Gina Johnson
Newborns need about 14 to 17 hours of sleep each day, but many factors can prevent them from getting the sleep they need. Newborns don't sleep for long stretches, and they may confuse day and night. Hunger, illness, and overstimulation are common reasons for newborns to wake up during the night. Babies also need to be fed during the night, and they may develop a preference for night feedings, which can lead to reverse cycling. Additionally, newborns may resist sleeping on their backs due to acid reflux or because they feel more secure sleeping on their tummies, although this position is linked to a higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
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What You'll Learn
- Newborns need to eat often, so they can't sleep for long stretches
- Babies feel more secure sleeping on their tummies, but this increases the risk of SIDS
- Babies may not sleep while lying down due to illness, pain, or hunger
- A baby dealing with acid reflux may resist being put down flat on their back
- A newborn's internal clock may be off, so they'll mix up their days and nights
Newborns need to eat often, so they can't sleep for long stretches
Newborns have small stomachs and need to be fed frequently, so they can't sleep for long stretches. They also wake up at night because they need to be fed. Hunger is a common reason for babies to wake during the night. They need to eat to grow, so it's not healthy to try to change this need or train your baby to act differently. Even if you know that you just fed your baby a couple of hours earlier, offer breast milk or formula to see if food is what your little one needs when they can't sleep at night.
Breastfed babies, in particular, will need to fill their tummies at least once or twice during the night. Waking up every two hours for middle-of-the-night feeds is common for newborns, but by the time they are two to three months old, this is usually no longer necessary. First, talk to your child's pediatrician about how often your baby should eat overnight.
Babies also need to be fed during the day to get their required calories. If they are filling up at night, they won't be as hungry during the day. This is called "reverse cycling". The key to ending this cycle is to help your baby get most, if not all, of their needed calories during the daytime.
Newborns need about 14 to 18 hours of sleep each day, including naps. When they are four to twelve months old, they may sleep for about 12 to 16 hours a day. Newborns will not sleep for long stretches, but there are no rules for when or how long a baby sleeps. Their sleep patterns vary, and they will have their own unique patterns of waking and sleeping.
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Babies feel more secure sleeping on their tummies, but this increases the risk of SIDS
It is understandable that parents want to do everything they can to help their newborn sleep. Newborns need about 14 to 17 hours of sleep each day, but they can't sleep for long stretches due to their need for frequent feedings.
Babies feel more secure sleeping on their tummies, and this preference can be frustrating for parents who want to follow safe sleep practices. The reason for this preference is that sleeping on their tummies mimics the tight, secure feeling of being in the womb. However, this sleep position is linked to a much higher incidence of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). According to the CDC, in 2020, approximately 1,389 babies died of SIDS.
To reduce the risk of SIDS, experts recommend always putting your baby to sleep on their back on a flat, solid surface with no extra bedding or toys. This recommendation is based on extensive research and has been shown to be effective in reducing SIDS-related deaths. For example, the National Institutes of Health's "Back to Sleep" campaign (now known as "Safe to Sleep") led to a 50% decrease in SIDS-related deaths within six years of its launch in 1994.
If your baby resists sleeping on their back, there are some tricks you can try. Swaddling your baby can provide a sense of security and help prevent their startle reflex from waking them up. You can also try putting them to sleep in a small crib, which may help them feel snug and secure. Additionally, keeping your baby upright for 20 to 30 minutes after feeding can help with acid reflux, which may be causing their discomfort with sleeping on their back.
Remember, it is important to talk to your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your baby's sleep or if you suspect that pain, illness, or another underlying issue could be the reason they are not sleeping.
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Babies may not sleep while lying down due to illness, pain, or hunger
It is common for newborns to wake up frequently during the night in their early months. This is often due to hunger, as they need to be fed and will wake up when they are ready for more food. Breastfed babies, in particular, may need to fill their tummies at least once or twice during the night. However, waking up every two hours for feedings is usually unnecessary and may indicate "reverse cycling", where babies snack during the day and rely on full meals at night. To address this, ensure your baby gets most of their needed calories during the day.
Another reason your newborn may not sleep while lying down could be illness or pain. If you suspect this is the case, check with your pediatrician. They can advise on any necessary treatment and help rule out other potential causes, such as allergies. Additionally, your baby may be too warm or cold, which can disrupt their sleep. Ensure the room temperature is comfortable, and dress your baby lightly, using a sleep sack or wearable blanket instead of blankets.
