NEWBORN SLEEP PATTERNS
A baby enters stage 1 at the beginning of the sleep cycle, then moves
into stage 2, then 3, then 4, then back to 3, then 2, then to REM.
These cycles may occur several times during sleep. Babies may awaken as
they pass from deep sleep to light sleep and may have difficulty going
back to sleep in the first few months.
A baby who sleeps through the night has learned to self settle at
night. They all wake at different times during the night, play, talk
etc. When they learn to self settle they just go back to sleep without
fuss.
As baby Ana gets older, he will probably wake up in the middle of the
night and then sleep again. Although such a baby should be given milk,
held fro, changed her diaper, lulled, a massage or other means before
returning to sleep. Many new parents who have children wondering when
they should feed her baby. If the baby is hungry, he'll wake up,
searching and sucking any nearby and he would wave his arms and legs
tightly to tell you that he was hungry. If you wait for your baby will
eventually cry.
Baby sleep hours during the day lessen as they grow. They start to
recognize that it is playtime during the day and sleep time at night.
At this point, you will see improvements in the length of sleep they
have at night. This is no guarantee that it's a good night's
sleep for you. Babies this age may be fussy during the night.
This is the stage when your baby's physician will recommend sleep
training.
If baby wakes during the night, make your visit functional and resist
the urge to cuddle or play with baby. Check if baby is wet or soiled or
ill, but if not, spend a few reassuring moments and leave.
- A baby has short sleep cycles (50 minutes compared to 90 minutes in
adults). This means she will wake up about every 50 minutes. As long as
she has not learned to self soothe (a skill to be developed some when
in the first year), she will easily wake very frequently.
A baby sleep positioner is a small soft
sleeping device, made of two round cushions placed on both sides, which
should possibly improve the safety and comfort of the baby while
sleeping. It prevents babies from rolling over to their tummies or
other awkward positions while sleeping. This also helps in encouraging
the baby to develop the right sleeping habit.
The baby needs to feel secure in her attachments. Feeling secure in her
attachments can help the baby have less anxeity about separations.
Caregivers can help with this. Spending time during the day comforting
and being with the child can help her feel secure. At nighttime, being
there to comfort and soothe your baby with a gentle pat or reassuring
soft words can also help her feel more secure. Choose a consistent
bedtime routine. Do not fill it with lots of activity that may
over-stimulate the baby, causing her difficulty in falling asleep. Pick
quiet activities such as reading a book, or rocking with a favorite
teddy Lucile).
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