Baby sleep: how does it work?
How long does a newborn baby sleep?
From birth, your baby is a great sleeper. The first month, his sleep can last between 16 and 20 hours. He needs it for the maturation of his brain and the secretion of hormones essential for his growth. Nevertheless it does not have the same pace as you. Its internal clock will take some time to adjust. It does not distinguish day and night and its cycles of sleep are shorter than adults: about 60 minutes. It takes about four months for your baby make nights from 8 to 9 o'clock.
Should I sleep my baby at fixed times?
Yes because he has to learn to build his sleep. Over the first few days, you will detect a natural time to fall asleep depending on his meals. Respect these time indicators that will make nights longer and less hectic. If you have a party or a family reunion, try to keep these times if possible.
If he wakes up at night, it's because he's hungry?
During the first weeks, he can cry because he is hungry, he needs to suckle. But around 4-5 months, do not always think he's waking up because he's hungry. If you give him something, he'll think he can go back to sleep only by eating. Maybe he's just in pain somewhere, has a fever, or has a little dream. Give him time to go back to sleep.
As soon as he cries, should I go see him?
If he's crying, he's hungry, he's thirsty, he's tired, he needs attention ... Plan a cozy, quiet place for his sleep. From there if he really sleephe will find a way to go back to sleep quickly. Be attentive to the intensity of his tears because if he has a real demand, he will be able to make himself understood by shouts more energetic.
The first time, can he sleep in our room?
This reassures you and it is normal. You can react illico presto to his smallest requests especially if you breastfeed and he falls asleep immediately after feeding. But, if that is your wish, leave it in a bed next to yours just for the first few weeks or months as it will get used to feeling close to it. Everyone must learn to find his space and sleep alone.
How to sleep baby ?
During the first year, you have to sleep baby on the side or on the back. It is avoided, unless otherwise indicated by your doctor, to place it on his stomach so that he can breathe properly. The best is still to place it in a cradle or a small bed whose mattress must be firm. Do not put pillow or quilt. Regarding the temperature of the room: 19 to 20 ° C suffice.
Should we institute a ritual before bed?
Preparation for sleep is very important for a child. The ritual is therefore essential to make him understand that it is not a constraint and avoid any feeling of anxiety. Opt for a sweet song with toddlers and possibly a night light. As he goes, he will also need his favorite soft toy, his blanket. Do not hesitate to get used to the little story of the evening. This intimate moment must remain pleasant. But sometimes you have to use firmness and say "Now it's over, you have to sleep".
How old will he be napping?
Up to 6 months he will need to take three naps a day: one in the late morning and two in the afternoon. Then he will do one in the morning and one in the early afternoon according to his needs. From 2 years, a nap is sufficient and should not last more than two hours thirty so as not to disturb his nights. Finally at 4 years, some children need it and others do not. We must adapt to its recovery cycle.
=> The book of a pro on the subject: it's here!
