Understanding Baby Sleep Patterns

Sleep. It’s something we take for granted before we have babies. We stay up late, we sleep in on our day off, lay down when we’re tired. When we say “sleep deprived” we mean we’ve had a busy week, maybe a late night or two. Then we have our first babies. And sleep suddenly becomes like an elusive magical elixir and “sleep deprived” starts to feel like our middle name.

Newborn Baby Sleep Patterns

In the first few weeks, it can seem as though all your baby does is sleep! And sometimes it can seem especially true during the day. That’s okay. Don’t be surprised if your baby’s awake times are short and sweet, that’s normal too. After all, your baby needs to spend most of his or her time sleeping at first, and you will need extra rest to make up for any times you are rising to care for your baby during the night, and while your body recovers from labour and delivery. Read up on different sleep techniques, find what feels comfortable for you. And when the baby sleeps, try to at least lay down yourself. Even the most diehard non-nappers will be amazed to find themselves catching a few winks in the first few months postpartum.

Baby Sleep Patterns as Your Baby Grows

It’s important to remember that the baby sleep patterns exhibited in the first few weeks won’t last. In fact, one of the biggest learning curves for new moms is realizing that everything changes constantly. At first your baby may seem to be on a 24 hour clock and waking randomly every few hours to feed. That’s normal. They need a lot of sleep, and they need a lot of feeding! But later you will find your baby can stay awake for longer stretches of time. That’s great! This will be the time you will spend connecting with your baby, noticing first smiles, letting them have a bit of quiet activity time or a visit. But try to aim for a routine that will resemble what you want them to have when they are a little older…perhaps a bit of awake time, then a midmorning nap, then awake time, and an early afternoon nap. Young babes may also need a catnap before supper, but drop it if it interferes with their sleep at night. Aim to wind your baby down and get them to bed at a bedtime that works for you. This will help them start to tell night from day. Even if they are up during the night, it is good for them to spend the night time hours in their crib or the family bed in a dark quiet room.

Challenges with Baby Sleep Patterns

Everyone seems to struggle with baby sleep patterns at one time or another in the first few months. Sometimes we expect too much, too soon. Sometimes we have babies who seem to want to party all night and snooze the day away. Hang in there. Do your best to keep baby eating, having some activity, then sleeping during the day and repeat…then settle them for the night. Developing a good wind down routine for both naps and bedtime can be a huge help…we dim lights, turn on a bit of white noise, swaddle with blankets, and snuggle before tucking babies in. And yes, older babies can be swaddled! When they are tiny it helps control random arm and leg movements and keeps them cozy. As they get bigger it can be a way to cue them that it’s time to sleep and still the wiggly movements. Gently tuck a blanket around them so they calm and lean into the cuddles rather than trying to play.

How to Stop Worrying about Baby Sleep Patterns

When it comes to new mom worries, baby sleep patterns are right up there at the top with feeding and baby’s health. Every baby is different. Every family will struggle with different things. There will be wakeful nights. There will be days when the naps don’t come easily. This is normal, and it doesn’t mean you are doing something wrong. Just find what technique feels best for your family, do your best to stick to a gentle routine and things will fall into place when they are meant to. And remember, if you are resting when the baby does, it can help reduce your stress level when your babe decides to be the life of the party at 3 a.m. Because sometimes, as we all have experienced, that’s just what babies like to do!

About the Author Writer, wife, mom, fueled by chocolate, coffee & laughter. Published in online media, nationally and internationally, my specialties include: freelance writing, community management, social media devouring, relationship building, and mildly obsessive editing. Community Manager for @EverythingMom. Founder of Mocha Creative Works - see www.mochacreativeworks.com for business/portfolio site. Posted by Jen Taylor in behaviour on July 05, 2010 More from this author  |  Author Website Follow Jen Taylor on:  |  |  |

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0 # CA 2010-07-24 08:32

I agree with establishing a routine early on. We didn't with our first but did with the other 2 and it made such a difference with how they slept.

Also, kids change their sleep patterns as they grow and reach new milestones. All my kids seemed to go through sleep changes when they discovered mobility and language skills.

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