Babies and Sleep: What To Expect

Ah, the magical land of baby sleep. It's like a mysterious kingdom with its own mix of rules and surprises. New parents are often pre-warned about the trials of babies and sleep. Questions start to come up, like: When do babies sleep through the night? What is the best sleep position or room temperature? What about night feedings? Thankfully, experts understand the best practices and routines to help you and your baby sleep. You and your little one are in this together! So, let's take a lighthearted journey through the land of babies and sleep and discover what lies ahead!

Baby Sleep Patterns

From the day your little one is brought into the world, their sleep is a top priority. And when it comes to baby sleep patterns, it's like unraveling a beautifully complicated puzzle. Every baby seems to have their own schedule, sleeping for shorter stretches and waking up frequently for feeding and diaper changes. Newborns sleep around 16 hours throughout the day. As months go by, their sleep schedules will slowly move from sleeping day and night to more sleep at night and less sleep during the day. However, it's important to remember that every newborn is unique, and their sleep patterns vary. So, be prepared for some surprises along the way! 

Newborn Sleep Schedule

Unfortunately, babies don't have a user manual or an instruction booklet. It's more like a random playlist with no rhyme or reason. In the early days, their sleep schedule may feel more like a series of power naps sprinkled throughout the day and night. As a parent, it's important to follow your baby's cues and let them sleep when tired. Over time, you can gently guide them towards a more structured sleep routine, helping them distinguish between day and night.

Here is a quick rundown of age and total hours of sleep:

Feeding Schedule

Balancing your little ones’ sleep and feeding schedules can be a little stressful. Remember this one tip: A well-fed baby will sleep better and longer!

Breastfed babies feed about every 2-3 hours, while bottle-fed babies feed about every 3-4 hours. Newborns should be woken up to feed every 3-4 hours to help with weight gain. Unfortunately, feedings don’t pause during the night hours. Especially as a newborn, feedings need to be regular throughout the day and night. Night feedings mean you’ll wake up your baby if necessary to feed them when your baby is sleepy or falling asleep. 

Night feeding doesn’t last forever! Once babies can sleep through the night (6-8 hours straight), starting weaning off the night feedings is okay. This is typically after 3 months old, usually between 4-6 months old. Now, babies are at their recommended weight for their age and are sleeping for long stretches, meaning night feedings aren’t needed. 

Here are our 3 most popular European Organic Formulas for a good night's sleep:

#1 Hipp Dutch Organic Formula - Stage 1

#2 HiPP Hypoallergenic Formula - Stage Pre

 

#3 Holle Goat Dutch Formula - Stage 1

Need help deciding which formula to choose? Please check our baby formula comparison chart to help you understand the differences between our offered formulas. 

Sleep Regression with Newborns

Just when you think you've got this whole baby-sleep-thing figured out, suddenly comes sleep regression like a little sleep ninja. Sleep regressions are periods when your little one's sleep patterns temporarily become disrupted. It can happen around 4 months of age and again around 8 or 9 months. During these sleep regressions, your once-good sleeper may suddenly wake up more frequently during the night or might have more difficulty falling asleep. It's important to remember that sleep regressions are normal and temporary. They often coincide with developmental milestones and adjustments in your baby's sleep needs. So, hang in there, and remember that it will pass! ;)

Create a Bedtime Routine for Babies

When it comes to bedtime routines, think of it as creating a calming and predictable ritual that signals to your little one that it's time to wind down and prepare for sleep. Like any age, our environment can help or hinder our ability to sleep (and stay asleep). Regarding your newborn, sleep position, room temperature, sound, and more can be used to support sleep. The goal is to create a soothing environment that helps your baby relax and transition into sleep mode. Also, things like a warm bath, a gentle massage, reading a bedtime story, or singing a lullaby can help. Experiment with different elements to find what works best for your little one, and enjoy this special bonding time together.

Co-sleeping vs. Independent Sleep for Infants

Co-sleeping, the practice of sharing a sleep space with your little one, is a personal decision that depends on cultural, familial, and safety considerations. It can create a strong bond and make nighttime feeding easier. However, following safe co-sleeping guidelines is essential to reduce the risk of accidents. On the other hand, independent sleep in a crib or bassinet can also be a safe and suitable option for infants. It provides them with their own sleep space and supports independent sleep skills. Whichever sleep arrangement you choose, prioritize safety and follow the guidelines recommended by pediatricians.

Sleep Safety Guidelines for Newborns:

Ensuring a safe sleep environment is paramount for your precious little one. Keep your child with you in your room but in their own space, and opt for a firm and flat sleep surface covered by a fitted sheet.

Experts recommend the following guidelines for baby sleep position:

1. For the first year of your baby’s life, the baby should sleep in their own crib, on their back.
2. Do not use form wedges or towel rolls to keep babies on their side.
3. Infants should never sleep on pillows, air mattresses, waterbeds, cushions, soft materials, or loose bedding.
4. Car seats and infant carriers shouldn’t be used to replace the crib for your baby’s sleep.
5. Never nap or sleep with your baby or let your baby sleep alone on a couch, sofa, or armchair.
6. Consider dressing your baby in sleepers to avoid using blankets.
7. The (sleeping) room should be kept at a comfortable temperature, and it's recommended to avoid overheating. The advice for a baby's room temperature is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, dress your little one in appropriate sleepwear. 

Following these sleep safety guidelines will provide peace of mind while your baby sleeps. If you have questions about these guidelines, seek assistance from your pediatrician. We want superheroes, but not at the risk of safety!

Understanding Baby Sleep Cycles

Just like adults, your little one goes through sleep cycles that include both deep sleep and light sleep stages. They may briefly wake up or stir between these cycles, which is normal. Sometimes, you might mistake these brief awakenings as a sign that your baby is fully awake, but chances are they're just transitioning between sleep stages. Understanding these sleep cycles can help you differentiate between normal sleep behavior and potential sleep disturbances.

Common Sleep Challenges in the First Year

Ah, the joys of sleep challenges! The sleep journey of newborns is not without its fair share of challenges. Teething discomfort, separation anxiety, growth spurts, or even changes in routine can disrupt your little one's sleep patterns. Remember that these challenges are temporary and part of your baby's development. Offering comfort and reassurance, maintaining a consistent sleep environment, and sticking to your established bedtime routine can help overcome these obstacles. If you have questions or think your baby has sleep issues, please seek advice from your pediatrician.

Sleep Training Methods for Infants

Sleep training is like embarking on a DIY project. When your baby reaches the appropriate developmental stage, typically around 4 to 6 months, you might consider gentle sleep training methods to help them learn to self-soothe and sleep independently. These methods, such as the Ferber method or the gradual retreat technique, involve gradually reducing parental assistance at bedtime and during night wakings. But here's the secret: there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Choosing a sleep training method that fits your parenting style and supports your little one's needs is important. It's good to know that consistency and patience are key when implementing any sleep training approach. After all, babies are the ultimate disruptors of plans!

Below is an infographic about some Sleep Training Methods:

In Conclusion

Understanding baby sleep patterns, sleep regressions, and the importance of feeding and establishing a bedtime routine can significantly contribute to a more peaceful sleep journey with your little one. Remember to prioritize sleep safety by following recommended guidelines for newborns. Embrace the unique sleep needs of your baby and be prepared for the occasional challenges that may arise. And when in doubt, trust your instincts and seek support from healthcare professionals or other experienced parents. Your little one's sleep will develop over time; before you know it, they'll sleep like a pro! So, take a deep breath, get your superhero cape ready, and embark on this thrilling adventure of babies and sleep. You've got this!

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