Newborn Sleep: Can newborn sleep too much?
Sleep is important for growth in babies just as it is important for adults. For newborns, sleep is an essential ingredient for growth and development. And in any case, there is nothing else they can do besides sleeping. For many new moms, it is difficult to know how long and how frequently your baby should sleep. This article is just for you.
The sleeping patterns of a newborn
Newborns sleep for pretty much the whole day and night. They only wake up during feeding hours. You should also know that newborns cannot tell between day and night. So, they may think that they are supposed to be awake at night and asleep during the day. This is the reason why tend to be awake on most nights as they take care of their babies.
Newborns sleep for about 8 to 9 hours during the daytime and about the same amount at night. Most babies sleep and wake through the night until they are at least three months or when they weigh 12 to 13 pounds. But every baby is different so you might find babies who do not sleep through the night until they are a year old.
You may be wondering why your baby keeps waking up every few hours during the night. Well, this is because your baby will awaken and be ready to eat about every 3 hours.
The frequency of feeding times depends on what your baby is eating. Sometimes, moms have been forced to wake their babies in order to feed them especially when the baby is losing weight or not gaining enough weight. This should be done with the recommendation of a doctor.
You should be on guard about your baby’s sleeping patterns. If you notice a discrepancy in their pattern, then it may because of another reason like an ear infection. Babies will have most sleep disturbances because of changes in development or overstimulation.
The signs of sleep readiness
Any of the following signs will show that your baby is ready to sleep:
- Rubbing eyes
- Yawning
- Fussing
- Looking away
One of the difficulties moms have is to help their babies sleep since not all babies know how to put themselves to sleep. So how can you help your baby sleep?
- You can rock or breastfeed them to sleep
- Establish a bedtime routine. Don’t allow your baby to fall asleep while eating or in your arms. When they get used to it, the baby may begin expecting to be in your arms in order to sleep.
The best sleeping positions for your baby
The best sleeping position for your baby is to lay them down on his or her back. Babies who sleep on their stomach or their side have higher risks for sudden infant death syndrome.
The mattress should be tight-fitting. Don’t place your baby on soft surfaces like sofas and don’t place their head on a pillow.
Lastly, ensure that you don’t cover their head with a blanket as they sleep.
Create an environment where your baby can enjoy some peaceful sleep time. Keep it as quiet as possible. Prioritize your baby’s sleep because it is necessary for their growth and development.
Related:
7 THINGS I REGRET NOT BUYING FOR MY FIRST BABY
TERRIFYING THINGS THAT BABIES DO THAT ARE COMPLETELY NORMAL
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR NEWBORN’S UMBILICAL CORD STUMP
