Gina Johnson
Sleep is a precious commodity for new parents, and it can be tempting to use what little time you have to catch up on chores or spend time with other children. However, it's important to remember that sleeping when your baby sleeps is a good way to ensure you're getting enough rest. Newborns sleep around the clock and wake up frequently to feed, so it's unlikely that you'll be able to stick to a regular sleep schedule. Instead, sleep when you can and take advantage of friends and family who can help with feedings, diaper changes, and other tasks.
Should both parents sleep while the baby sleeps? The answer is yes, as long as the baby is sleeping in a safe space. While it can be tempting to want to keep watch, the human mind is finely tuned to the sound of a crying baby, and you'll be surprised at what you can hear subconsciously while you sleep.
Should both parents sleep while the newborn sleeps?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safe sleep space for the baby | Yes |
| Pediatrician's advice | Sleep when the baby sleeps |
| Shifts for parents | Recommended |
| Co-sleeping | Increased risk of SIDS |
| Room-sharing | Recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics |
| Sleep schedule | Stick to a regular sleep schedule |
| Sleep duration | 14-17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period |
| Sleep position | On their back |
| Sleep environment | Smoke-free, no jewellery, no swaddling |
| Sleep aids | Baby monitors, baby sleep bags |
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What You'll Learn
It is safe for both parents to sleep when the baby sleeps
It is safe for both parents to sleep when their baby sleeps, as long as the baby is sleeping in a safe space. Newborns take frequent naps lasting anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, for a total of 14 to 18 hours of sleep each day. This means that new parents are often severely sleep-deprived if they are not resting when their baby rests.
The human mind is finely tuned to the sound of a crying baby, and you will be surprised at what you can hear subconsciously while you sleep. As one pediatrician commented, newborns have only one desire: to grow older. So, you can be sure they will tell you if something is bothering them enough.
It is important to remember that parents need to take care of each other, too. If you always put the baby first, you will burn out. You can only care for your baby when you are well-rested and alert.
If you are worried about sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), there are products like Angel Care or Owlet that can provide peace of mind. Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing. Always place your baby on their back to sleep, not on their stomach or side, and make sure their face and head are uncovered.
To get more sleep, new parents can also ask for help from friends and family, share feedings and diaper changes, and stick to a regular sleep schedule.
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Co-sleeping can be beneficial but has risks
Co-sleeping, or sleeping in close proximity to your baby, has been practised for over 200,000 years. It can be beneficial for parents and babies in several ways. Firstly, it can encourage breastfeeding, which has multiple benefits for both mother and child. By sleeping near your baby, you can more easily feed them when they are hungry, and research has shown that co-sleeping mothers breastfeed for longer. Co-sleeping can also reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and help parents and babies get more sleep.
However, co-sleeping can also be risky. The biggest concern is the risk of SIDS-related deaths, especially for babies who are not breastfed. Bed-sharing can be dangerous if parents smoke, drink, or use drugs, as they could roll over onto their child. It is also hazardous if the baby was born prematurely or underweight, or if there are blankets and pillows in the bed that could suffocate the baby. Other risks include the possibility of the baby getting trapped in the cushions if sleeping on a sofa, and the reduction of marital intimacy.
Due to these risks, some experts advise against co-sleeping. However, others argue that it can be made safe by taking certain precautions, such as following directions when setting up a co-sleeper and ensuring the baby has their own space. Ultimately, the decision to co-sleep is controversial and depends on various factors, including cultural beliefs and individual preferences.
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Strategies for getting quality rest as new parents
Sleep is essential for new parents to stay alert and function properly. Here are some strategies for getting quality rest:
Take turns with your partner
Consider taking shifts with your partner to ensure that at least one of you is well-rested. While one parent is on duty, the other can sleep, and then you can switch. This way, you can maximize your sleep time and ensure that someone is always available to tend to the baby.
Ask for help
Don't hesitate to reach out to friends and family for support. They can assist with various tasks, such as grocery shopping, household chores, or even holding the baby while you nap. If possible, have a relative or friend stay with you for a few days to help you get more sleep.
Prioritize sleep
Try to sleep when your baby sleeps. It may be tempting to use this time to catch up on chores, but your rest is more important. Set an alarm if you're worried about oversleeping, and remember that a messy house is understandable, and friends and family will prioritize seeing your baby over a spotless home.
Create a safe sleep environment
Ensure your baby's sleep space is safe and clear of any hazards. Remove pillows, sheets, blankets, toys, and other items that could obstruct their breathing or pose a strangulation risk. Place your baby on their back, away from the edge of the bed or crib, and make sure they can breathe easily.
Stick to a sleep schedule
As challenging as it may sound, try to maintain a regular sleep schedule. Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, and be flexible, knowing that nighttime awakenings will occur. As your baby grows older, they will start sleeping for longer stretches at night.
Avoid caffeine and electronics
Caffeine can interfere with your sleep cycle, so it's best to avoid it, especially close to bedtime. Similarly, using electronic devices before bed can disrupt your sleep. Instead of scrolling through your phone or watching TV, try something relaxing, like a hot bath, to prepare your mind and body for sleep.
