Gina Johnson
Newborns typically sleep for 14 to 18 hours a day, waking up every few hours to feed. They do not yet have a sense of day and night, so they sleep and eat around the clock. This can be a challenging time for new parents, who are advised to sleep when their baby sleeps. But what should you do if your baby is sleeping soundly but needs a diaper change? Some sources suggest that it is unnecessary to wake a sleeping baby for a diaper change unless they have pooped. However, other sources recommend changing the diaper to prevent diaper rash, especially if the baby has sensitive skin. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to change a sleeping newborn's diaper depends on various factors, such as the baby's comfort, the diaper's absorbency, and the parents' preferences.
Should you change a sleeping newborn?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleep duration | 14-17 hours over a 24-hour period. Some newborns may sleep up to 18-19 hours a day. |
| Sleep patterns | Newborns don't have a sense of day and night and sleep around the clock. They wake up frequently to feed, regardless of the time. |
| Sleep training | Experiment with different strategies and methods to teach your baby to fall asleep on their own. |
| Sleep environment | Ensure all sleep surfaces and products are approved by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and meet federal safety standards. |
| Daytime sleep | Newborns may sleep more during the day than at night due to frequent feedings. |
| Nighttime diaper changes | Avoid changing a wet diaper at night unless necessary. Prolonged exposure to urine can cause diaper rash and skin irritation. Change soiled diapers promptly to prevent rashes. |
| Sleep regression | Sleep patterns can change during the first year, with periods of sleep regression. |
| Sleep and growth | Newborns may sleep more during growth spurts, developmental progression, or illness. Consult a doctor if your baby is sleepier than usual. |
| Sleep and feeding | Wake your newborn for feedings every 2-4 hours until they show good weight gain, typically within the first few weeks. |
| Sleep and stimulation | Avoid too much excitement before bedtime, and incorporate calmer activities like reading to promote sleep. |
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What You'll Learn
Newborns sleep a lot during the day
During the first few months, newborns will invariably wake up repeatedly at night, and this can be very hard for parents to cope with. It may take a few weeks for a newborn's brain to start to differentiate between night and day. To help your baby understand that night-time is for sleeping, keep things quiet and calm during night-time feeds and changes. Try to keep the lights low and avoid playing with or talking to your baby during these times. It can also be helpful to let your baby fall asleep in their crib at night, so they learn that it is the place for sleep.
It is important to note that all babies are different, and there is a wide range of what is considered "normal" when it comes to sleep. Some newborns may experience longer stretches of sleep at night, while others may continue to sleep in shorter bursts. If you are concerned about your baby's sleep patterns, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional, such as your baby's pediatrician.
In terms of nappy changes, it is generally not necessary to wake a sleeping baby just for a change. Modern disposable nappies are highly absorbent and can keep your baby dry and comfortable for several hours. However, if your baby has sensitive skin or is prone to nappy rash, you may need to change them more frequently. If there is a "blowout", you will, of course, need to change them as soon as possible.
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Sleep training methods
Sleep training is the process of teaching your baby to fall asleep by themselves and to fall back asleep when they wake up in the middle of the night. The goal of sleep training is for your baby to be comfortable sleeping for several hours through the night on their own.
Sleep training is not recommended for newborns. Newborns do not have the ability to self-soothe and will need external help to fall asleep and stay asleep. However, you can start to build the right sleep foundations by creating a safe and comfortable sleep environment for your newborn to optimise sleep. You can also start to pick up on their sleep cues, which will help you recognise when they are tired but not yet asleep.
Once your baby is 3 to 6 months old, you can start implementing the following sleep training methods:
The "Pick-up/Put-down" Method
This method involves placing your baby into the crib while drowsy but still awake. If they start to fuss, wait a small amount of time, then pick them up to console them. After a few minutes, place your baby back into their crib. Repeat this process until they are asleep. Over time, gradually increase the pause time and reduce the pick-up console time.
The Cry-It-Out Method
Also known as the "extinction" method, this involves putting your baby to bed and letting them cry until they fall asleep without any comfort or help from you. This method assumes that the baby has been fed and is in a safe sleep environment.
The Chair Method
This method is similar to the cry-it-out method, but instead of leaving the room, the parent sits in a chair next to the baby's crib until the baby falls asleep. Over time, the chair is moved further away from the crib until the baby is able to fall asleep without the parent in the room.
It's important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to sleep training. The best method for your family will depend on what you and your baby are most comfortable with. Sleep training can be challenging, but it can also be beneficial for both babies and caretakers, leading to improved quality of life for the whole family.
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Diaper changes at night
Diaper changes are an inevitable part of having a newborn, and they don't always happen at convenient times. In the early days, weeks, and months, newborns wake up frequently to feed—about every two to four hours—and their tiny stomachs mean they get hungry soon after eating. This means that they will also need frequent diaper changes, day and night.
It's important to keep things quiet and calm during nighttime diaper changes. Try to keep the lights low and avoid the temptation to play with or talk to your baby. This will reinforce the message that nighttime is for sleeping. If possible, change your baby in your room, rather than taking them to the nursery. This will help them learn that it's the middle of the night and time to go back to sleep.
