A 2005 survey by Mother and Baby magazine found out that eight out of 10 mothers blame lack of sleep for putting their relationship under strain and causing rows with their partner.
The good news for exhausted parents is that babies younger than 12 weeks will sleep, on average, twice as much as their parents (up to 18 hours’ sleep). The bad news is that most of this sleep happens during the day.
Very young babies don’t sleep for long stretches of time because their stomachs are tiny so they need frequent feeds. On average, they sleep two hours at a time during the day and four-six hours at night. However, it’s not uncommon for young babies to wake up more often at night.
The first weeks are the hardest as babies will sleep more during the day until they realise the difference between day and night. So in the early days it really helps if a mother, who is usually the main carer, can sleep or rest when her baby does.
Parents Of Breastfed Babies Sleep Longer
Recent research unveiled that parents of infants who were breastfed in the evening and/or at night slept an average of 40-45 minutes more than parents of infants who were fed formula. The latters also reported more sleep disturbance at night. These results overthrow the myth that giving a bottle of formula to a child makes him/her sleep for longer.
Babies’ Sleep Basics
Newborns usually have one long sleep period (four to five hours). A mother can encourage a baby to sleep longer at night by feeding the baby quietly in a dimmed room so the child is not stimulated. Blackout blinds can help in summer months and parents should make sure that the room is at the right temperature (18C is optimal).
Babies’ sleep is totally different from an adult’s, they tend to wake up more often and as they need frequent feeds in the early weeks, accompanied by nappy changes, they might make parents feel like they haven’t got a minute to themselves.
If a mother keeps a record of when her baby feeds, sleeps and has a nappy change, it can hi sleep and feeding patterns so she can eventually organise a routine. These patterns are subject to change in the first weeks, but they are more predictable as a baby grows. To maximise sleep, it’s best to follow the baby’s lead until a bigger stomach and more spaced feeds make the baby sleep for longer.
It’s advisable to start teaching a baby to go to sleep on his/her own from six weeks. This is easier if a parent uses sleep-associated habits, such as bathing, putting on pyjamas and listening to a story, or even giving a child a soft toy to hug. For babies who fall asleep on their mother's breast, this will not last forever – at some point a mother will have to teach her child to go to sleep on his/her own.
From Three Months to One Year
From three months a baby will sleep more during the night. Daytime naps will become less frequent by six months, with many babies having up to 12 hours’ sleep at night. However, if a baby is teething, ill or going through a growth spurt, he/she might wake up often at night.
By their first birthday, many babies will sleep 12 to 14 hours, including daytime naps. If a baby still sleeps less during the night and more during the day, parents can try disassociating feeding from sleep. If still breastfeeding, a mother can try giving the last feed early in the evening; if bottlefeeding, she can gradually decrease the amount of formula at the last feed and distribute it among daytime feeds.
Daytime Naps for Babies
Managing a baby’s naps is important. If a baby has a nap late in the day, it will affect the night’s sleep. It’s best to keep a baby’s nap in the morning or early in the afternoon. When a baby naps, parents shouldn’t worry about noise, there is no need to tiptoe around the house as babies are comforted by familiar sounds. If a baby fights sleep and refuses to nap during the day, taking him/her out in the pushchair in a sling or driving him/her round the block might help.
Sleep-Preventing Factors for Babies
Overtiredness/overstimulation – Overtired babies are irritable and will fight sleep. A parent should keep a diary to find out if a child gets enough sleep/naps for his/her age. Babies need to wind down to go to sleep. Bathing and reading a story with dimmed lights might help.
Hunger/thirst – This is one of the main reasons babies wake up at night. While young babies must not be denied food, children doing well with solids should sleep through. If a mum is breastfeeding and she drink lots of caffeinated beverages (tea, coffee and hot chocolate), her baby will stay alert.
Illness/teething – if a baby has a cold or is ill, he/she will wake up to feed or have a drink at night. If a child suffers from severe teething pain, a gel and a dose of infant paracetamol will help.
Wind/separation anxiety/nappy rash – Young babies should be winded after a feed. Separation anxiety might inhibit sleep from around nine months. It’s best to reassure the child without giving him/her too much attention or the child will wake up regularly, expecting to be rewarded with cuddles and even comfort feeds. Nappy rash might affect sleep. Young babies’ skin is very sensitive, so it’s best to use lukewarm water and cotton wool instead of wipes to clean their bottom. A barrier cream should be applied and if the rash persists, it’s advisable to seek medical help.
Understanding the basics of baby sleep will help a parent develop a successful bedtime routine and find ways to minimise sleep loss.
Further Reading:
Read the companion articles: Strategies That Can Help Parent to Sleep and Good Sleeping Habits for Toddlers
