Newborn Sleep Basics
January 04, 2010
Your little one loves to snooze. During the first few weeks, he’ll get an enormous amount of shuteye—up to 18 hours a day! Unfortunately, that sleep is broken up into short periods throughout the day and night because he needs to feed often. The result? Lots of sleep for him, but not much for you. Don’t worry, this sleep cycle won’t last forever! Soon, he’ll start snoozing for longer periods. Until then, here are some things you can do to help him sleep soundly.
How Much Sleep?
During the first week, your baby will sleep 14 to 18 hours a day, and then 12 to 16 hours a day for the rest of the month. All of this sleep is necessary for brain development. At around 6 to 8 weeks, he’ll start snoozing more during the night and less during the day. And although every baby is different, by 3 to 6 months, he’ll likely be sleeping through the night (at least 5 or 6 straight hours).
Resting Easy
Your baby’s schedule may seem like a free-for-all in the first few months, but here are some things you can do to help him catch his zzz’s:
· Have him sleep in your bedroom, if possible. Keeping him close will make it easier to feed or soothe him. Many parents prefer a bassinet (rather than a crib) for the first few months because it’s smaller and can be moved from room to room. The snug confines may also feel more comforting to your baby.
· Watch the temperature. Avoid putting the crib near a drafty window, but also be aware that a too-warm room can interrupt sleep. Set the room temperature in a range that’s comfortable for a lightly clothed adult (68° to 70°F).
· Make some noise. Your baby spent the last nine months in the womb, which is a pretty loud place. So he may find it easier to sleep with some background noise instead of complete silence. The gentle buzz of a fan or a white noise machine should do the trick.
· Teach him the difference between night and day. During night feedings and changings, keep the lights dim and stay quiet and calm (it’s no time for play!). This will help your baby learn that nighttime is meant for sleep.
· Put him down drowsy. If you hold or rock him until he falls asleep and then put him to bed, he’ll have a tough time learning how to self-soothe. Instead, try putting your baby to bed when he’s sleepy but still awake so he can teach himself how to fall asleep on his own.
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