Babies don’t need scheduled naps, but rather natural sleep periods that allow them to build up sleep pressure. Research suggests that dark daytime naps can disrupt babies’ sleep when they properly go to bed at night.
The Pressure to Control Babies’ Sleep: Expert Advice for a Healthier Routine
Babies don’t need scheduled naps, but rather natural sleep periods that allow them to build up sleep pressure. Research suggests that dark daytime naps can disrupt babies’ sleep when they properly go to bed at night.
Newborn babies typically sleep for 16-20 hours in a 24-hour period, with most of this time spent in short intervals.
By three months, babies usually establish a more consistent sleep schedule, sleeping for 10-13 hours at night and one to two hours during the day.
Infants' sleep patterns are influenced by their natural circadian rhythms, which regulate their body's internal clock.
As babies grow, their sleep patterns become more predictable, with most establishing a regular bedtime routine by six months.
Understanding Baby Sleep Patterns
Biologically, babies need to build up sleep pressure throughout the day before falling asleep naturally. This means their nap times will vary depending on their activities and sensory stimulation. Parents who try to control their baby’s sleep with scheduled naps can inadvertently disrupt this natural process.
The Importance of Allowing Babies to Self-Soothe
The Lullaby Trust recommends allowing babies to cry when they wake at night without intervention, as this helps them develop self-soothing skills. However, some experts argue that this approach can be detrimental if not done correctly. It’s essential for parents to understand their baby’s individual needs and respond accordingly.
Catching Up on Sleep with a Natural Approach
To ensure everyone gets enough sleep, parents should prioritize establishing a consistent bedtime routine. This allows babies to sleep soundly during the night, while parents get some much-needed rest. Older babies’ bedtimes can be adjusted later in the evening to coincide with their natural wake-up times.
A consistent bedtime routine helps signal to the brain that it's time to sleep.
This can include activities such as reading, meditation, or taking a warm bath.
Research suggests that establishing a relaxing pre-sleep routine can improve sleep quality and duration.
The National Sleep Foundation recommends avoiding screens for at least an hour before bedtime, as the blue light emitted can suppress melatonin production.
Rethinking Nap Times and Wake Windows
The popular advice of watching for signs of tiredness, such as rubbing their eyes or yawning, may not always be accurate. Babies can get bored and need a change in activity, rather than necessarily being tired. By allowing babies to self-soothe and sleep naturally, parents can avoid frustration and save time.
Babies often exhibit subtle signs to indicate they are tired and need sleep.
These sleep cues include yawning, rubbing their eyes, becoming less active, and displaying a decrease in interest in playtime.
Some babies may also exhibit physical changes such as a slower heart rate, relaxed muscles, and a decrease in body temperature.
Paying attention to these cues can help parents establish a consistent sleep routine and improve the quality of their baby's sleep.
Expert Insights
The debate around baby sleep schedules continues, with some experts advocating for rigid routines and others recommending a more flexible approach. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, it’s essential for parents to understand their baby’s unique needs and respond accordingly.
- theguardian.com | Put your baby down to nap near a washing machine, expert says
