Do you want to know what a healthy bedtime routine for a newborn is? Or why is sleep essential for infants?
Let's find out!
Sleep is essential for a baby's healthy development and growth. However, just as older children and adults have different sleep demands, so do newborns. Your infant may require more or less sleep than other babies of their age.
In this article, you'll get to know how long your little ones should sleep and various sleeping tips for your babies!
Newborn Sleep Cycle
Newborns don't sleep all day long. Instead, they sleep in intervals and wake up to feed only. Usually, the sleep intervals at two months are 2-4 hours. Newborns are born with reflexes that they don't have control over, so at this very age, the baby might seem restless and needs to be soothed from time to time so that baby feels secure in this environment.
Usually, a newborn is given a pacifier or swaddle from time to time. They move theirs arms or cry at times so use toys or white noises to soothe your baby. It's not that a baby will get used to the world outside the womb so quickly, so it's okay to cuddle and make the baby feel safe.
- As the baby ages and reaches four months, his sleep duration is increased. The baby might sleep for a straight 6 hours at night without any usual restlessness. A more specific schedule is made for his nap to track his time to eat, rest and play.
- At around 4 to 6 months, the baby is calmer now, so it sleeps throughout the night without waking up for feeding. The baby sleeps about 6 to 12 hours at night and scheduled naps in the morning.
- There is a chance of waking up at night. Still, some babies learn the mechanism to calm themselves on their own and nod off quickly without any disturbances at night.
Pre-Bed Time Rituals:
It is said that a well-rested baby is happy. Pre bedtime routines help the baby sleep well, maybe start telling a story at night, and breastfeed your baby. Some people also prefer bedtime bathing, which also helps the baby to sleep well.
- Pre bedtime is also an excellent time to bond with your baby so try cuddling with your baby and swaddling it.
- Get to bed around 8:30 or 9:00 at night.
- Avoid any lights in the room may be just put on a night lamp and avoid any noises.
- Dream feed your baby at night without waking up completely.
Sleep Patterns From 0 To 6 Months:
As the baby ages, it tends to sleep less during the daytime. The naps get shorter and lesser with time, and the baby plays around the day. The duration between naps increases and sleep peacefully at night, and wake up less at night time.
Their need for sleep decreases over time. Most babies still have 2-3 daytime naps that last for between 30 minutes and 2 hours.
