Newborns And Daytime Sleep: Why Won't My Baby Nap?

Sleep is a crucial aspect of a newborn's health and development, but it can also be a source of frustration for new parents. One common issue is newborns not sleeping during the day, which can leave parents exhausted and confused. While there are various reasons for this, the most common ones are related to their internal body clock, environment, and physical needs.

Newborns may struggle to differentiate between day and night due to their still-developing circadian rhythm, leading to reversed sleep schedules. Additionally, they can be sensitive to light and sound, so a busy or stimulating environment may hinder their daytime sleep. Other factors include being too cold or warm, hunger, illness, and overstimulation.

Understanding these factors and implementing strategies such as establishing consistent sleep routines, creating a calm environment, ensuring comfort, and addressing any underlying issues can help newborns sleep better during the day.

Your newborn is hungry

It's important to remember that newborns don't eat much in a single feeding. If your baby is consuming breast milk, they will digest it quickly. This means they can wake up hungry and ready to fill their belly again. Hunger is a common reason babies wake during the night.

Signs your newborn is hungry

• Putting their hands in or near their mouth
• Waving their hands toward their mouth
• Turning their head toward the breast (or anyone’s chest area)
• Turning toward or looking at a bottle
• Puckering or smacking their lips
• Clenching their fists

How to respond to a hungry newborn

• Offer breast milk or formula to see if food is what your little one needs when they can’t sleep at night.
• Thirst is another reason babies wake up. A drink of breast milk or formula may do the trick.
• Feed your baby 8 to 10 times a day. This may require waking your baby from daytime naps.
• Ensure they are eating enough during the day to prevent them from feeling too hungry later on when it's time to go to sleep.
• If your baby is teething, try putting a teething toy or soother into the refrigerator before offering it to them.
• If reflux is causing discomfort, try keeping your baby upright for 30 minutes after each feeding and offering a pacifier to soothe them.

They are uncomfortable or in pain

There are several reasons why your newborn might be uncomfortable or in pain, and this could be why they are not sleeping during the day.

Firstly, they might be gassy. There are several potential reasons for this, including:

• The way you are feeding them
• A tongue or lip tie
• The type of bottle you are using
• Reflux
• Your diet, if you are breastfeeding

Secondly, they might be too hot or too cold. Newborns cannot regulate their body temperature, so it is important to make sure they are dressed in the appropriate number of layers for the climate. You can check if your baby is too hot by feeling their chest; if it is hot, remove a layer of clothing. Other signs of overheating include red or flushed skin, rapid breathing, a fast heartbeat, heat rash, or vomiting.

Thirdly, they might need a fresh nappy. Make sure your baby has a fresh nappy before their nap, and that they are dressed in breathable fabrics that are appropriate for the temperature.

Finally, they might be unwell. Something as simple as a cold can disrupt your baby's sleep, as a stuffy nose can make it hard for them to breathe. Other illnesses, such as a sore throat or a fever, can also make it difficult for your baby to sleep. If you think your baby is unwell, contact your GP or paediatrician.

They are overtired

If your newborn is not sleeping during the day, it could be because they are overtired. When a baby is overtired, their body releases cortisol and adrenaline (stress hormones) which puts them in a fight-or-flight mode, making it difficult to be soothed to sleep. Instead of being calm or sleepy, they may get a second wind or enter meltdown mode.

Signs of an overtired baby

• Fussiness and crying
• Overactivity
• Difficulty settling down for sleep
• Only taking brief catnaps instead of full-blown naps
• Not getting a lot of sleep at night
• Less able to handle frustration or pain
• Prone to meltdowns
• Falling asleep at random times during the day

How to prevent your baby from getting overtired

• Watch for sleep cues such as eye rubbing, crankiness, ear or hair pulling, and yawning, and respond by getting your baby ready for a nap or bedtime.
• Follow a consistent bedtime routine every night, and use a shorter version before naps.
• Don't overstimulate your baby before sleep times. Stop playtime at least half an hour before bed and keep them away from the TV or radio.
• Keep your baby cool. The ideal temperature for a baby to sleep is between 69 and 73 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Clear the clutter. Keep the nursery room as a designated sleep area, with the area around the crib free of toys and other play items.
• Learn your baby's sleep signals and make sure you put them down sleepy but still awake.

How to get an overtired baby to sleep

• Get to know your baby's sleep patterns and try to get them down about half an hour before their usual bedtime.
• Go through your baby's normal bedtime routine, which might include a feed, a bath, a book, lullabies, and cuddles.
• Swaddle your baby and hold them tightly against your chest.
• Breastfeed or give your baby a bottle.
• Gently and slowly rock or bounce your baby and put them down drowsy but still awake.
• Use a pacifier to help them self-soothe.
• Make the room very dark and play white noise.

They are overstimulated

Newborns are sensitive to light and sound. If you've been in a loud, busy place, or your baby has been passed around by a legion of adoring fans, they may become overstimulated and unable to fall asleep.

Consider some quiet time before a nap and give your baby the opportunity to fall asleep somewhere appropriate when their awake time is coming to an end.

Babies don't like going to bed hungry, and their tummies are so small that they need to feed often. They also digest milk very quickly, meaning it's not long before they need to feed again.

Hunger is a common reason for babies struggling to sleep and waking up when they should be sleeping. A good feeding pattern is key here. Pediatrician and baby sleep expert Harvey Karp, M.D., recommends feeding your baby 8 to 10 times a day.

If you're breastfeeding, it's a good idea to ensure your baby gets a full feed by keeping them awake during the feed. You can do this by gently touching their cheek or moving their arm.

If your baby is formula-fed, you can help them get a full feed by mixing more formula in the same amount of water, or increasing the amount of water and formula to make a larger feed.

Babies also find it hard to sleep if they are uncomfortable or in pain. Unfortunately, they can't tell us what's wrong, so we're left playing detective.

There are several potential reasons your baby is uncomfortable:

• They might be gassy.
• They might have a tongue or lip tie.
• They might need a different bottle.
• They might have reflux.
• Something in your diet might be upsetting their tummy (if you're breastfeeding).

If you suspect tummy troubles, speak to your paediatrician or GP.

They are getting too much sleep during the nighttime hours

Newborns generally sleep between 14 and 17 hours in a 24-hour period, waking up frequently for feedings both day and night. However, if your newborn is getting too much sleep during the night, it could be because they are sleeping on a day/night reversal schedule.

• Take them outside so that exposure to natural light can reset their internal clock. Remember to apply sunscreen!
• Keep them awake a little longer during the day by gently playing with them after feedings instead of letting them fall asleep.
• Avoid sleep-inducing activities during the day, such as car rides, to help them stay awake longer.
• At night, keep the lights low or turned off near their sleeping area to minimize disruptions.
• Swaddle your baby at night to keep their arms and legs still so they don't wake themselves up.

It's important to remember that it's normal for newborns to have inconsistent sleep schedules, and their sleep patterns will gradually adjust over time.

Frequently asked questions