If you are in that sweet time of waiting, someone has certainly already told you to enjoy every available minute to rest!
From the moment the baby is born, everything will become a major challenge.
The sleepless nights will certainly be quite frequent.
So, when the baby is born, they will need all of our attention and care to have healthy development. And for that to happen, the baby’s sleep is also an important part of that development.
Thanks to this, brain development and maturation take place, along with immune system modulation, the release of important growth hormones, and the consolidation of memory and attention, among other things.
If the baby’s sleep is very fragmented, with several awakenings during the night, their development may be compromised, including breastfeeding.
When the little one does not get quality sleep, they tend to become fussy and irritable, which can directly affect breastfeeding.
Generally, babies up to 3 months old wake up at least once during the night to nurse. After this period, they tend to sleep for longer stretches at night, because they begin nursing before sleep and only wake up the next day.
But, not all babies are the same. So if yours is not like that, don’t worry.
As we can see, sleep is essential for a baby’s healthy development. Learn more about the importance of baby sleep and pick up tips to help them sleep well.
Every baby is a “world” of their own
Parents should not compare their babies with other people’s babies. Every human being is different, and when it comes to baby sleep, it is no different.
It is essential that you begin to observe and get to know your little one, as this will help in the sleep process. Observing their habits and routine will be highly beneficial.
Therefore, pay closer attention to how they calm down more easily and even to the sleep cues they show, such as rubbing their eyes, yawning, losing interest in toys, or moving around more. According to these signs, you will act according to their needs.
That is why it is so important to respect your baby’s individuality, and not compare them with others who may be different.
When the baby sleeps enough, they wake up content and happier.
As mentioned above, every baby is a “world” of their own, meaning some need to sleep more hours than others.
Some sleep 12 or 14 hours a night. And you may wonder: how can I know if they are satisfied with the length of their sleep?
That is a great question, and the answer is very simple. When the baby’s sleep is satisfactory, they wake up with plenty of energy and willingness to play and observe.
They do not cry, show interest in nursing, or even want the attention of whoever is caring for them. All these signs indicate that the little one slept enough.
When that does not happen, the child wakes up crying, irritated, and as if saying: “I don’t care about anyone”.
Baby sleep heel (Source – Google)
Tips to improve your baby’s sleep
- White noise: In recent times, many parents have turned to this resource to soothe, calm, and even muffle outside noises. To use this tool, simply download one of the many apps available in your phone’s app store.
- Sleep routine: It is important to create a routine for the baby so that they know that, after certain activities during the day, it is time to sleep. This also helps the little one feel more secure.
- Relaxing bath: A bath does not need to be only for hygiene purposes; if given at night, it can relax the baby and slow them down, leaving you ready for a good night’s sleep.
- Place to sleep: Whenever the baby is going to sleep, whether for an afternoon nap or for the night, place them in the crib. That way, little by little, they will learn that this is the place to sleep. When the child sleeps in someone’s arms or while nursing, whenever they wake up in the morning, they will seek that kind of stimulus.
- Suitable environment: Ideally, you should prepare a pleasant environment so the baby can fall asleep more easily. Keep the room softly lit, at a comfortable temperature, and preferably free of noises that may disturb sleep. All of this will certainly provide peaceful nights of sleep for your child.
For your baby to have quality sleep, take good care of their routine, from the moment they wake up until bedtime. This includes feeding and recreational activities.
