Newborns spend much of their first weeks of life sleeping. However, a newborn's sleep schedule may not coincide with the rest of the family's. Most babies wake to feed in the middle of the night or may not yet understand the difference between night and day. New parents have many things to worry about, including newborn sleep issues. Although sleep behavior depends on a child's personality and temperament, a parent can help a newborn sleep more safely and comfortable.
Length and Duration
Experts at KidsHealth say that newborn babies can sleep more than 16 hours per day. Typically newborns sleep for three to four consecutive hours. Although these short lengths of time can be frustrating at bedtime, a newborn needs to be fed every three to four hours. In fact, some breast-fed babies may get hungry more often and require feedings every two hours. As a baby gets older, he will be able to stay awake for most of the day and sleep for longer stretches at night.
Location
Parents typically place newborns to sleep in a bassinet or crib. Some parents may chose to co-sleep, but the American Academy of Pediatrics discourages this practice due to safety risks. An infant should be placed flat on her back to sleep on a firm mattress. A baby that is put to sleep on his stomach has a higher risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). In addition, he may suffocate on bedding. This is especially important for premature infants, who are less likely to wake up and change positions.
Routines and Habits
The Babycenter website suggests establishing a bedtime routine with a newborn. Activities can include giving a bath, reading books, singing a lullaby and then a kiss good night. These things should be done at the same time every night so that the baby begins to correlate them with bedtime. A baby can be put to bed while he is still awake. This will help him learn how to fall asleep on his own.
Sleep Tips
Try to help a newborn understand the difference between night and day. In the daytime hours, play with him as much as possible, keeping rooms bright and noises at their regular level. Do not play with a baby when he wakes up in the middle of the night. The Babycenter website says to keep the lights dim and the room quiet if a baby needs fed. Try not to talk too much either. It may make it difficult for him to fall back to sleep.
Precautions
Keep pillows, toys and blankets out of a newborn's crib. Items like these can be a suffocation or strangulation hazard. The KidsHealth website warns that extra caution should be taken when using crib bumper pads. Babies can suffocate on the fabric and may even climb on them when old enough to stand. Items with ties or ribbons should be kept away from a crib or basinet. All cribs should meet safety standards.
