As new parents, Moms may feel anxious about the sleeping pattern of the Little One who often sleeps continuously, especially in the early months of his/her birth. Questions such as “Do newborns really sleep all the time?”, “Is it normal for babies to sleep 18 hours a day?”, or “When will babies start sleeping regularly?” often come to mind.
Understanding baby's sleep patterns can be tricky, as each baby has its own needs and rhythms. However, you don't need to worry, this article will help you understand the sleep patterns of babies 0-3 months, including answering questions about whether or not it is normal for babies to sleep continuously.
Duration of Sleeping Hours for Infants 0-3 Months
Babies aged 0-3 months generally need a total of 14-17 hours of sleep a day. However, this sleep duration may vary from baby to baby. There are babies who sleep longer, which is about 18 hours, and there are also those who only sleep 12 hours.
Here is an estimate of the sleep duration of babies 0-3 months:
Newborn (0-1 month): 14-17 hours per day, with 8-9 hours during the day and 5-8 hours at night.
1-2 months: 14-16 hours per day, with 8-10 hours during the day and 6-8 hours at night.
2-3 months: 14-15 hours per day, with 7-9 hours during the day and 7-8 hours at night.
It is important to remember that these sleep durations are only estimates. Moms do not need to force the Little One to sleep according to the table above. Pay attention to signs of sleepiness in the Little One, such as yawning, rubbing the eyes, or fussing, as the right time to put them to bed.
Is it Normal for Newborns to Sleep Continuously?
Seeing a newborn sleeping continuously may worry Moms. However, it is important to understand that this is normal. Their circadian rhythms (internal body clock settings) are not yet fully developed. As a result, they cannot yet distinguish between day and night. In addition, sleep is indeed very important for the rapid development of the baby's brain and body.
Even so, it is still necessary to wake your baby for breastfeeding, especially in the first weeks after birth, to ensure they get enough breast milk or formula for optimal weight gain. The recommended frequency of breastfeeding is every 2-3 hours, especially at night.
How to regulate baby's sleeping hours
Although newborns do not yet have regular sleeping hours, you can start helping them develop good sleeping habits in the following ways:
1. Create a Consistent Sleep Routine
Routines help babies feel safe and comfortable. Moms can create a consistent nightly bedtime routine, for example by bathing the baby in warm water, putting on a comfortable nightgown, reading a storybook in a soft voice, singing a lullaby, and then laying them down in bed. Do these activities in the same order every night to signal to baby that it's time for bed.
2. Create a Comfortable Sleeping Environment
A comfortable sleeping environment will make it easier for your baby to fall asleep and sleep better. Make sure the sleeping room is dim, quiet, and cool. Use a dimly lit nightlight to provide minimal illumination if needed. Avoid leaving the TV on or allowing noises to enter the baby's room. Set the room temperature to keep it comfortable and not too hot.
3. Help Baby Learn to Differentiate Day and Night
Daytime is the time to be active. Invite baby to play in a bright and lively place. Open the window blinds or curtains to let natural sunlight enter the room. Take baby outside for a walk in the park or just to get some fresh air. At night, keep the nursery dark and quiet.
Avoid turning on bright lights when changing diapers or feeding baby at night. use the dim light of a nightlight. By getting used to the different atmosphere of day and night, slowly the baby's circadian rhythm will be established and they will begin to be able to distinguish when it is time to sleep well.
4. Avoid Excessive Stimulation Before Bedtime
Avoid activities that over-stimulate your baby before bedtime. This includes playing active games, making noisy jokes, or letting them watch TV. These activities can make it difficult for the baby to calm down and fall asleep. Instead, try to soothe baby before bed with more relaxing activities, such as reading a storybook in a soft voice or singing a lullaby.
5. Watch for Signs of Sleepiness
Babies cannot yet tell when they feel tired and want to sleep. However, they will give you signs. Some signs of baby sleepiness include:
- Constant yawning
- Rubbing their eyes
- Becoming fussy for no apparent reason
- Pulling at ears or sucking hands
- Looking limp and lackluster
When you see these signs of sleepiness, immediately take your baby to bed and do the usual nighttime routine. By getting into the habit of putting your baby to bed when they are sleepy, they will eventually get used to associating sleepiness with going to sleep.
6. Be Consistent and Patient
Getting your baby used to having regular sleeping hours takes time and patience. Stay consistent with the bedtime routine that you create even if your baby still wakes up sometimes at night or refuses to take a nap. Over time, the baby will learn to recognize the sleep routine and slowly develop his own sleep pattern.
Understanding your baby's sleep patterns is important so that you can provide comfort and support their optimal growth and development. By knowing your baby's normal sleep duration and how to help regulate their sleeping hours, you can create a conducive environment for your baby to sleep well.
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