7 Things You Didn’t Know About Baby Sleep

The importance of good sleep for babies is well known. But many surprising facts about baby sleep are not as widely discussed. Here are seven things you may not have heard before about baby sleep:

1. Sleep Cycles

Sleep cycles and patterns differ from babies to adults. Babies tend to sleep for shorter periods of time during the day and night, often waking up multiple times throughout the night and sleeping for shorter stretches than adults do.

2. Sleep Schedule

Establishing a consistent sleep schedule is one of the most important steps in ensuring your baby gets enough restful sleep. Creating a regular bedtime routine and sticking to it can help your baby’s body recognize when it’s time to wind down and fall asleep more easily each night.

3. Calm Environment

Keeping your baby’s bedroom environment as dark, quiet, and cool as possible will also promote better sleep habits. A white noise machine or fan can be used to create a soothing atmosphere and encourage restful sleep.

4. Bed Sharing

It is important to keep your baby’s sleeping space separate from yours, even if you share a bed with them. Co-sleeping can be dangerous for babies due to the risk of accidental suffocation or SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

5. Napping Habits

Naps are an important part of your baby’s day, so it is essential to maintain consistent nap times throughout the week. This will help ensure that your baby gets enough rest during the day and is better able to stay up late at night when needed.

6. Night Wakings

Babies tend to wake up multiple times throughout the night, and it is important to understand that this is normal. It can be helpful to provide your baby with a comfort object such as a stuffed animal or blanket that they can cling to when they wake up in the middle of the night.

7. Sleep Regression

Sleep regressions are periods of time where your baby’s sleep patterns change suddenly and drastically, making it difficult for them to get enough restful sleep. Common causes of sleep regression include teething, growth spurts, developmental milestones, illness, or changes in schedule. Recognizing these changes and taking steps to manage them will help ensure your baby gets enough sleep each day.

With so much changing during those first few months of life, understanding your baby’s sleep needs and habits is essential. By taking steps to create a safe, comforting environment for your baby and sticking to a consistent sleep schedule, you can help ensure that your little one gets the rest they need.