Sleeplessness is a common companion of newborn parenthood😪. But fear not! We hold the key to that first glorious night of uninterrupted sleep.
How much sleep do newborns need?
In the early weeks, your baby may sleep a lot😴, but usually not for more than two to four hours at a time, day or night. Newborns typically initially sleep around 14 to 18 hours a day and around 12 to 16 hours per one-month-old. However, because their stomachs are small, they wake up every two to three hours to eat🧑🍼. It's common for babies to have their days and nights reversed, sleeping longer during the day and being more alert at night. This phase will eventually pass!
My baby sleeps too much. Is it okay?
Ah, the delightful world of newborn sleep😣! Brace yourself for the eat-sleep-repeat cycle. In those early weeks, your little one will master snoozing, briefly waking up to refuel before dozing off again. But don’t worry! As they hit one month, get ready for wide-eyed moments as they explore the fascinating world.
Newborns handle about an hour to an hour and a half of wakefulness before demanding some quality nap time. Beauty sleep is crucial🛌, after all! And those extra-long snooze sessions? No worries! It's usually harmless. They might be catching up after a mini-cold, experiencing growth spurts, or recovering from superhero shots. But if marathon sleep comes with a fever or respiratory distress, reach out to your pediatrician!
Tips to help your baby sleep
🌙Create a nighttime routine
Creating a nighttime routine for your baby can be a wonderful way to help them relax and prepare for sleep. It establishes a sense of consistency and signals that it's time to wind down. Here are some tips to help you start a soothing nighttime routine:
🌙Begin by setting a consistent bedtime for your baby.
Choose a specific time to put them to bed each night. This regularity helps establish a sleep pattern and supports their internal clock.
🌙Create a calm and peaceful environment in the bedroom.
Dim the lights, close the curtains, and minimize noise to create a soothing atmosphere. These adjustments help your baby understand that it's time to sleep. Establish a sequence of relaxing activities that you can do before bedtime. This can include giving your baby a warm bath, reading a story, singing a lullaby, or gently rocking them. The goal is to choose activities that promote relaxation and comfort.