Babies develop consistent sleeping habits gradually. Sleeping patterns develop by about 3 months of age. Here are some tips for recognizing and encouraging consistent baby sleep patterns. When a baby is sleeping regularly, the parents can get better sleep, too.
Newborn babies sleep often, but not for long stretches at a time. Very young infants need to eat and sleep on demand. Therefore, it is best to respond as quickly as possible to your baby’s sleep and eating needs. Keeping the baby near you is the easiest way to do this. Usually, a baby will follow a pattern similar to eat, poop, sleep, quiet alert time, repeat. Observe your baby for when he or she is at one of these stages, and what step usually follows. If it helps, chart the steps and look for patterns.
Encourage the baby to sleep alone, but always remain nearby. The newborn baby will sleep better if swaddled in a baby blanket or held close to a parent’s body. The warmth and feeling of being held is familiar and comforting to the baby. You will find your baby sleeps easier in one of these situations.
