Denton TX * As a new parent, one of the biggest challenges you’ll face is helping your newborn get enough sleep. In the first few weeks of life, newborns tend to sleep a lot, but their sleep patterns can be unpredictable and often don’t follow the same schedule as adults. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at newborn sleep and offer some tips to help your little one get the rest they need.

Newborn Sleep Patterns

Newborns typically sleep for around 16-17 hours a day, but their sleep is divided into short periods of a few hours at a time. This means that your baby will sleep for a few hours, wake up to feed, and then go back to sleep again. As a result, you can expect to be up at all hours of the day and night, and it can be difficult to establish a regular sleep schedule.

Newborns also have different sleep phases than adults. They spend more time in REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, which is the phase where we dream. During this phase, their eyes will move rapidly, and they may twitch or make small noises. This is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about.

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Tips for Helping Your Newborn Sleep

Establish a Routine

While it may be difficult to establish a strict sleep schedule for a newborn, having a routine can be helpful. Try to establish a consistent bedtime and naptime, and follow a similar routine each night before bed. For example, you might give your baby a bath, read a story, and then feed them before putting them down to sleep.

Create a Calm Sleep Environment

A calm sleep environment can help your newborn feel relaxed and ready for sleep. Make sure the room is dark, quiet, and cool. You might also try using a white noise machine to create a soothing background sound.

Swaddle Your Baby

Swaddling is the practice of wrapping your baby in a blanket to help them feel secure and snug. This can help prevent your baby from being startled awake by their own movements, and can also reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). However, it’s important to make sure the swaddle isn’t too tight, as this can restrict your baby’s breathing.

Respond to Your Baby’s Needs

Newborns have small stomachs and need to eat frequently, so expect to be up several times a night for feedings. When your baby wakes up, respond to their needs as quickly as possible. This can help them feel secure and loved, which can in turn help them sleep better.

Take Care of Yourself

Finally, it’s important to take care of yourself as a new parent. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep and taking time to relax and recharge. This can help you have the energy and patience you need to care for your little one.

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Newborn sleep can be challenging, but by establishing a routine, creating a calm sleep environment, swaddling your baby, responding to their needs, and taking care of yourself, you can help your little one get the rest they need. Remember, every baby is different, so don’t worry if your newborn’s sleep patterns don’t follow the same schedule as other babies. With time and patience, you’ll both find a sleep routine that works for you.