Sleep And The Newborn. Answering Your Questions!
Let’s talk about sleep! I mean everyone is talking about it….right?!
This topic often brings up a lot of questions as parents prepare for bringing home their baby. Today we are going to answer five of those frequently asked questions!
Here we go.
I’ve heard I should never wake a sleeping baby. Is that true?
We recommend waking your baby every two to three hours during the day. Our goal in doing this is to help your baby get the bulk of their calories in during the day. Doing this often leads to more predictable schedule and more consolidated nights.
2. My baby is up all night but sleeps all day. Should I keep my baby awake longer during the day?
We don’t recommend doing this. Tiny babies get over tired and over stimulated easily. There are so many new things to look at that they will want to stay awake so they don’t miss out on anything. The FOMO is real! You should be offering your little babe a nap about 60 to 90 minutes after they wake up.
This next question is a BIG one.
3. I’ve heard that if I hold, baby wear, snuggle/cuddle etc. my baby too much that i’ll spoil them and they will NEVER be good sleepers.
Here’s the truth. You can cuddle your sweet little babe and still be able to build a foundation that will lead to having a great sleeper. It could simply be laying your baby down for only one nap a day. I promise! We want you and your family to enjoy those very special baby cuddles. So for the LOVE of all things cuddle up and don’t even for one second feel guilty about it!
4. My baby seems to be cold in the middle of the night. Can I cover my baby with a blanket?
No. The best and safest option is to add a layer of clothing under their swaddle or sleep sack. Doing this follows the AAP guidelines on safe sleep.
5. Every time I lay my baby down and leave he cries. Is my baby afraid of the dark?
No, your baby is not afraid of the dark. Your little cutie has recognized the routine and knows that it’s time to go to sleep. What about night lights? We know that light stimulates the brain and can keep us awake so when your little one is ready for bed we suggest turning off the night lights.
We hope this helped answer some of your questions. What questions do you have? Have you found anything to be super helpful for your children when it comes to sleep? Share your questions and tips with us below. We want to hear from you!