Gina Johnson
Newborns need a lot of sleep, but some babies prefer to sleep during the day and are wide awake at night. This can be frustrating and exhausting for parents, who may already be struggling to adjust to the challenges of parenthood. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, there are several reasons why newborns may not be sleeping enough, including hunger, illness, discomfort, and not understanding the time of day. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine and engaging in the same calming activities before sleep can help newborns develop healthy sleep habits and distinguish between night and day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hunger | Newborns wake up often to eat, no matter the time of day or night. |
| Illness | Being unwell can interrupt a newborn's bedtime routine, causing them to wake up more frequently. |
| Lack of differentiation between day and night | Newborns do not have a sense of day and night, and it can take up to 3 months for them to develop their circadian rhythm. |
| Overstimulation | Too much stimulation can disrupt a newborn's sleep patterns. |
| Parental attachment | Some newborns are so attached to their parents that they want to be near them, which can impact their sleep patterns. |
| Self-soothing | Some newborns struggle to soothe themselves back to sleep without assistance from their parents. |
| Sleep environment | A newborn's sleep environment should be dark, cool, and quiet. |
| Sleep position | Newborns should sleep on their back, alone, in a safety-approved crib. |
| Sleep schedule | A consistent sleep schedule with regular sleep and wake times is important for newborns. |
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What You'll Learn
Inconsistent sleep patterns
Newborns and babies aged 0 to 6 months have not yet learned to settle by themselves, so it’s common for them to be unsettled and need help to settle and go back to sleep. Each baby is different and has its own sleep pattern, which may not fit in with your need for sleep. Newborns invariably wake up repeatedly in the night for the first few months, and this can be very hard to cope with.
Babies need time to adapt to life outside the womb and to develop their own sleep rhythm. They will sleep in short bursts or for long periods, and some will sleep through the night, while others won't. They will also have their own sleep cues, such as dozing off during a feed, or needing a bath, massage, or a room with dim lighting.
Babies also need time to adapt to a day/night schedule. Some babies start sleeping on what’s called a day/night reversal schedule, sleeping well during the day but staying awake at night. This is frustrating and exhausting, but it’s just temporary. You can help your baby learn that day is for play and night is for rest by keeping them awake a little longer during each waking period during the day.
Babies from 0 to 3 months might start showing tired signs after 30 minutes of being awake. From 3 to 6 months, they might be tired after 1.5 to 3 hours of being awake. Routines and environments play a big part in helping babies get to sleep. A consistent approach to your bedtime routine and night wakings will help you build a healthy sleep foundation for your little one.
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Hunger or thirst
Hunger and thirst are common reasons why newborns wake up during the night. Newborns generally sleep about 14 to 17 hours in a 24-hour period, waking up frequently for feedings both day and night. They need to eat often, and their tummies fill up quickly, so they can wake up hungry and ready to eat again soon after a feeding.
Newborns who are breastfed may especially need to fill up at least once or twice during the night. However, waking up every two hours for night feeds is typically unnecessary and could be a sign that your baby is not eating enough during the day. Pediatrician and baby sleep expert Harvey Karp, M.D., recommends feeding your baby 8 to 10 times a day. This may require waking your baby from daytime naps to ensure they are eating enough during the day.
Full feedings are important to help your baby get enough calories during the day so they can sleep more at night. If your baby is consistently snacking throughout the day, they may sleep less and experience more crying at night. Sleepy cues are often mistaken for hunger cues, so it is important to learn your baby's hunger cues to ensure they are getting enough to eat. Hunger cues include rooting, sucking, or sticking out the tongue. Other signs of hunger include making sucking motions, putting hands or fingers in the mouth, turning their head toward you and opening their mouth if you gently stroke their cheek, or crying.
Babies also wake up thirsty, and a drink of breast milk or formula may be all they need to go back to sleep. However, if your baby is not getting enough to eat, they may become dehydrated and lose too much weight. Dehydration can also cause a baby to sleep too much.
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Uncomfortable sleeping environment
An uncomfortable sleeping environment can be a major factor in a newborn's lack of sleep. Newborns can be very sensitive to their surroundings, and even small discomforts can make it challenging for them to settle down and fall asleep.
One key aspect of creating a comfortable sleeping environment is maintaining a suitable temperature. Newborns can struggle to sleep if they are too hot or too cold. Ensuring the room is well-ventilated and dressing the baby in appropriate sleepwear for the temperature can help.
