Daytime Sleep: Newborns And Their Sleep Patterns Explained

There are many reasons why your newborn won't sleep during the day. One of the most common reasons is that they are overtired. When a baby is overtired, they may find it difficult to fall asleep and may become fussy and upset. Another reason could be that they are overstimulated. Babies need to wind down before sleep and too much stimulation before naptime can make it difficult for them to settle. Additionally, your baby might not be getting the right number of naps for their age. Creating a consistent sleep schedule that allows for ample awake time before trying to put them down for a nap can help regulate their sleep patterns. Other factors such as room temperature, light, and sound can also impact your baby's ability to nap during the day.

Your newborn is overtired

If your newborn is not sleeping during the day, it is likely that they are overtired. Newborns have very short wake windows and can become overtired very easily. Once a newborn becomes overtired, it becomes extremely difficult to get them to sleep.

Signs of an overtired baby

Some common early signs of an overtired baby include:

• Reduced activity, smiling, and talking
• Staring, blinking, and rubbing their eyes
• Becoming clingier to their caregiver
• Fussiness and crying
• Overactivity
• Arching away from a parent or caregiver
• Difficulty settling

How to prevent overtiredness

The key to success when it comes to baby sleep is consistency, patience, and time. It's important to remember that an overtired baby will become well-rested once you focus on helping them get more sleep, both during the day and at night. Here are some tips to prevent overtiredness:

• Learn your baby's signs and make sure you put them down sleepy but still awake.
• Do not overstimulate before naptime or bedtime. If your baby is disengaging, don't try harder to engage and overstimulate them.
• Watch the clock and keep track of your baby's wake windows.
• Create a consistent sleep schedule and allow your baby to have ample awake time before trying to put them down for a nap.
• Feed your baby just before naptime.
• Ensure your baby is comfortable and their basic needs are met before naptime.
• Establish a naptime routine to signal to their brain that sleep is coming and help their body wind down.

How to get an overtired baby to sleep

If your baby is overtired but resisting sleep, you can try the following strategies:

• Create a calm sleep environment by dimming the lights, reducing noise, and getting away from any background noises.
• Swaddle newborns to create a womb-like environment and bring a sense of calm, security, and reassurance.
• Play white noise to mask background sounds and mimic womb sounds.
• Keep them close and in motion by babywearing, walking, rhythmic shushing, and swaying.
• Teach independent sleeping skills. Babies who are able to self-soothe typically fall asleep more easily, whether they're overtired or not.

Your newborn is overstimulated

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

Newborns are sensitive to bright lights, loud noises, and commotion. They have very short wake windows, so if you're taking your newborn out and about, make sure you're still following age-appropriate wake windows. If you're getting close to the end of a wake window, you can do a nap on the go by using a well-ventilated car seat cover and a portable sound machine to create a newborn-friendly sleep environment.

If you've been at home, your baby may still have been overstimulated by their environment. Even too much attention from visitors or too much daytime play can be overstimulating for a newborn.

If you think your baby is overstimulated, consider giving them some quiet time before a nap and give them the opportunity to fall asleep somewhere appropriate.

Your newborn is hungry

Hunger is a common reason for babies to wake up during the night and resist sleep. Newborns have small tummies and digest milk very quickly, so they need to be fed frequently. It's important to ensure your newborn is eating enough during the day to prevent them from feeling hungry at night.

Tips for ensuring your newborn is well-fed:

• Feed your baby 8 to 10 times a day. This may require waking them from daytime naps to ensure they remain calm and not too stimulated during feedings.
• Dream feed your baby.
• Feed your baby before sleep, but avoid feeding them to sleep. It's important to keep them awake for the entire feed so they get a full feed and don't fall asleep before they are full.
• For breastfeeding mamas, your baby gets foremilk at the beginning and hindmilk at the end of a nursing session. It's the hindmilk that is fatty and filling, so make sure your baby gets to the end of the feed.
• Thirst may also be a reason for your baby waking up, so offer breast milk or formula to see if that's what they need.

