Congratulations on your little one!
Whether this is your first or not, this is such an exciting time! With the arrival of your new little one you may have some questions about their sleeping; what is “normal”?, when will they start sleeping through the night?, and more!
In this guide I will answer the most frequently asked questions about newborn sleep, and get you and your little one on the path to more rest!
Safe Sleep: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says the ABCs of safe are:
A - Alone
B - on their Back
C - in their Crib
Their crib should be free from stuffies, loose bedding, blankets, or crib bumpers (even ones that claim to be breathable). People should refrain from smoking around the baby, and the baby should sleep in the same room as their parents.
Newborn Sleep
From the ages of 0-4 months a baby’s sleep is largely disorganized as their circadian rhythms (24 hrs body clock that regulates sleep, digestion, and more) have not developed. This means that a newborn is unable to be put on a schedule. This also means that they can sleep anywhere – take advantage of this! They also will be suffering from day/night confusion.
What can we do for the first 8 weeks about their sleep?
Unfortunately, not too much! At this point there is NO risk of creating bad habits or spoiling your little one. Do whatever you can to promote sleep for mom/caregiver and baby. Just focus on bonding, feeding, and recovery from having a baby
Day/Night Confusion
During this time the baby is more wakeful at night than during the day. This is exhausting, but NORMAL!
Myth: keeping your baby awake during the day will promote better sleeping at night.
Reality: this will only create a cranky, sleep deprived baby
How to help: during night feeds keep the lights off, quiet, keep feedings simple, and don’t engage. Keep things BORING so they know they when it’s dark it is sleeptime. By 6-8 weeks the Day/Night Confusion goes away
How to trigger a baby’s calming reflex, 5 Ss to Soothe a Crying Baby.
Swaddle
Sucking
Side Position (when held)
Shushing
Swinging (in arms)
The 5 Ss were created by Dr. Harvey Karp, and when I was a first time mom they were a LIFESAVER! Your little one might not respond to each of these, but they are all good tools to have to try.
First Sleep Milestone:
Will happen around that 6-8 week mark
Night sleep becomes more organised
Longest sleep period occurs at night (4-6 hr stretches)
Signs:
Social smiles (yay!!!)
Fussiness comes to a peak
Day/night confusion ends
What can we do now?
Start establishing a healthy foundation for sleep with aspects we can control
Aspects of healthy foundation:
Consistent sleeping place (crib/bassinet)
Soothing routine
Allow opportunities to self-soothe
Bedtimes will naturally become earlier
Sleep Environment:
Safe sleep
Dark – room darkening blinds, as DARK as possible
Cool – between 20-22°
Quiet – utilise sound machine – babies love white noise! It reminds them of being in the womb.
Sleepy Cues
zoning out
red eyebrows
no interest in eating or playing
nursing for comfort
rubbing eyes
pulling ears
turning head side to side
* look for them 45 mins – one hour after waking
Please be kind to yourself during this time! There are so many changes going on in your world both on the inside and the outside. There is no shame in admitting that this is hard – because it is! Take it from a mom who has been there. Ask for help when you need it, tell others when you are struggling, and remember to take care of yourself.
Becky 💜
Becky Longhurst is a Certified Child Sleep Consultant with Sleepbound Sleep Consulting. She is also an RECE as well as a Master’s graduate in Early Childhood Education. Most importantly though she is a Mama to 2 little ones, Juliette and Lucas. She first became obsessed with child sleep when her daughter was a baby. She struggled with severe anxiety, especially surrounding her daughter’s sleep (or lack of). By Googling and researching everything she could, she learned the basics of child sleep and what their little bodies need. Fast forward three years later after completing her Master’s, Becky decided to pursue a career with her passion for child sleep by becoming a Certified Child Sleep Consultant so she can help others who are struggling. Through Sleepbound Becky helps tired parents navigate the confusing puzzle that is baby and child sleep.
To learn more and book your consultation, please visit www.sleepbound.ca and follow on Instagram here
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