You know, whoever came up with the phrase "sleep like a baby" clearly didn't spend much time around newborns, right? 😣 These little bundles of joy have a knack for keeping us on our toes, especially when it comes to sleep! They're known to be restless sleepers, waking up every few hours like clockwork and rarely making it through the night without a little wake-up call😪. But hey, if you find yourself wondering (or maybe even worrying) about your baby's sleep habits, take a deep breath and remind yourself of a few important facts.
How much sleep do babies need?
🐤Newborns (0-3 months)
Tiny ones need a lot of shut-eye! On average, newborns sleep about 14-17 hours a day🕑. However, their sleep is usually divided into short periods, with a mix of daytime naps and nighttime awakenings for feeding.
🐤Infants (4-11 months)
As your baby grows, their sleep patterns start to change. During this stage, babies typically sleep around 12-15 hours a day. They may have longer stretches of nighttime sleep🦉 and take a few naps during the day.
How to get your newborn to sleep!
💤Newborns have their own sleep schedule
It's important to understand that newborns have their own unique sleep patterns. They haven't quite figured out the difference between day and night yet🌛, so be prepared for sleep to happen whenever they need it. It may feel unpredictable at times, but rest assured, it's completely normal.
💤Expect frequent night awakenings
Brace yourself for those frequent night awakenings. Newborns have tiny tummies and need to eat every few hours🍼. So, be ready for those nighttime feedings and try to make peace with the fact that uninterrupted sleep might be a luxury for a little while.
💤Embrace the power of naps
Naps are your best friend! Encourage your little one to take regular daytime naps. While it may seem counterintuitive, adequate daytime sleep can actually contribute to better nighttime sleep👍. So, create a soothing nap time routine and provide a calm environment for your baby to rest during the day.
💤Create a sleep-friendly environment
Help your baby differentiate between day and night by creating a sleep-friendly environment. During nighttime awakenings, keep the lights low and avoid stimulating activities🌃. On the flip side, during the day, expose your baby to natural light and engage in playful interactions. These cues can help establish their internal sleep-wake rhythm.
💤Seek support and rest when possible
Remember, you're not alone on this sleep journey. Reach out to your partner, family, or friends for support. Share the responsibilities of nighttime awakenings and take turns getting some much-needed rest. Taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your baby💕.
So, hang in there! While it may feel challenging at times, know that this phase won't last forever. Your little one will gradually develop more predictable sleep patterns as they grow!