As newborn babies develop and grow, their sleep patterns undergo significant changes. While they may sleep for approximately 18 hours a day initially, their sleep is often fragmented into shorter periods of 2-3 hours at a time. However, as the first year progresses, the overall sleep duration decreases to around 15 hours.
One notable shift during this period is the consolidation of sleep during nighttime as the baby’s circadian rhythms start to develop. As the internal body clock begins to align with the day-night cycle, babies naturally tend to have longer periods of sleep during the night and shorter waking intervals.
Night-waking is normal during early infancy and healthy babies experience several awakenings per night at the end of sleep cycles.
New-born babies have very small stomachs, and need to feed often, so they wake at least every 2-3 hours in order to do so, sometimes more often.
Our brain develops rapidly after birth so we need to feed often on milk that is easily digested. We also cannot cling to a care-giver so we need to be carried to stay close. These impact on how often we wake and feed as babies.
The safest place for your baby to sleep is in the same room as you.
Many parents find they co-sleep even if they have not planned to.
Even if you decide not to co-sleep it is important you can make your bed a safer place for your baby if you doze off accidentally.
It is not safe to fall asleep feeding your baby in an armchair or sofa so it is important to explore the option of co-sleeping especially if you are sleep deprived.
Keep pillows, bedsheets and duvets away from babies. A baby sleeping bag can help keep baby warm in winter.
For more safe sleeping guidelines please look at www.lullabytrust.co.uk
Tiredness and fatigue are commonly reported by parents in the postpartum period and both are attributed to infant-related sleep disturbances. Your baby will eventually sleep but in the meantime here are some tips to deal with sleep deprivation.
Remember CLEAR
CLEAN – clean clothes and bedsheets will make a world of difference to your mental health. When friends or family ask what you need done, hand them washing or ask them to change your bedsheets. They will be delighted to help. Have a shower, invest in some really nice shower gel or shampoo and indulge yourself for a few minutes.
LOOSEN YOUR SCHEDULE Having a flexible schedule throughout the day allows your to rest and relax when you need to.
EAT– now is not the time to be restricting food. Listen to your body and eat what it is asking for, protein at every meal especially first thing in the morning can help with sleep deprivation. Don’t forget to hydrate! If you find it hard to drink water, use cordial.
AIR – A brisk walk can do wonders for your head, even if it’s just around the garden.
REST– even if you feel you cannot sleep when the baby is asleep, lie down on a surface and rest your body.
Are you dying to get out of the house to that new baby group? If you have someone nearby ask them to drive you!
Sleep deprivation can cause brain fog and stress, remember what is said in the throes of lack of sleep doesn’t count!
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