A Babys Sleeping Pattern

Sleeping..

A newborn baby spends most of her time on two things: sleeping and feeding - although, as she needs an average of 8 diaper changes a day, maybe that should be three things :)

Newborn babies sleep for around 17-18 hours a day, but the bad news is she will sleep only for 3 or 4 hours at a time. When she wakes she will probably need feeding and/or a diaper change.

Babies are not born with a conception of day and night, so you have to teach her to take short naps in the day and longer sleeps at night. During the first few weeks you will have to feed on demand and let her decide when she will sleep. Then you should try to encourage her to take the majority of her sleep at night by changing her surroundings: at night she should sleep in a darkened room (either her own bedroom or a corner of yours), in her cot. During the day keep her in bright light (but not direct sunlight, babies get sunburnt very easily), in her buggy.

After about 4 months baby should be sleeping for a total of about 15 hours, but she should now be sleeping for around 8-10 hours at night and without a break. She will benefit from a set routine at bedtime. A bath followed by a feed and a clean diaper, then settle her in her bed while she is still awake and play her some soothing music. Mobiles suspended over the cot work wonders.

Getting baby to establish a routine is a gradual process so don't worry if it takes a while. There will still be the odd night-time feed required until she reaches about 6 months when she should last all night without refuelling! Aren't you looking forward to that!

Sleeping Position To minimise the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (also known as cot death):

• place baby on her back,
• tuck in the sheet and blanket (don't use a duvet until she is at least 12 months),
• make sure the room is neither too hot nor too cold - ideal temperature 65˚F,

Sleeping Problems If baby isn't sleeping well at night, it may be because:

• she is too hot, too cold, hungry, thirsty, or needs changing,
• she is getting too much sleep in the day. A recent study found that keeping baby in bright light during the daytime naps will teach her the difference between a night-time sleep and a daytime nap,
• she isn't tired enough. Introduce more energetic playtimes, then wind down an hour before bedtime,
• she is over-tired. Introduce a quiet time before bed to calm her down. You might also try baby massage.
• she has colic. That's a whole different problem and you will find a separate article about colic.

Finally, remember that, like adults, all babies are not the same and some will need less sleep than others.

****************************************************************
Author: Tony Luck who runs a site with advice about babies. You will also find the fascinating chinese pregnancy calendar which is supposed to tell you whether the baby you are expecting will be a girl or boy, and a conception chart to tell you when baby is expected.

---

Your Baby?s Nursery ? What You Will Need

As an expectant mother, you are full of excitement and... Read More

Baby Monitor Technology - A Buyers Guide

What is a baby monitor & why do I need... Read More

The Colic Baby

When a baby has colic, the family environment is stressful... Read More

Baby Birthmarks

As many as one in three babies are born with... Read More

How to Protect Your Baby from SIDS

What do These Things Have in Common: An Epidemic of... Read More

Prepare Your Child For Potty Training

When your child shows a majority of the signs of... Read More

Quick Tips for a Successful Baby Shower

Here are guidelines or quick baby shower tips for hosting... Read More

The Personality Traits of a Pisces Baby

Your Pisces Baby..February 19 - March 20Your baby will have... Read More

Feng Shui Fertility: Six Ways to Create More Baby Chi

Today, feng shui is used for everything from arranging office... Read More

Baby Shower Hostess Etiquette

Does baby shower hostess etiquette allow for gift suggestions, if... Read More

Five Easy Steps to Potty Train Your Baby

No?Don't let your child pee or poop every where and... Read More

How to Meet the Dietary Needs of Babies ? Health, Palate, and Lifestyle

More and more studies are proving that food has a... Read More

Home Remedies for Colic

You are at the end of your rope. You have... Read More

When To Start Teaching Your Baby (1)

When is it that I should start teaching my baby?... Read More

Baby Shower Games For Your Special Baby Shower

So you're holding a baby shower? Then you will need... Read More

Baby Sleep Tips

Getting a baby to adjust to a normal sleep schedule... Read More

Tips For a First-Time Mom

Having a baby can be one the most life-changing experiences... Read More

To Invite or not to Invite the Dad to the Shower?

Do you invite dad to the baby shower? As per... Read More

Etiquette for Baby Shower

Etiquette for baby shower used to be quite rigid, but... Read More

The First Week with Your Baby

The first week of your baby's life brings big adjustments... Read More

13 Donts on Child Safety

For years, we have been taught that 13 is an... Read More

What Happens When During the Baby Shower?

To be precise, anything can happen anytime as long as... Read More

Hello World: Babys Third Month Guide

Remember how you wished your baby would learn there is... Read More

Should a Toddler Wear Pull-Ups While Potty Training

As a parent, you've learned a lot while your child... Read More

Planning a Baby Shower? These Tips Make It Stress Free

One of the most pleasant parties to plan has to... Read More

Couples Baby Shower Honors Both Mom and Dad

If having a Couples Baby Shower seems odd to you,... Read More

What Foods Should I Avoid While Breastfeeding?

Women in our culture are sometimes advised to avoid spicy... Read More

Dressing A Toddler, Whomever She Is Today

Some things we take for granted. Like getting dressed. Unless... Read More

Baby Boy Clip Art to liven up your Baby Shower Cards

Loads of baby boy clip art images are available, once... Read More

How To Look For Baby Books

Look for Books! The books that you pick to read... Read More

Top 3 Must Have Books for Your Baby or Toddler

Reading is one of the most important things you will... Read More

Potty Training At Daycare and Preschool

With 61% of children between the ages of birth and... Read More

How to Buy Infants? Best Educational Toys?

Buying educational toys for infants can be difficult, because infants... Read More