Newborn Sleep: A Simple Guide for Parents

Newborn sleep is a bewildering phenomenon for new parents. It is okay for a baby to sleep many hours in a row some days, and wake up a lot of other days. The changes are typically during the early newborn period.

Babies sleep otherwise than adults because their tummy is small, they need to feed regularly and they don’t yet have a predictable sleep-wake rhythm.

Don’t set severe rules, but try to make the sleep space a safe and comfortable place. Your babies sleep will progressively change as they grow.

Contact your pediatrician or health care provider if you have concerns regarding your baby’s sleeping, feeding, breathing, growth or health.

Understanding Newborn Sleep Patterns

Infants sleep a lot, although most of the time it is short naps during the day or night.

A newborn will wake up often to feed, and may not yet know the difference between day and night.

Some babies sleep for a short while before waking, others sleep for a little longer. There may be a difference among individual patterns.

The parents might observe their baby:

• Sleeps several times during the day
• Wakes often during the night
• Becomes sleepy following a feeding
• Has inconsistent napping times
• Wakes when hungry
• Has periods of quiet alertness
• May take a long time to fall asleep again

No need to relate your baby’s sleep pattern to another baby’s. A baby’s sleep can be influenced by age, feeding schedules, growth and his or her personality.

Why Newborn Sleep Is Different

Newborn infants do not have a fully established internal body clock (circadian rhythms) that governs sleep and activity.

They’re also very small stomached, and require frequent feedings. Making it normal to wake up during the night in the newborn period.

A considerable portion of newborns’ sleep is in lighter or active sleep. You might see movements, facial expressions, hear slight noises or breathing changes during this period.

Sometimes these movements don’t indicate that your baby is awake.

Sometimes parents think that when the baby is moving, it has to be picked up right away. If you feel it is safe, you may take a break to check if your baby calmens down. Always feed, comfort and attend to your baby when they need it, however.

Creating a Comfortable Sleep Environment

One of the most critical aspects of newborn sleep is having a safe sleep environment.

Put your baby to sleep on their back for all naps and nighttime sleep.

Provide hard flat sleep surface for infants. Sleep area should be free of pillows, loose blankets, stuffed toys, bumpers and other soft items.

Ensure that baby’s sleep area is away from adult beds or soft surfaces.

A good sleeping place has the following features:

For evidence-based newborn sleep guidance, parents can refer to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Its current guidance recommends placing babies on their backs for every sleep and using a firm, flat, non-inclined sleep surface with no loose bedding or soft objects

Newborns are usually advised to use room sharing (but not bed sharing). Follow local paediatric and/or public-health safe sleep guidelines.

Never put a baby to bed on a sofa, arm chair, waterbed or soft surface.

Building a Simple Sleep Routine

For newborns, there is no need to establish a sleep plan. Instead, the parents can create a simple and flexible routine.

A soothing routine can consist of:

• Look for indications of hunger in your baby.
• Change diapers as necessary.
• Dim the lights.
• Minimize noise and activity.
• Offer the appropriate feedings based on the baby’s feeding cues.
• Spend time comfort and support your baby.
• Put baby down carefully in the sleep area on their back.
• The routine doesn’t have to occur at the same time each day.

The first few weeks are more about meeting your baby’s needs rather than sticking to a set routine.

As your baby ages, you can start to establish a more routine bedtime routine.

Daytime and Nighttime Sleep

Newborns may not have a distinct day/night cycle.

Normal household sounds, and natural light during the day can help your baby slowly get used to the activities of the day.

Maintain a quiet and calm atmosphere at night. Use gentle lighting when feeding and diaper changing and limit play to the absolute minimum.

For example:

This does not mean that you should leave your baby awake during the day. Very young babies need lots of sleep during the day as well.

It’s just to help your baby slowly begin to understand that there are different times of day.

Creating Consistent Sleep Habits

Newborns are not supposed to be in a strict schedule, although over time it can help make sleep easier.

Stick to simple sleep routines:

• Utilize the same safe sleep space.
• Place baby on their back to sleep.
• Keep sleeping area clear.
• Have a quiet night time atmosphere.
• Look out for fatigue.
• Respond to hunger and comfort needs.
• If you do not need to stimulate before bed, then do not do so.

Some signs your baby is drowsy are yawning, becoming less active, looking off, or becoming fussy.

Do not delay calming and soothing your baby to when they are very upset.

Keep in mind that the sleep of a newborn can vary from one day to the next. It’s a routine that can change from one day to the next.

Common Newborn Sleep Mistakes

Laying baby down on their tummy to sleep

Always follow recommended guidelines for safe sleep and sleep with your baby on their back.

Using Loose Blankets

Bedding that is not securely fastened can pose a safety hazard. Do not clutter the child’s bed space.

Letting Baby Sleep on a Sofa

Newborns should NEVER sleep on a sofa or an armchair.

Overheating the Baby

If there are too many layers the baby may end up being too hot. Put your baby in the right clothes for the right place.

Anticipating a rigid timetable

Babies will wake up many times to feed and to be soothed. It may not be feasible to have a strict time schedule during the first couple of weeks.

Lacking default on sleep products due to safety concerns

Not all products sold as products for babies to sleep in are appropriate. Adhere to current safety guidelines and manufacturers’ directions.

Ignoring Feeding Needs

Avoid trying to go to bed at a specific time if your baby needs feeding. Follow your health care professional’s recommendations for feeding and waking your newborn.

Holding a baby while sleeping, or falling asleep.

When feeling sleepy, place baby in safe sleep area; do not lie on sofa or armchair with baby.

When to Seek Professional Advice

Newborn sleep is variable, but some changes may warrant discussion with a health care professional.

If you have concerns call your baby’s doctor about:

• Your baby’s feeding
• Having trouble waking your baby for feedings.
• Unusual sleepiness
• Poor weight gain
• Persistent difficulty settling
• Nighttime breathing problems.
• Frequent vomiting
• Unusual behavior
• An uncommon alteration in your baby’s routine.

If your baby has distress breathing, becomes blue or gray, has a seizure, is hard to wake up, or has any other signs or indications of medical emergency, seek urgent medical attention.

If you are just not sure if your baby’s sleeping routine is characteristic, then it’s fine to check with your pediatrician. It’s okay if the new parents don’t have to know it all.

Final Takeaway

Babies’ sleep is irregular and often wakes a lot in the first few weeks. Remember that the routine is not the most significant thing. Safe sleep and replying to your baby are more crucial.

Inspire your baby to sleep on their back on a firm and flat surface and review the sleep area to ensure that there are no soft objects (e.g. pillows, loose blankets, toys etc.) in the sleep area.

As time goes on, your baby will become more even with sleep and waking up. In the meantime, order safety, feeding, comfort and a peaceful location.