Understanding Newborn Sleep Patterns: Tips for a Restful Night

Newborns Resting Well in Rancho Mirage, CA

Dr. Arturo Quintanilla, a highly experienced, licensed, and board-certified pediatric medical doctor in Rancho Mirage, CA, at the Rancho Mirage Pediatrics, has a wealth of information to relay to first-time and seasoned parents regarding newborn care. Our doctor is here today to explain a newborn's sleep pattern to parents and give deserving parents the best tips to ensure their newborn has a restful night's sleep.

Ensure a Restful Night's Sleep for Your Newborn

Rancho Mirage Pediatrics in Rancho Mirage, CA, explains that with a few known tips to parents about newborn care, they may be able to provide a comfortable, happy, content, restful night's sleep for their newborn. 

The first several months of a newborn's life are filled with extreme growth and development, going through one milestone after another, including a newborn's sleep pattern that seems like an ever-changing rollercoaster ride of ups and downs. 

No newborn is the same because while one may only need under ten hours of sleep, the next requires many more. A newborn's sleep is constantly interrupted by the need to eat, wet diapers, noise, and more. 

Please remember that your newborn's sleep pattern may vary from the norms suggested by different professionals. Be observant of milestones for sleep changes, such as at the following ages.

• O - 4 Months
• 4 - 6 Months
• 6 - 12 Months

Babies send plenty of signals when tired, as they may fuss, cry, yawn, and rub their eyes. It is time to prepare them for the night; the goal should be to help your child sleep consistently by following a few helpful tips throughout the day. It is usual for a newborn to awaken several times during the night. Always check their essential needs such as feeding, diaper change, or pacifier.

• Keep baby active during the daytime
• Seek a workable nap schedule 
• Avoid baby being overtired
• A warm bath before bed 
• A fresh pair of PJs, a clean diaper
• Read a short story; sing a lullaby
• Feed baby
• Provide goodnight kiss
• Nightlight in the baby's room
• Keep room about 72 degrees
• Soft, soothing music
• Teach them to fall asleep on their own
• Cuddling, rocking before sleep 
• Don't remove baby from bed unless necessary

Lower the risk of separation anxiety by teaching babies to fall asleep on their own. Be prepared for situational sleep regression, such as teething or a cold.

Are You Seeking Quality Child Healthcare? Call Us Today

If you seek a quality pediatrician, call Dr. Quintanilla at 760-770-0000 at Rancho Mirage Pediatrics in Rancho Mirage, CA, to request a newborn care consultation appointment. We want to meet you and care for your child into adolescence. We devote our lives to quality child healthcare.