The adorable sounds a newborn makes can melt your heart, but the frequent wake periods during the night quickly turn charming moments into an exhausting cycle. As parents, understanding these patterns can help you navigate this precious yet challenging time with confidence and ease.
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Why Do Newborns Need So Much Sleep?
Newborns sleep so much up to 18 hours a day because their tiny bodies and minds are growing and developing at an incredibly rapid pace. During this time of intense growth, their brains are forming over one million neural connections every second, something that never happens again in their life.
All that snoozing is critical for supporting both their mental and physical health, helping them thrive through this remarkable period of change. If you ever feel worried about your baby sleeping too much, don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted health care provider, as they can offer guidance and reassurance tailored to your baby’s needs.
Optimal Sleep Duration for Newborns
When newborns are born, they need plenty of sleep, often as much as 18 hours a day, though it’s spread over short periods. At first, babies don’t know the difference between night and day, but over the weeks and months, their natural rhythms develop, helping them adjust. It’s common for them to wake and fall asleep frequently because their brain is growing rapidly, and their physical development relies on getting enough rest.
Sometimes, curious about their surroundings, they stay awake for short periods of time, engaging with and interacting with the world and the people around them. Balancing this pattern of awake and asleep time is crucial for their overall health and growth.
How to Ensure Your Baby Sleeps Safely
When it comes to newborn sleep, following the ABCs of safe sleeping is essential. Always place your baby on their back to sleep, ensuring the space is clear of any objects, such as bumpers, toys, pillows, or loose bedding. Keeping the sleep environment free of hazards is one of the safest ways to help your child rest peacefully.
During the first six months, it’s important to keep your baby near their caregivers both day and night in their own, separate but close sleeping area. Ensure the room is smoke free and that your baby stays comfortable, not too hot or cold by dressing them in seasonally appropriate bedclothes. Always leave your baby’s head uncovered to avoid overheating or risk suffocating. By focusing on these steps, you’re creating a safe and secure environment for your baby to sleep soundly.
What is active sleep?
Understanding how newborns experience active sleep can be helpful for both caregivers and parents navigating the early phases of their child’s sleep. During this time, rapid eye movement (REM) and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) often referred to as quiet sleep play a key role in the baby’s development.
In REM, you may notice your newborn’s eyes move, their breathing speeds up, their limbs move, and they may make noises or even move their mouths. This is completely expected, as these behaviours are part of healthy sleeping patterns. If you have any questions or concerns about your newborn’s sleep, connecting with a trusted healthcare provider can provide reassurance and guidance tailored to your child’s needs.
What to Do When Your Baby Cries at Night?
When newborns wake up at night, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. It’s important to remember that at this stage, they are not yet capable of understanding routines or boundaries. Babies cry as their way of communicating their needs, whether for feeding, comfort, or simply feeling secure. Ignoring their cries can make them feel like they don’t matter and are not being cared for. Always respond to their cues, as it helps them feel loved and reduces the crying over time.
Sometimes, even after you’ve tried everything, your little one might still continue to cry, which can leave you feeling upset. In such moments, it’s okay to put the baby in a safe place and take a short break—perhaps 5-10 minutes—before coming back to try again.
Never let your emotions lead you to shake, hit, or shout at the baby. If you are afraid of being overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to ask for help from a partner, a trusted family member, or a friend. A little support can give you the chance to get some much-needed rest and care for yourself as well.
What is colic?
When it comes to the early months, parents often find themselves dealing with crying that can last for lengthy periods, leaving them worried about their newborn. This is especially true if the baby seems to cry frequently for more than a few hours a day, several days a week, or even for a couple of weeks. This could be a sign of colic, a common issue among babies, though its causes remain unknown.
Colic usually starts when the baby is just a few weeks old and tends to improve by six months. It can feel stressful and overwhelming for any parent, but it’s important to remember that it’s temporary and will eventually pass. Finding ways to offer comfort is key, and if your efforts don’t help or the crying continues, don’t hesitate to contact a trusted health care provider. They can guide you through the difficult moments and offer a great deal of support to help you cope.
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