Your newborn may also struggle to sleep due to their sleep environment. Light can stimulate a baby's brain and signal that it's time to be awake, so keep their sleeping area dark. Similarly, silence may be unusual to your baby, as they were soothed by constant sounds in the womb. Consider using a sound machine or white noise to create a soothing atmosphere. It is also important to ensure your baby's mattress or sleeping surface is firm, flat, and designed for infants. A comfortable and safe sleep environment can help your baby feel secure and drift off to sleep more easily.
Lastly, your baby may have difficulty sleeping due to acid reflux. Babies with reflux may resist lying flat on their back and prefer sleeping upright or on their tummy. To manage reflux, feed your baby while they are upright, burp them often, and keep them in a sitting position for 20 to 30 minutes after feeding. This allows gravity to keep stomach contents in place and reduce reflux.
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A baby dealing with acid reflux may resist being put down flat on their back
GER is typically harmless and not considered a disease. It usually goes away within a baby's first year as their digestive system matures. However, in some cases, acid reflux can be more serious and develop into gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a chronic form of reflux that may affect a baby's quality of life and ability to take in adequate nutrients. GERD requires closer monitoring and may necessitate treatment with medications.
If your baby is dealing with acid reflux, there are several things you can do to help manage it:
- Always feed your baby while they are upright.
- Burp them frequently during and after feedings.
- Keep your baby in a sitting position for 20 to 30 minutes after feeding. This allows gravity to keep stomach contents in place and reduce reflux.
- Make changes to your baby's feeding routine, such as adding rice cereal to their bottle of formula or breast milk (consult your doctor about the appropriate amount).
- Consult your paediatrician about possible medical treatments, such as anti-reflux medications.
It is important to note that back sleeping is recommended for newborns to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). If your baby resists sleeping on their back, speak to your paediatrician, who can check for any physical explanations and provide guidance on safe sleep practices.
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A newborn's internal clock may be off, so they'll mix up their days and nights
A newborn baby's internal clock may be off, causing them to mix up their days and nights. This is a common issue that can be frustrating and exhausting for parents. Here are some tips to help your newborn regulate their sleep:
Firstly, it is important to understand that this sleeping pattern is temporary and usually lasts for a few days or weeks. Your newborn is growing and developing rapidly, which requires a lot of energy, so they need about 14 to 17 hours of sleep each day. This sleep usually occurs in short bursts rather than long stretches.
To help your baby differentiate between day and night, create distinct environments for daytime and nighttime. During the day, keep the lights on and create a calm but active atmosphere. At night, make the room dark and limit sound and movement to minimize disruptions. You can also use a sound machine to mimic the soothing sounds of the womb and help your baby feel relaxed.
Another strategy is to keep your baby awake a little longer during each waking period during the day. This will help increase their need for sleep later, hopefully encouraging them to sleep longer stretches at night. Additionally, establish a consistent bedtime routine and maintain a cool, comfortable temperature in the room.
It is also important to note that hunger is a common reason for babies to wake up at night. Newborns need frequent feedings, so they may wake up hungry even a couple of hours after their last feed. Offer breast milk or formula to ensure they are getting enough nourishment. However, be cautious not to overfeed at night, as it can lead to "reverse cycling," where babies rely on night feedings as their main meals.
Finally, consider swaddling your baby. Swaddling provides a sense of security and helps keep their arms and legs still, preventing them from waking themselves up. Just ensure that the swaddle is not too tight and stop swaddling when your baby starts trying to roll over to prevent the risk of suffocation.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns need about 14 to 18 hours of sleep each day, but this can be in short bursts and they may not sleep for long stretches. They also mix up their days and nights, so they might be sleeping during the day and staying awake at night.
Make sure your baby is sleeping on a firm, flat surface, such as a crib or bassinet, and that they are dressed lightly and not too warm. Keep the room dark and cool, and limit sound and movement while they are asleep.
Your body is warm and familiar to your baby, and they may feel more secure sleeping on you. However, co-sleeping increases a baby's risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Your newborn might be hungry, in pain, or experiencing an illness or allergy. They may also be too stimulated, or they could be dealing with acid reflux, which can make it difficult for them to lie flat on their back.
Establish a consistent bedtime routine, and make sure your newborn is getting most of their calories during the daytime. You can also try swaddling your baby and giving them a pacifier, but stop swaddling when they start trying to roll over to prevent the risk of suffocation.
