One of the most challenging aspects of early parenthood is navigating the world of infant sleep. As parents, the quest for a full night of uninterrupted sleep can feel like an elusive dream. In this article, I cover the questions
- Are infants capable of sleeping through the night?
- What prevents them from doing so?
- When can I expect my baby to sleep through the night?
- How do I support the journey towards a full night of sleep for me and my baby?
Well, I’ll cut to the chase. For many months, newborns and infants just aren’t capable of sleeping for extended periods of time. You may hear the folklore passed between parents at the playground that someone’s 2-month-old somewhere has mastered it. But in reality, their brains and bodies aren’t ready for sleeping through the night. And for good reason! They’ve got a whole lot going on.
1. Biological Factors:
- Small Stomachs: Newborns have small stomachs and require frequent feedings to meet their nutritional needs. Their need for nourishment every few hours means they will wake up during the night for feeding.
2. Growth and Development:
- Rapid Growth: Newborns undergo rapid physical, mental and developmental changes. This growth requires a substantial amount of energy, making it necessary for them to wake frequently for feeds and to experience their bodies interacting with the world.
3. Lack of Circadian Rhythms:
- Developing Internal Clocks: Newborns are still in the process of developing their circadian rhythms, which regulate sleep-wake cycles. It takes time for babies to distinguish between day and night and establish a more predictable sleep pattern.
4. Need for Comfort and Security:
- Dependency on Caregivers: Newborns have a natural dependence on their caregivers for comfort, security, and regulation of their needs. Waking during the night allows them to seek reassurance and meet their emotional needs.
5. Survival Instincts:
- Safety Mechanism: From an evolutionary perspective, waking frequently during the night helps ensure that newborns get the attention and care they need for survival, as they are entirely dependent on their caregivers.
7. Sleep Cycle Immaturity:
- REM Dominance: Newborns spend a significant amount of time in the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) stage of sleep, which is lighter and more active. This contributes to more fragmented sleep, with frequent waking.
8. Regulating Body Temperature:
- Temperature Regulation: Newborns have a limited ability to regulate their body temperature. Waking during the night allows them to signal if they are too hot or too cold, prompting caregivers to adjust their environment.
9. Coping with Discomfort:
- Diaper Changes and Discomfort: Newborns may wake up due to discomfort caused by a wet or soiled diaper, the need to stretch, gas, or other mild discomforts. Addressing these needs is essential for their well-being.
10. Nurturing Attachment:
- Bonding with Caregivers: Nighttime waking provides opportunities for newborns to bond with their caregivers. The close interaction during nighttime feeds and changes soothes your baby and helps strengthen the parent-child relationship.
So, when can you anticipate your baby sleeping through the night (6-8 hours)? About 50% of babies do so by 3 months old, two thirds by 6 months, and some can take months longer. The range of normal is large, and it’s not a linear process. Here are some ways to support the journey.
1. Establish a Consistent Bedtime Routine:
- Create a calming pre-sleep routine that signals to your baby that it’s time for rest. This might include activities like a warm bath, gentle lullabies, or reading a bedtime story. Consistency is key to helping your baby associate these cues with sleep.
2. Create a Comfortable Sleep Environment:
- Ensure that your baby’s sleep space is conducive to rest. Maintain a comfortable room temperature, use soft and breathable bedding, and consider blackout curtains and a sound machine to create a dark and quiet atmosphere.
3. Encourage Daytime Play and Exposure to Natural Light:
- Promote a healthy sleep-wake cycle by exposing your baby to natural light during the day. Engage in daytime activities and play to encourage wakefulness, helping your baby distinguish between day and night. Nothing beats getting outside!
4. Develop a Feeding Routine:
- Establish a consistent feeding rhythm during the day. It’s less about a schedule, and more about establishing a predictable pattern that your baby can trust: sleep, feed, play, repeat. For night feeds, keep the environment calm and quiet to avoid stimulating your baby. You might speak in a whisper, make your movements slower, and use a salt lamp for a low, calm light. You can gradually reduce the length of nighttime feeds as your baby grows, according to your pediatrician’s advice.
5. Understand Your Baby’s Sleep Cues:
- Pay attention to your baby’s drowsiness cues and transition to the sleep routine. These include staring off into space, slowing their activity level, avoiding eye contact and developing redness around their eye or on their ears. This is the best time to sing songs and read books, and to lay them in their crib. Once they’ve begun rubbing their eyes, yawning, or becoming fussy, you know they’re truly sleepy. At this point it can be challenging for them to self-soothe, so if you get to this point during the routine, try aiming for 15 minutes earlier the next time.
6. Encourage Self-Soothing:
- Help your baby develop self-soothing skills by allowing them to fall asleep on their own. While it’s natural to comfort your baby, giving them the chance to self-soothe can contribute to longer and more restful sleep.
7. Establish a Predictable Sleep Schedule:
- Work towards a predictable sleep schedule with regular nap times and bedtime. Consistency helps regulate your baby’s internal clock, making it easier for them to anticipate sleep periods.
8. Respond to Night Wakings Thoughtfully:
- When your baby wakes up during the night, respond with calm reassurance. Keep interactions brief and avoid stimulating activities. Try a salt lamp or other soft red/pink light at a low level. Gradually increase the time between night checks to encourage self-soothing.
9. Be Patient and Adapt:
- Every baby is unique, and sleep patterns will change as they grow. Be patient and willing to adapt your approach based on your baby’s individual needs.
In Conclusion
Helping your baby sleep through the night is a journey that requires patience, consistency, and a deep understanding of your baby’s unique needs. By establishing a soothing bedtime routine, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and encouraging healthy sleep habits, you can lay the foundation for restful nights and happy, well-rested days for both you and your baby. Sweet dreams await as you embark on this rewarding journey towards better sleep for your family.
<3 Coach Nina
w: understanding my baby.com
e: nina@understandingmybaby.com