If your baby has particularly sensitive skin or is prone to diaper rash, eczema, or allergies, you should change their diaper during the night to reduce the chances of a rash developing. Modern disposable diapers are highly absorbent, but prolonged exposure to urine can still change the pH of your baby's skin, and some bacteria and fungi thrive in an alkaline environment. If your baby is formula-fed, their poop is also more likely to cause diaper rash, so you should change them promptly.
If your baby is sleeping soundly and you don't think they've pooped, it's probably fine to leave a wet diaper until the morning. Newborns don't produce large amounts of urine, and as long as the diaper fits well, it should be able to keep them dry and comfortable for several hours. However, if you notice that your baby is uncomfortable or has a dirty diaper, you'll need to change them.
Sleep Strategies
In the first few months, it's normal for newborns to sleep in short bursts, and they may sleep for longer during the day than at night. This can be a challenging time for new parents, so it's important to sleep when your baby sleeps and ask your partner, family, or friends for help whenever possible.
Over time, your baby will gradually learn that nighttime is for sleeping, and you can start to establish a bedtime routine to help them settle. Most babies start sleeping through the night by six months, but this varies from baby to baby, so talk to your pediatrician if you have any concerns.
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How to soothe a crying baby
It is important to remember that crying is normal for newborns, and it is their only mode of communication. Here are some tips on how to soothe a crying baby:
Identify the cause of crying
Firstly, try to identify the cause of your baby's crying. The most common reasons include an empty tummy, a wet diaper, or a need for a nap. Other reasons could be boredom, being overwhelmed, being too hot or cold, or illness.
Swaddling
If your baby is crying, try swaddling them in a light blanket. This can help your baby feel safe and secure, mimicking the cozy, womb-like feeling they had before birth. Just be mindful that if your baby starts trying to roll over while swaddled, it's time to stop using this technique.
Sucking
Babies often soothe themselves by sucking. You can offer your baby a pacifier, their thumb, fist, or finger, or even one of your own fingers to suck on. However, it is recommended to wait until breastfeeding is well established before introducing a pacifier.
Cuddling and singing
Holding and cuddling your baby can make them feel safe and loved, and singing or using a wind-up musical mobile can also be soothing. During the first few months, your baby should be in the same room as you when they sleep, both day and night, to promote bonding and reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
Keep things calm
If your baby wakes up during the night, try to keep things quiet and calm. Keep the lights low, and avoid playing with or talking to your baby to reinforce that nighttime is for sleeping.
Remember, it is normal for newborns to wake up frequently during the night to feed, and they may sleep up to 18-19 hours a day. As your baby grows, they will need fewer night feeds and may be able to sleep for longer stretches.
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Sleep patterns and routines
Newborns sleep a lot, and they can form regular sleep patterns after a few months. In the first few weeks, their sleep patterns can be quite chaotic, with newborns sleeping longer during the day and then staying awake between sleep cycles at night. This is known as day/night confusion or day/night reversal, and it usually improves by the time a newborn is around eight weeks old.
To help your newborn establish healthy sleep patterns, you can try to teach them that nighttime is for sleep and daytime is for fun. During the day, keep your newborn active and awake after they feed, and don't worry too much about limiting household noise. At night, keep things low-key by keeping the lights low and your voice soft. You can also try to establish a calming bedtime routine, such as playing soft music, dimming the lights, or gently rocking your baby. Once your baby is in bed, make sure their room is dark, cool, and quiet.
It's important to watch for signs that your baby is tired, such as eye-rubbing, yawning, or crankiness, and put them to bed before they become overtired. Newborns will fall asleep while breastfeeding, but after the first month, try not to let your baby fall asleep while feeding or rocking them, as they need to learn how to put themselves to sleep. Swaddling, or wrapping your newborn snugly in a blanket, can also help them feel safe and fall asleep, but it is not recommended if your baby is two months or older or can roll over on their own.
As your baby grows, their sleep patterns will change, and growth spurts, teething, and illnesses can all affect how they sleep. Be prepared to change routines as your baby enters different stages, and remember that all babies are different, so try to adjust your baby's sleep schedule to stick to their natural rhythms.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns sleep for around 14-17 hours a day, but some may sleep for up to 18-19 hours. They wake up every few hours to feed and will sleep in bursts of 30 minutes to three hours.
Newborns don't have a sense of day and night yet, so it's important to keep things calm and quiet during night-time feeds and changes. Keep the lights low and avoid playing or talking to your baby, so they learn that night-time is for sleeping.
If your baby is gaining weight steadily and eating full feedings every 2.5-3.5 hours, you can let them sleep for longer stretches at night. If they are sleeping through the night, you don't need to wake them for a diaper change unless they have pooped or are prone to diaper rash.
It can take a few weeks for a baby to learn the difference between night and day. In the meantime, try to establish a soothing bedtime routine, and make sure your baby feels safe and calm by holding them often.
