Everyone has heard the phrase you sleep when the baby sleeps. However, rarely does that ring true as new parents often try to get things done while their newborns are asleep. But scheduling things and planning around an unusual sleep pattern can be really difficult. Parents may shoot to get their newborns on a sleep schedule as soon as possible. To make things easier for parents and newborns, here are tips to help get those new babies on a sleep schedule.
Newborns and a schedule
First it's important to understand that newborns cannot be put on schedules. They don't respond well to schedules because their bodies and brains are not meant to be on one. A newborn is a baby who is 16 weeks out from their due date, and during that time, their brains do not have regularly schedule melatonin releases.
Therefore, it's unrealistic to expect your newborn baby to sleep through the night or get on a strict sleeping schedule. They may have more naps some days than others, and the lengths of these naps may vary. Setting your expectations early may help with feelings of frustration and exhaustion by preparing yourself to get abnormal hours of sleep.
Cycles over schedules
It's more likely that your baby will respond to cycles, not schedules. The big cycle for newborns is feed, wake, sleep, repeat everyday, several times a day. In order to get your baby on a good sleep cycle that happens during the day, here are a few tips to help you out:
Try waking the baby at the same time everyday. Regardless of your morning obligations, you should try to wake up and get up with the baby at the same time everyday. This will help to establish a somewhat normal schedule.
Expose your baby to as much light as possible during the day. Babies are very sensitive towards stimulations like light, eye contact, and sensitive touches like tickles. By ramping these up during the day, and dialing them back during the night, you may help to build your baby's sleep routine.
Put your baby to sleep when they show signs of being sleepy. Daytime naps are important and shouldn't exceed two hours. After a good feeding or activity, if your baby looks tired, put them to bed and let them sleep.
At night, reduce light exposure as much as possible. During feedings, have as little movement as possible, and return the baby to their bed right after feeding without a lot of disruption. Getting your baby on a type of schedule may help with your own sleep schedule!
[Sources]:
https://www.babysleeptrainer.com/newborn-sleep-schedule/
https://www.parents.com/baby/care/how-can-i-alter-my-newborns-sleep-schedule/