Some Quick Tips About Your Baby’s Sleep Patterns During the First Six Months
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One of the most interesting things about your newborn is his/her sleep patterns. Many parents find it difficult to find a pattern or to get used to it, if one exists, but it invariably changes once more. There are some basic outlines; however that can help you know what to expect, though each baby may be a little different.
While awaiting the arrival of your little one, it is a good idea to do as much reading on baby sleep patterns as is possible to help prepare your family and help you to have measures in place to ensure that your baby has restful nights, which will also translate into better sleep for you and your family.
A fantastic book to read is The Baby Book by William and Martha Sears, which takes you through from birth to two years, but in the meantime, here a few helpful pointers that will prepare both you and your family for the months ahead.
The first few weeks will be a time of discovery for both you and baby, but your baby will spend most of this time asleep, waking only for short periods at a time; though it is a good to wake your baby every three to four hours for feeding during the day to ensure appropriate weight gain. At this stage your baby’s internal clock has yet to develop, but the activities of the household can assist with this process if there is a significant difference between day time and night time activity levels.
At three to six months, a pattern will begin to develop, with your baby sleeping about five-eight hours during the day and anywhere up to ten hours at night, with intermittent feedings. A nightly bedtime routine can be developed to help your baby know when it is bedtime versus other sleep times. You can also help your baby sleep better during the night by soothing him/her back to sleep after feedings at night and not encouraging or stimulating the baby into full wakefulness.
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