Another factor to consider is the baby's diaper. It is common for newborns to wet their diapers soon after being changed, and this can make them uncomfortable. Checking the diaper for any signs of wetness or soiling before sleep can help prevent this issue. Additionally, diaper rash can be a source of discomfort, so applying diaper rash cream to soothe the skin can make a big difference in the baby's comfort and ability to sleep.
The sleeping position of the baby is also important. Newborns may find it challenging to sleep if they are uncomfortable in their position. Swaddling can be a great way to keep their arms and legs still, preventing them from moving around too much and waking themselves up. However, it is important to ensure that the swaddle is not too tight or too loose, as this can also cause discomfort.
Establishing a consistent bedtime routine is crucial in promoting healthy sleep habits for newborns. A predictable and calming routine, such as swaddling, a bath, massage, or dim lighting, can help signal to the baby that it is time to sleep. Consistency in the sleep environment and routine can go a long way in improving a newborn's sleep quality.
Additionally, it is important to recognize that newborns have different sleep patterns and needs. They may sleep in short bursts or longer periods, and they often need help settling and going back to sleep. Responsive settling, or helping the baby settle when they wake up, is common during the first few months. This can include gentle touches, patting, stroking, shushing noises, or white noise.
By addressing discomforts in the sleeping environment and establishing consistent and calming routines, you can help improve your newborn's sleep quality and duration.
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Overstimulation
Babies can be overstimulated by a variety of factors, such as noise, lights, screens, and too many new experiences, sensations, or activities. For example, a busy day full of noise and activity can make it difficult for a newborn to wind down and rest. Similarly, a trip to the mall, a sporting event, or a busy family dinner can lead to overstimulation and subsequent sleep difficulties. Even mildly stimulating activities, like reading time at the library, can be overwhelming for babies if it interrupts their routine.
To prevent overstimulation, it is important to know your child's adaptability and be mindful of their daily routine. Give them time each day to spend quietly playing or resting, apart from their regular sleep time. You can also try to reduce noise and activity around your child, such as turning off the TV or radio and taking them to a quiet space. Wrapping newborns or swaddling them can also help calm them down by reducing physical sensations.
If you notice signs of overstimulation, such as fussiness or irritable behavior, try to provide a calm and familiar environment. Help your child identify and express their feelings, and work with them to calm down. You can also try to prevent overstimulation before naptime or bedtime by limiting screen time and digital technology use, as these can be stimulating even if your child seems relaxed.
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Lack of routine
Newborns don't have a sense of day and night. They sleep around the clock, waking up every few hours to feed. They also have tiny stomachs, which means they can't be fed enough to stay asleep for long stretches.
While this is normal newborn behaviour, it can be challenging for parents. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can help your baby learn the difference between night and day. This includes keeping things quiet and calm during nighttime feeds and diaper changes, and making clear distinctions between day and night. For example, you can keep your baby's room dark when they nap and avoid turning on the TV during nighttime feedings.
It's also important to note that newborns should not sleep through the night without waking to feed. They need to be fed regularly to ensure proper growth and development. Until your baby shows good weight gain, you should wake them every 3-4 hours to feed.
As your baby grows, their sleep patterns will change. Be prepared to adjust your routine as they enter different stages. Growth spurts, teething, and illnesses can all impact your baby's sleep.
- Start by revamping the bedtime routine. If your baby is dependent on feeding to sleep, schedule the last feed 30 minutes before bedtime or a nap. Then, when they're sleepy but not asleep, place them in their crib.
- Once your baby learns to self-soothe, they won't need you at bedtime anymore. You can still go to them if they wake up, but you won't need to pick them up or nurse them.
- A consistent bedtime routine might include a bath, reading a story, or other calm and enjoyable activities.
- Keep the lighting low and avoid too much stimulation before bedtime.
- You can also introduce a security object, such as a stuffed animal or a blanket, as part of the bedtime routine.
- Swaddling your baby or using a baby sling can also help with soothing.
Remember, it's normal for newborns not to sleep through the night, and this phase will pass!
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns need a lot of sleep, but some prefer to sleep during the day and are wide awake at night. This is called a day/night reversal schedule. Hunger, illness, and not understanding the time of day are common reasons for this.
You can help your baby learn the difference between day and night by limiting daytime naps to three hours and making clear distinctions between day and night. For example, keep their room dark when they nap during the day and avoid turning on the TV during nighttime feeds.
Newborns may not sleep enough due to hunger, illness, or discomfort. They may also be unsettled and need help settling and going back to sleep.
You can help your newborn settle and go back to sleep by swaddling them, creating a consistent sleep schedule, and ensuring they are comfortable and not too hot or cold. A bedtime routine can also be predictable and calming for your baby.
