Let’s Chat…Sleep

Feed the baby. Burp the baby, Change the baby. Rock the baby to sleep. Repeat. However, the turnaround time seems short and sporadic. Will this be a 2-minute nap? 20 minutes? Maybe you’ll get lucky this time, and it will be a solid 2 hours. What is typical for newborn sleep? How and where should your baby sleep? And most importantly, how can YOU get more sleep?

Normal newborn sleep patterns

Did you know babies do most of their growing and learning while they sleep? They produce the highest amount of the growth hormone somatotropin during this time. Newborns sleep 15-16 hours daily. Their stomachs are small and easily digest breastmilk, which means they wake every 2-3 hours to eat. But as much as we all love routine, babies tend to be unpredictable in the early months. Some feedings may be short and sweet, meaning they wake sooner to nurse again. Some feedings may feel endless, with a longer nap to follow. It is best to feed them on demand and avoid scheduling during these crucial weeks of breastfeeding establishment. Learn more about establishing breastfeeding in our GETTING STARTED post.

Swaddling

To swaddle or not to swaddle? That is the question! When it is time to put your little one down to rest, how should they be dressed? Swaddles can keep your baby warm and comfortable, but safety should be the highest priority. One of the swaddle’s strongest selling points is also its biggest risk. When you swaddle your baby they may have a difficult time waking up. Poor arousal is considered a risk for SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). For safe swaddling, it is recommended that you:

• Only swaddle until your infant is old enough to roll over, sometimes as early as two months. 
• Don’t over dress your baby. Swaddling can lead to overheating, do not add additional clothing or blankets.  A simple onesie under a thin cotton swaddle should be plenty.
• Keep your infant’s hips, knees, and elbows flexed and free to move. Recent studies show that this is important for proper development. Babies should also have access to their hands so that they can soothe themselves and you can recognize feeding cues. Try these Halo sleep sacks that are thin and cozy.

Safe sleep

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it is safest for babies to sleep in the same room, but not in the same bed, as their parents. To reduce the risk of SIDS the AAP recommends placing your baby to sleep using the ABCs

• Alone– no extra blankets, pillows, wedges, guards, toys, etc. 
• On their Back
• In their Crib (or bassinet like this one)

Co-Sleeping

According to the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM), there is not enough research to condemn co-sleeping. Many deaths defined as SIDS do not record the state of the parent (were they intoxicated by some means) or the position of the infant. These same studies also consider various forms of sleeping as “co-sleeping”. For instance, sleeping with an infant on a couch or recliner poses a much greater risk than bed sharing. From here on out, we will be discussing bed-sharing. Research shows a positive correlation between breastfeeding and bed-sharing. If you plan to share your bed with your infant the ABM recommends following these safety guidelines:

• Place your baby flat on their back 
• Sleep on a firm surface
• Face free and clear from blankets
• No heavy blankets, duvets, comforters, pillows, or stuffed animals
• Ensure there are no spaces between the bed and wall or headboard where your baby could become entrapped
• A safe alternative would be to place your mattress on the floor
• Never leave your infant alone in an adult bed

Tips for better sleep

Born with immature circadian rhythms, babies often have their days and nights mixed up. 

Most infants do not begin sleeping through the night until at least three months and often not until one year. The wonderful thing about breastfeeding is that our nighttime breastmilk contains more melatonin, and that encourages sleep! As a new mom this can be an exhausting time. You also need proper rest for your health and to care for your baby. Here are some things you can try to gain a few more winks.

• Sleep when baby sleeps. It may sound cliche but its trues. The dishes and laundry can wait. You can also delegate those tasks to a family member or friend on your support team. Much of your baby’s waking time you will spend nourishing them. So trust us, sleep when baby sleeps. 
• Dream feed. It never fails. You nurse your baby late in the evening knowing they are down for a few hours, so you snuggle up for some Netflix and chill. After binging an episode or two, you are ready to doze off yourself. Just as soon as your head hits the pillows, you hear the cry of a hungry babe. Next time that you are ready for bed, try gently lifting up that sleepy bundle just to top them off. It just may buy you a few hours of sleep.
• Sneak in some extra feedings during the day. If your baby has long stretches of 3-4 hours between feedings during the day, try waking them up at the 2-hour mark for a feed. Filling them and keeping them more awake during the day may lead to longer periods of sleep at night.

We know that the newborn phase can be exhausting. And we know how important good rest is for you and your baby. Learning about typical newborn sleep patterns can give you peace of mind. Whether you choose to room share or bed share, it is crucial to know how to safely place your baby to sleep. Proper rest and nutrition are what grow healthy babies. Continue following us to learn more ways to care for your newborn!