Newborn sleeping can be a challenging and overwhelming experience for new parents. It can be hard to know what to expect and how to help your little one get the rest they need. In this post, we will cover some common questions about newborn sleep, including how much sleep a newborn needs, how to establish good sleep habits, and how to troubleshoot common sleep issues.
How much sleep does a newborn need?
Newborns need a lot of sleep! In fact, newborns will sleep for a total of about 14–17 hours per day. This may seem like a lot, but it is important for their development and growth. Newborns will sleep for shorter periods of time throughout the day and night, with periods of wakefulness in between.
It is normal for newborns to wake up every 2–3 hours to feed, and they may not have a consistent sleep schedule for the first few months. As they grow and develop, their sleep patterns will become more regular and they will be able to sleep for longer stretches at a time.
How to establish good sleep habits
There are a few things you can do to help establish good sleep habits for your newborn:
Create a bedtime routine: A bedtime routine can help signal to your newborn that it is time to sleep. This can include a warm bath, a soothing massage, and reading a book together.
Make the sleep environment conducive to sleep: The sleep environment should be dark, quiet, and cool (between 68–72 degrees Fahrenheit). You may also want to consider using a white noise machine to help drown out any external noises.
Avoid overstimulation: Too much stimulation before bedtime can make it harder for your newborn to fall asleep. Try to keep the activity level low in the hour leading up to bedtime.
Respond to your newborn’s needs: If your newborn is hungry, wet, or uncomfortable, it will be harder for them to fall asleep. Try to address any needs they may have before putting them down to sleep.
Be consistent: Try to follow the same bedtime routine and sleep environment every night to help your newborn understand what to expect.
Troubleshooting common sleep issues
Here are a few common sleep issues that you may encounter with your newborn and some tips for how to troubleshoot them:
Difficulty falling asleep: If your newborn is having trouble falling asleep, it may be helpful to try some soothing techniques such as swaddling, rocking, or singing a lullaby. It may also be helpful to try a pacifier or a white noise machine.
Waking up frequently at night: It is normal for newborns to wake up frequently at night to feed. However, if your newborn is waking up more often than usual or is having difficulty falling back to sleep, it may be helpful to try some of the techniques mentioned above.
Sleeping too much or too little: If your newborn is sleeping too much or too little, it may be helpful to pay attention to their feeding and activity patterns. Make sure they are getting enough to eat and are getting enough stimulation during the day.
In conclusion, newborn sleeping can be a challenging and overwhelming experience for new parents. It is important to understand how much sleep a newborn needs, how to establish good sleep habits, and how to troubleshoot common sleep issues. By following these tips and being consistent, you can help your newborn get the rest they need to grow and thrive.
As your newborn grows and develops, their sleep patterns will change and evolve. Here are a few things to keep in mind as your little one grows:
Naps: As your newborn gets older, they will start to take more structured naps during the day. It is important to establish a consistent nap schedule to help them get the rest they need.
Sleep training: As your newborn gets older and their sleep patterns become more regular, you may want to consider sleep training to help them learn to fall asleep on their own. There are a few different methods you can try, such as the cry it out method or the gradual withdrawal method. It is important to find a method that works best for you and your family.
Sleep associations: Some newborns may develop sleep associations, meaning they rely on certain things (such as being rocked or having a pacifier) in order to fall asleep. While these sleep associations can be helpful in the short term, it is important to gradually break them as your newborn gets older so they can learn to fall asleep on their own.
Night waking: As your newborn gets older, they may start to sleep for longer stretches at night. However, it is still normal for them to wake up occasionally to feed or have a diaper change.
Sleeping through the night: While it is normal for newborns to wake up frequently at night, most infants are able to sleep through the night (defined as a stretch of at least 6–8 hours) by around 3–6 months of age. If your newborn is not sleeping through the night by this age, it may be helpful to speak with your healthcare provider for guidance.