Other reasons your newborn won't sleep during the day:

In addition to hunger, there are several other common reasons why your newborn may not be sleeping during the day:

• They are overtired. Newborns have very short wake windows and can become overtired very easily. Once they are overtired, it becomes extremely difficult to get them to sleep. Watch for sleepy cues and put your baby down for a nap before they reach this point.
• They are overstimulated. Newborns are sensitive to bright lights, loud noises, and commotion. If you've taken your baby to a busy place or they've been passed around by a lot of people, they may need some quiet time before their nap.
• They are uncomfortable. Make sure your baby has a fresh nappy, is dressed in breathable fabrics, and is at a comfortable temperature before their nap.
• They are getting used to a different sleep cycle. If you are trying to change how your baby falls asleep, such as having them fall asleep in their crib instead of being rocked or fed to sleep, it may take a period of adjustment before they get used to the new routine.
• They are in pain or unwell. Tummy troubles are common in newborns and can cause sleep issues. Speak to your paediatrician if you suspect tummy troubles or illness could be the reason for your baby's sleep problems.

Your newborn is uncomfortable

If your newborn is uncomfortable, it will be difficult for them to settle and sleep during the day. Here are some reasons why your newborn may be uncomfortable:

Wet or Messy Diaper

It is important to ensure your baby has a fresh diaper before their nap. Check their diaper and change it if it is wet or soiled. This will help them feel clean, dry, and comfortable for sleep.

Temperature or Clothing Discomfort

Your baby may be uncomfortable with the temperature, especially if they are too warm. Check if their chest feels hot and remove a layer of clothing if they seem too warm. Ensure the room is well-ventilated and maintain a comfortable temperature of between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Dress your baby in breathable fabrics that are appropriate for the climate.

Tummy Troubles or Gas

Your newborn may be experiencing tummy troubles or gas, which can cause discomfort and make it difficult for them to sleep. Speak to your pediatrician if you suspect tummy troubles and consider trying some natural remedies, such as gently massaging your baby to relieve gas.

Hunger or Thirst

Newborns have small tummies and digest milk quickly, so they may wake up hungry or thirsty. Ensure your baby is well-fed and offer breast milk or formula if they seem hungry. Hunger is a common reason for babies to wake up during the night, and it is important to address their nutritional needs.

Pain or Illness

Your newborn may be uncomfortable due to pain or illness, such as a cold, teething pain, or other minor ailments. Check with your pediatrician if you suspect any health issues and seek advice on how to soothe and comfort your baby to help them sleep.

Overstimulation

Babies can be sensitive to bright lights, loud noises, and too much activity. Ensure your baby has some quiet time before their nap and limit stimulation from activities or their environment. A calm and peaceful atmosphere will help your baby relax and prepare for sleep.

Your newborn isn't taking the right number of naps for their age

Newborns need three to five naps a day or more. Babies in the 4- to 6-month range need two to three naps a day. And babies 6 to 12 months old need two naps a day.

If your newborn isn't taking the right number of naps for their age, it may affect their ability to fall asleep. Here are some tips to help your newborn get the right amount of sleep:

• Create a consistent sleep schedule: Try to stick to the same nap and bedtime routines, and put your baby down for naps around the same time each day.
• Watch for sleepy cues: Look for signs that your baby is getting tired, such as staring off into the distance, a calm and peaceful demeanor, or a reddish hue on their eyebrows and eyelids. Get them to sleep before they become overtired.
• Ensure a comfortable environment: Make sure the room temperature is comfortable (between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended), and that your baby is dressed appropriately. Also, provide a safe and comfortable sleeping space, such as a bassinet or crib.
• Establish a naptime routine: Just like a bedtime routine, a naptime routine can help signal to your baby that it's time to wind down and sleep. This could include rocking, singing a song, or reading a book.
• Take care of your baby's basic needs: Before nap time, change their diaper and make sure they are well-fed so that they are comfortable and less likely to wake up early.
• Be active between naps: Engage with your baby when they are awake by talking, cooing, and singing to them. This will help them burn energy and be more ready for rest during nap time.

Remember, every baby is unique, and their sleep patterns may vary. It's important to be patient and flexible as you work towards establishing a healthy sleep routine for your newborn.

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