Sleep Patterns: Baby Sleep Patterns
During the first few months, your
newborn may sleep up to 16 hours a day. Her sleep
tends to be light and with frequent waking. During
the night, she may sleep for about four hours before
waking (usually with hunger).
Over the next month, her sleep during
the night may extends to five hours before waking.
This new sleep pattern may last up to a year before
she is able to sleep for six hours or right through
the night.
In theory, your baby should be eat
every so many hours. But if she sleeps through the
night don't wake her up just to feed her.
Some children may need an afternoon
nap. But if your toddler doesn't take an afternoon
nap, don't force her to. If she doesn't take a nap
during the day she is more likely to sleep through
the night.
Bed Time: Get Baby To Sleep
As a new parent, your's and your
baby's sleep maybe be one of your major concerns.
Sleep disturbances, especially frequent awakenings
during the night, can exhaust and strain parents.
Babies and children need to be put
to bed at a regular time. A quiet wind down, relaxed,
and unrushed bedtime routines are very helpful. Making
mornings active and fun will encourage your child
to expend her energy in physical ways, this will more
likely make your child sleep though the night.
Reasonable bedtime activities may
include: a final feeding, singing, quiet play, story
telling, and cuddling.
At about 3 months of age, your child
sleep may already occur on a considerably regular
pattern. Overtime, you will become aware of your child's
sleeping needs then you can determine how to best
assist her in getting the rest she needs.
Causes of Sleeping Discomfort and
Sleep Problem:
Illness, anxiety, and unnecessary
feedings may disrupt your child's sleep. In
the early weeks, acid reflux, colic discomfort, or
other conditions may also cause trouble sleeping.
Talk to your doctor if you have any concern about
these medical conditions.
Some Sleeping Tips to Keep in Mind
- The safest sleep position for
a healthy baby is to place her on her back to sleep,
even for naps.
- Often, babies are geared to sleep
at certain times of the day and night.
- Letting your child stay in bed
longer than she needs to will only make her restless.
- Too much day time napping may
lead to nighttime restlessness (if your child doesn't
nap during the day she more likely will compensate
for it at night).
- Infants and toddlers require
a certain amount of sleep. They usually can't
sleep more once they have enough sleep.
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