Types of Sleep
Babies have 2 types of sleep. Both types of sleep are important and healthy.
Light Sleep
Your baby needs light sleep for his brain to grow and develop. This is when your baby dreams. During light sleep your baby:
- Moves around and makes noises.
- Has eye twitches or opens and closes his eyes quickly.
- Has fast and slow breathing.
- Wakes up easily.
Deep Sleep
Your baby needs deep sleep for his brain to rest. During deep sleep your baby:
- Doesn't move very much.
- Has relaxed and floppy arms and legs.
- Has regular steady breathing.
- Makes sucking movements.
- Doesn't wake up easily.
Newborns fall asleep dreaming in light sleep. Wait for signs of deep sleep before laying your baby down. This may take 20-30 minutes. It's normal for baby to fall into a light sleep while nursing and still need additional time to fall into deep sleep. Consider it extra snuggling time!
Some babies need more sleep than others. As your baby gets older, her sleep will change and become more predictable. It's normal for your baby to be hungry and wake to breastfeed in the middle of the night. This is what you can expect:
Newborn to 6 Weeks
During the first 6 weeks, your baby's sleep will be hard to predict. She is getting used to the new world around her. You can expect that your baby will sleep for only a few hours at a time and will wake up many times throughout the day and night. It's normal and healthy for baby to be hungry and nurse in the middle of the night. Look for hunger cues and bring your baby to the breast as soon as you see them.
Cluster feedings are common during these early weeks. This is when the baby feeds almost continually for several hours. Your baby may have a series of short feedings that are close together or one or two long feedings. Baby will still get enough sleep even if she wakes often to feed, and this frequent nursing will help you establish a good milk supply.
6 to 8 Weeks
Starting at around 6 weeks, your baby may sleep more at night because she is awake more during the day. Waking at night to breastfeed is still normal and healthy. Remember to nap when your baby does—even a little sleep can help you feel more rested.
About 3 Months
Now your baby will start to sleep for longer periods of time at night, but she will probably still not sleep through the night. It's common for babies to wake to breastfeed once or twice per night—or more frequently if they are going through a growth spurt. Soon your baby will begin falling into deep sleep faster so you can lay her down sooner after breastfeeding.
About 6 Months
Your baby may sleep for up to 6 hours at a time. Some babies sleep through the night, but many do not. Breastfeeding during the night is still normal and healthy, even after your baby begins eating solid food.
About 8 Months
Your baby's sleep schedule will become more regular. She will probably take two naps during the day and sleep about 6 hours at night. Breastfeeding at bedtime will help calm your baby, but she may still cry when you leave the room. This can make naps and bedtime more difficult. Keeping a regular routine will help your baby feel more secure and learn to calm herself. Some babies are able to self-calm around 8 months, but others learn this skill later on.
Throughout the first year, babies may have times when they wake up more often because of growth spurts, sickness, teething, or changes in routine.
Some babies take a long time before they sleep through the night. As long as your baby is happy and growing well, there is no reason to be concerned. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about your baby's sleep schedule.
New parents can expect to get less sleep. For a few months, most of your sleep will be in short stretches. These tips will not make your baby sleep through the night, but they may help YOU get more rest.
Keep baby close at night
Put your baby to sleep in your room in his own crib or bassinet for the first few months. When your baby wakes up and needs something, you won't have far to go. It will be easier for you to recognize baby's hunger cues so you can bring him to the breast right away.
Try some "white noise"
Play music softly or turn on a quiet fan so you won't wake up with every little sound your baby makes. You will still be able to hear your baby when he really needs you.
Keep the lights low
Keeping lights low while you feed, burp, or change your baby's diaper during the night will help you get back to sleep more quickly. Turn the lights on if you are giving medicine or doing something else that requires your full attention.
Sleep when your baby sleeps
Even a short nap will help you feel more rested.
Ask for help
Ask family and friends for help at home.
Crying is normal. It is one of the only ways babies have to tell you that something needs to be different. As your baby gets older, she will get better at letting you know what she needs—and she will cry less.
Beginning at about 2 weeks, many babies start to cry more than they did when they were first born. This time is also sometimes called the "period of purple crying." Some babies cry a lot and others far less. This is the time to learn how to calm your baby and how to keep yourself calm if your baby won't stop crying. While it can be frustrating for parents, know that this time is temporary, and will probably end by the time baby is 3 or 4 months old. Be sure to watch for early hunger cues, because baby may be too upset to eat if he's been crying for a long time.
Try to figure out if there is a reason for the crying. Check:
- Does baby need to be burped?
- Does baby need a clean diaper?
- Does your baby have gas?
- Is baby too hot or cold?
- Is baby tired or sleepy?
- Is baby lonely or afraid?
- Is baby overstimulated?
- Is baby sick?
- Is baby hungry?
- Is baby in pain?
Respond to the problem by gently cuddling your baby and repeating the same action or motion. Try ONE of these at a time:
Speak or sing softly
Try saying a simple, calming phrase such as, "It's okay, baby. It's okay, baby. It's okay, baby."
Try movement
Gently rock, sway, or bounce your baby, repeating the same motion over and over again.
A Gentle Massage
Gently massage baby's back, arms, and legs.
If you think your baby may have gas
Try using the reverse football hold to comfort him. This position puts gentle pressure on baby's tummy, which can help get the gas out.
- Place baby lengthwise along your forearm facing down with his head next to your elbow.
- Place your hand between baby's legs and use your forearm for support.
- Use the palm of your hand to apply gentle pressure to the tummy.
- Use your other hand to gently rub and pat baby's back.
Be patient
Calming your baby takes time. Stick with the same action for several minutes—this can be the secret to success. If your baby continues to cry or becomes more upset, move on to something new.
It takes time to calm a crying baby.
It takes time to calm a crying baby. Know that during the first few months, some babies cry for no reason. They may cry for long periods of time even when they are well cared for and healthy. This can be very frustrating for parents.
- Ask a friend or family member to give you a break by helping with your baby.
- If you start to feel angry or overwhelmed, lay your baby down in a safe place for a few minutes and take a break. Do not ever shake your baby.
- Remember, things will get better. Babies cry less as they get older, and you will get through this!
- Contact WIC or your doctor if you think your baby is crying too much.