Remember, it's normal for new parents to experience some level of tiredness, but if you're feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope, don't hesitate to seek help from a healthcare professional.
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Signs of postnatal depression from sleep deprivation
It is common for new parents to experience sleep deprivation, which can be due to frequent feedings, diaper changes, and the baby's sleep schedule. While it is generally considered safe for both parents to sleep while their newborn sleeps, some parents opt for shifts to ensure one parent is always awake and attending to the baby. This decision may depend on various factors, such as the baby's health and the parents' comfort level.
Now, let's discuss the signs of postnatal depression from sleep deprivation:
Sleep deprivation can have a significant impact on the mental health of new mothers, and it is linked to an increased risk of developing postpartum depression. The relationship between sleep deprivation and postpartum depression is complex and influenced by biological, psychological, and environmental factors.
One critical way that sleep deprivation affects mental health is by disrupting the body's hormonal balance. Specifically, lack of sleep can interfere with the regulation of cortisol (the stress hormone), serotonin (the happy hormone), and melatonin (the sleepy hormone). This dysregulation can lead to increased stress levels, mood swings, and a higher risk of postpartum depression.
Additionally, sleep deprivation can impair cognitive function and emotional regulation. Studies show that sleep-deprived individuals may struggle with decision-making, problem-solving, and managing emotions, which can contribute to heightened anxiety and depressive symptoms. The chronic fatigue and exhaustion associated with sleep deprivation can make it more challenging for new mothers to cope with the demands of caring for a newborn, further exacerbating feelings of depression.
Signs and symptoms of postpartum depression may include overwhelming anxiety, hopelessness, and difficulty getting out of bed. Other symptoms can include irritability, difficulty concentrating, tiredness, and trouble sleeping at night. It is important to seek professional help if you are experiencing any of these symptoms or if your sleep deprivation is impacting your daily functioning.
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Tips for helping your newborn sleep better
It is completely safe for both parents to sleep at the same time as their newborn. The human mind is finely tuned to the sound of a crying baby, and you will be surprised at what you can hear subconsciously while you sleep. As long as the baby is sleeping in a safe space, you should feel free to sleep when the baby sleeps.
Understand newborn sleep patterns
Newborns sleep around the clock and wake up frequently to feed, no matter the time of day or night. They get an average of 14 to 18 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period, with frequent naps lasting anywhere from 2 to 4 hours. During the first few weeks, they will wake up every 2 to 4 hours to feed and will gradually start sleeping for longer stretches at night.
Create a bedtime routine
Help your newborn develop healthy sleep habits by establishing a bedtime routine. This could include calmer activities like reading or singing, and keeping things quiet and calm during middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes.
Room-sharing
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing. Keep your newborn nearby in a crib, portable crib, play yard, or bassinet in your bedroom. This helps with feeding, comforting, and monitoring at night, while also reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related risks associated with bed-sharing.
Sleep when your baby sleeps
Take advantage of your baby's nap times to get some rest yourself. Don't worry about keeping the house silent while they sleep—it's good to get your baby used to sleeping through a certain amount of noise.
Share responsibilities with your partner
Breastfeeding mothers can pump breast milk so their partner can give a nighttime bottle, allowing the mother to get some extra sleep. Partners can also help with early morning diaper changes and dressing, and can occasionally give a bottle of expressed breast milk during the night.
Ask for help
Don't be shy about asking friends and family for help. They may be willing to assist with tasks like grocery shopping, household chores, or holding the baby while you nap.
Maintain good sleep hygiene
Avoid caffeine and the use of electronics before bed, as these can interfere with your sleep cycle and total sleep time.
Remember, it's important for parents to take care of themselves too. Getting adequate rest will help you stay alert and better care for your newborn.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is safe and recommended for both parents to sleep while their newborn sleeps. Unless advised otherwise by a pediatrician, it is not necessary for parents to monitor their newborn 24/7. Newborns take frequent naps lasting anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, and parents can benefit from napping alongside them.
New parents often experience sleep deprivation due to frequent feedings, diaper changes, and a newborn's irregular sleep schedule. To get quality rest, parents can share feedings and nighttime baby duties, maintain a regular sleep schedule, and optimize their baby's sleep environment by removing distractions and ensuring it is safe and smoke-free. Asking for help from friends and family can also provide new parents with more time to rest.
Co-sleeping, or sleeping on the same surface as a baby, has been associated with an increased risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI), including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and fatal sleep accidents. However, room-sharing, where the baby sleeps in the same room but on a separate sleep surface, is considered safe and recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
To create a safe sleep environment, parents should ensure their baby is placed on their back to sleep, with their face and head uncovered, and in a firm, flat, and level sleep space that meets safety standards. It is important to remove any items that could create a strangulation risk, such as jewellery, teething necklaces, or loose bedding. Additionally, breastfeeding mothers should avoid smoking, as exposure to second-hand smoke increases the risk of SUDI.
