About this topic
Your new baby sleeps most of the time for the first few months. Babies may sleep 16 to 20 hours each day. Often, your baby may sleep for 3 to 4 hours at a time. The periods of sleep are often short and are not on a set pattern. Babies most often wake up at least one time during the night for a feeding. Some may sleep or eat more than others. Always keep in mind that each baby differs in some manner. ‚
Your newborn baby cannot control sleep. It depends on how you handle your baby and how you put your baby to sleep. It is important that you feed your baby before putting your baby down to sleep. Babies often sleep, wake up when they are hungry, then sleep again. It is important that you learn your babys habits and learn how to respond to your baby's basic needs. ‚
General
Good sleeping habits will help your baby sleep soundly. Here are some tips you can do to help your baby fall asleep. ‚
Before putting your baby to bed, make sure that: ‚
- The room is dark, quiet, and a comfortable temperature, not more than 68 ‚ °F (20 ‚ °C). Too warm is a risk for your baby while sleeping.
- Make sure that your babys clothing does not have any ties or cords that could tangle around your baby.
- Start to teach your baby about daytime and night-time. When your baby is alert and awake during the day, play and talk with your baby most of the time. Keep the area bright. At night-time, do not play with your baby when your baby wakes up. Keep the area with low light and noise-free.
- Make it a habit to play with your baby during the day. If your baby is active during the day, your baby may have more sleep during night-time.
How to Put Your Newborn Baby to Sleep ‚
- Make a bedtime routine for your baby. Put your baby to bed at the same time each day. Turn down lights and noise.
- Watch for signs that will tell you when your newborn needs to sleep. When you begin to see that your baby is tired, prepare your baby for sleep. Signs of tiredness may be rubbing his eyes, yawning, or fussing.
- Give your baby a bath before bedtime. Change your baby's diaper and make sure that your baby wears comfortable and clean clothing. Bedtime habits will make your newborn calm and feel that it is time to sleep.
- Some babies sleep better when they are swaddled. Ask your doctor to show you how to swaddle your baby.
- You can play soothing music for your newborn.
- Rock or hold your baby until your baby becomes sleepy. Put your baby in a crib while your baby is still awake. This will help your newborn learn to fall asleep on his own.
- Always lay your baby on his back to sleep. Never put your baby on a pillow when sleeping.
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Will there be any other care needed?
- Do not let your newborn sleep in your bed. You may accidentally suffocate your newborn. You can put your baby to sleep in the same room, in the crib.
- Keep your newborns crib clean and free from toys and other objects that may block breathing.
- It is rarely needed to wake your baby for a diaper change.
- If your baby will not go to sleep, check these things. Your baby may need:
- A diaper change
- To be fed
- More or less clothes if too cold or warm
- You can pick up your baby and rock until sleepy.
- You can leave a pacifier in place until your baby falls to sleep. Ask your doctor if you have any concerns about the use of a pacifier.
What problems could happen?
If you feel stressed and frustrated because your baby will not go to sleep, try these steps: ‚
- Take a deep breath and relax for a few seconds.
- Take a break. It is okay to let your baby cry. Leave your baby in a safe place such as the crib. Sometimes, your baby may cry to sleep.
- Never shake your baby. It can lead to serious brain damage and other health problems.
- Get someone to help you and give emotional support. Ask family or friends for support.
- If your baby cries a lot, there may be a more serious concern needed. Call your babys doctor.
- If you have any concerns, call your baby's doctor right away.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- If you are concerned about the length of time your baby sleeps.
- Your baby becomes:
- Irritable and cannot be soothed
- Hard to wake from sleep
- Does not want to be fed
- Cries more than usual
Where can I learn more?
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/growth/sleep/sleepnewborn.html# ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