with sharp edges or corners. Ensure there are no hanging mobiles, wall hangings, pictures, draperies, or window blind cords within your baby's reach. Do not let your baby fall asleep on a product that is not specifically designed for sleeping babies, such as a car seat, feeding pillow, or infant lounger.
