Newborn sleep patterns are different from those of adults, and can be a challenge for new parents to navigate. In this blog post, we will explore the various stages of newborn sleep, common sleep patterns, and strategies for establishing healthy sleep habits for your newborn.
Newborns typically sleep for 16-17 hours a day, but do not sleep for long stretches of time like adults do. Instead, they sleep for short periods of time and wake up frequently to feed, have their diaper changed, or simply to be comforted.
The sleep cycles of newborns are different from those of adults, with more time spent in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, the lightest stage of sleep. This means that newborns may wake up easily and have trouble settling back to sleep. The sleep patterns of newborns change rapidly during the first few months of life. In the first few weeks, babies may have no real sleep pattern, sleeping for short periods of time throughout the day and night.
By around 6-8 weeks, many babies begin to develop a more regular sleep pattern, sleeping for longer stretches at night and taking shorter naps during the day.
Establishing healthy sleep habits for your newborn early on is important, as sleep is crucial for their development and overall health. Here are some strategies that can help:
Establish a consistent sleep routine: Develop a consistent bedtime routine to signal to your baby that it's time for sleep. This can include a bath, reading a story, or a lullaby.
Create a sleep-friendly environment: Keep your baby's sleep environment quiet, cool, and dark. Use a white noise machine to block out noise and create a soothing atmosphere.
Encourage naps: Encourage your baby to take naps during the day, but keep them no more than 2 hours long so that they don't interfere with nighttime sleep. Sleep begets sleep, and an overtired baby can often be difficult to soothe at night.
Keep a consistent feeding routine: Focus on ensuring your baby is eating enough during the day by offering feeds every 1-3 hours. This consistent feeding routine will help your baby get the necessary nutrition and support a regular sleep pattern.
Swaddle your baby: Swaddling helps create a cozy, womb-like environment that can make your baby feel more secure and comfortable. This snug wrapping can also prevent the naturally occurring startle reflex, known as the Moro reflex, from waking them up. By keeping their arms close to their body, swaddling can reduce sudden movements that might disturb their sleep, leading to longer, more restful periods of rest.
It's important to note that newborns will wake up frequently during the night to feed, and this is completely normal. As your baby gets older, they will gradually begin to sleep for longer periods of time at night. However, every baby is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to newborn sleep.
Here's what to expect month to month:
Month 1: During the first few weeks of life, your baby may have no real sleep pattern, sleeping for short periods of time throughout the day and night. They will likely wake up frequently to feed and will spend a lot of time in REM sleep, the lightest stage of sleep.
Month 2: By around 6-8 weeks, many babies begin to develop a more regular sleep pattern, sleeping for longer stretches at night and taking shorter naps during the day. However, they will still wake up frequently to feed, and may have trouble settling back to sleep.
Month 3-4: By 3-4 months, many babies begin to sleep for longer stretches at night, with some sleeping through the night (defined as sleeping for 6-8 hours straight). They may also take longer naps during the day, but will still wake up frequently to feed.
Month 5-6: By 5-6 months, most babies are sleeping for longer stretches at night and taking regular naps during the day. They may also begin to establish a more consistent sleep routine, with a regular bedtime and wake-up time.
Month 7-12: By 7-12 months, most babies are sleeping through the night and taking regular naps during the day. They may also be transitioning from two naps a day to one, and may have established a consistent sleep routine.
If you have concerns about your baby's sleep patterns or are having trouble getting them to sleep, it's important to talk to your baby's pediatrician. They can offer guidance and advice on how to establish healthy sleep habits for your newborn. Additionally, our postpartum doulas and sleep consultants at Swaddled Newborn Care are here to support you in establishing healthy sleep habits for your newborn. They can provide personalized guidance, practical tips, and hands-on assistance to help your baby develop consistent sleep routines, ensuring both you and your baby get the rest you need.
Erika Steinbauer is a practicing Physician Assistant and the co-founder of Swaddled Newborn Care.
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