Introduction
Does anyone else’s infant have trouble falling asleep for even a few hours at a time? Having a baby that takes what seems like an eternity to go asleep can make short naps even more difficult.
Some parents consider anything under an hour a success, while others can’t get their infant to sleep for more than half an hour at a time. Read on to discover the causes of your newborn’s short sleep cycles and the solutions that some experts recommend.
Why Is My Newborn Only Sleeping For Short Periods?
Still Adjusting To The World Outside The Womb
It’s normal for them to wake up frequently and need your support to feel comfortable and safe. The first few weeks with your newborn can be exhausting, but they are also a time of great joy.
Your baby is learning to adjust to the world outside the womb and will need your support to feel comfortable and safe. They may wake up frequently, but each time they do, you will have the chance to bond with them and build a lifetime of memories.
Tiny Stomachs
A baby’s stomach is very small and can only hold a tiny amount of milk at a time. So they need to eat often, usually every 2 to 3 hours. Babies need to eat frequently because their tiny stomachs can only handle small amounts of milk at a time.
Getting Used To New Sleep Schedule
Your little one is growing up fast! Before you know it, they’ll be sleeping through the night. For now, they’re still getting used to their new baby sleep schedule and may not be able to stay asleep for long periods yet.
Don’t worry, this is normal. Just keep an eye on them and make sure they’re getting enough rest.
Diaper Changes
Newborns need a lot of diaper changes, which can disrupt their sleep. They may need to be changed as often as every hour, and this can be tough on both the baby and the parents.
However, it’s important to make sure that the newborn baby’s bottom is clean and dry, to help prevent diaper rash.
Disturbed By Noise Or Light
There are some things called “triggers” that can make it hard for people to sleep through the night. Triggers can be things like noise or light.
So if there’s a lot of noise or light in a person’s environment, it can cause them to wake up frequently. This can make it difficult for them to get a good night’s sleep, which can lead to fatigue during the day.
Discomfort From Teething
When a baby is born, they don’t have any teeth. Around 6 months old, their first teeth start to come in, which can be uncomfortable.
This is called teething. Some babies also have colic, which is when they cry a lot and are hard to soothe. This can make it hard for them to stay asleep.
Newborn Sleep Patterns: What To Expect
As a new parent, you might be wondering what to expect in terms of your newborn’s sleep patterns. Here’s a quick guide to help you understand your baby’s sleep habits.
Your child’s emotional and physical well-being depends heavily on how much sleep he or she gets each night. But if you’re having trouble getting your child to sleep, you’re not the only parent who struggles with this.
According to the estimations provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics, sleep disorders affect between 25 and 50 percent of children and 40 percent of adolescents.
Most newborns sleep cycle for about 16 hours a day, broken up into two or three naps and one long stretch of sleep at night. However, keep in mind that every baby is different and some may sleep more or less than others.
It’s also important to note that newborns often have irregular sleep cycles and may not follow a strict schedule.
So don’t be alarmed if your baby sleeps for long periods during the day and then has trouble sleeping at night. This is normal and will likely even out as your baby gets older. If you have any concerns about your baby’s sleep cycles, be sure to speak with your pediatrician.
How Much Sleep Does A Newborn Need?
Babies, in order to flourish and also for the healthy development of their brains, need to have set sleep schedules. Children are all different, therefore it’s possible that your infant will require more or less sleep than other children his or her age.
On the other hand, it is essential to have a general understanding of how much they require and how their habits shift as they become older.
It is a common misconception that newborn newborns sleep quite well. This is not the case. Young babies typically have trouble falling or staying asleep, so they should spend a great deal more time in their cribs.
Babies have a sleep requirement of between 14 and 17 hours each day up until the age of three months.
After they reach the age of three months, this decreases to between 12 and 16 hours each day until they reach one year old.
4 Ways To Help Your Newborn Sleep Longer
1. Establish A Bedtime Routine
One of the best ways to help your newborn sleep longer is to establish a bedtime routine. By having a set bedtime routine, your newborn will know when it is time to sleep and will be more likely to stay asleep for longer periods of time.
2. Put Your Baby To Bed Drowsy
It’s important to put your baby to bed drowsy, but awake, to help the newborn sleep longer. This will help your baby learn to self-soothe and fall asleep on their own.
3. Don’t Let Your Baby Get Overtired
Most new parents are so excited to finally have their little ones home that they don’t want to put them down for a nap. Unfortunately, if your baby gets overtired, it will be harder for them to sleep later.
It’s important to watch for signs that your baby is getting sleepy so you can put them down for a nap before they get too tired.
Some signs that your baby is getting sleepy are:
- Yawning
- Rubbing their eyes
- Getting fussy
- Pulling at their ears
If you see any of these signs, it’s time to put your baby down for a nap. Don’t wait until they are crying and exhausted, or you’ll have a harder time getting them to sleep.
4. Keep Night Feedings Short
If you want your newborn to sleep longer at night, you should keep their night feedings short and sweet.
This means that you should only give them enough food to satisfy their hunger, and then put them back to bed. This way, they will be able to sleep for longer periods of time without needing to eat again.
Conclusion
The pattern of sleep that your infant follows will be in a constant state of flux, particularly during the first year of the baby’s life.
There are a lot of different things you can try to make your newborn’s sleep periods longer. We have high hopes that you will find this post to be informative.
