Why So Much Sleep In Your Newborn Routine
Well, first of all, why not so much sleep? All 5 of mine have taken a nap after every single feeding from newborns until they were over 1.
Of course the schedule changes, but they nap between feedings for the first few months without question unless theyre sick or were out.
Most sources will say its normal for a newborn to sleep 18+ hours during the first few months and Ive always found this to be the case.
If your baby fights sleep much Id say that its a case of you keeping them up. If you try feeding them, swaddling, then immediately putting them down to nap to sleep you may see a big change.
I think this pacifier is a lifesaver with this.
- the sleeping myth that backfires every time
Once Shes Up Keep Her Up
Prevent her from becoming overtired. Newborns should only be awake for 1.5 to 2 hours at a time during the day, but make sure that she plays during the day. Sing to her, play with her, talk with her and show her around her new environment. Rather than forcing her to stay awake, provide stimulation so she wont want to go to sleep.
Want to know more about daytime sleep and wakeful windows?Read: Baby and Toddler Naps Everything You Need to Know
Coping With Your Baby
Most people find the first six to eight weeks to be the hardest with a new baby, and whilst people may not openly discuss many of the challenges in these early weeks of parenthood , there are a number of common hurdles you may face at this time.
The greatest challenges that parents commonly experience in their first weeks of parenthood include:
These are common challenges faced by many mothers and fathers, yet often new parents dont seek practical and/or emotional help early, and hence their impact can build up over time, placing you and your partner and baby under even greater stress.
I felt like I was already a failure as breastfeeding was not working well and I didnt want to have to admit to anyone any more failing. I was already feeling little bond with the baby, thinking that I was a horrible, useless mother.
Its important to remember that these issues are common and with help can be mastered, or alternatives found to help you cope and reduce your level of distress.
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Breastfeeding Your New Baby
In the beginning it can seem like you’re baby is constantly feeding, but gradually you and your baby will get into a pattern and the amount of milk you produce will settle.
Feed your baby as often as they want. This is called baby-led feeding. Let your baby decide when they have had enough.
Find out more about:
A Newborn Routine That Works Every Time
Want peaceful school mornings and afternoons without power battles and nagging? Simple School Routines can help!
Whats in this post
If youve been going around a tired mom like a chicken with your head cut off, heres a good sample newborn routine for you. I think itll go a long way in helping you survive the newborn phase.
Sample Routines:
Id like to start off by saying that I feed my baby when he is hungry. I love routine and think theyre great, and we work towards a routine each day.
But even if its off schedule, I feed my babies when they are hungry. In case you are a troll. Or a routine hater. Or about to send me hate mail.
I just wanted to tell you.
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What To Do With Babies When They Are Awake
After about 6 weeks, youll notice your baby is awake for longer stretches and is more active. At this point your partner has most likely gone back to work, leaving just you and baby at home. Suddenly its you and this little creature and you may constantly ask yourself: What do I do with my newborn all day?
Mama, today Im going to help answer that question!
While I am not a medical doctor or professional and cannot advise you in that manner, I truly believe that having a daily routine for yourself can help ward off some postpartum depression and anxiety.
As a mom of three, I can share from experience that taking a shower, getting dressed, and getting out of the house can help you feel like a real person again after having a new baby.
I often receive DMs on Instagram asking: What should I be doing with my baby everyday? I hope that the daily plan provided below helps alleviate some of that worry!
Months: Build With Boxes
Cardboard boxes are cheap, easy to find and endlessly entertainingnot to mention cognitively stimulating. Children are little scientists, Morrison says. Many kids this age are fascinated with filling up boxes and dumping out boxes. And while that can be annoying for parents , your little scientist is actually learning about cause and effect.
Good to know: Building with boxes can also help kids grasp complicated concepts. One of the things that very young children are exploring is the idea of conceptual language, like inside and outside, on top of, underneath, Morrison says. He or she really gets to experience that when playing with boxes.
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A New Mother Looked At Me Recently During A Conversation We Were Having About Sleep Deprivation During The Beginning Of Babys Life
As a postpartum advisor and doula, I talk to a lot of new mamas.
But I hear all the time from women in the midst of transition to motherhood who are struggling to get their little ones to sleep and to respond to the demands of infant life.
This mama looked at me in desperation and asked, So do you just not get anything done then??
Mamas, I want to tell you the truth. Here it is:
Set Up An Optimum Sleep Environment
Set up your babys nursery for an optimum sleep environment to help your baby when falling asleep and stay asleep. Use blackout curtains to keep the room pitch black and a good sound machine to muffle outside noises. If youve read any of my other posts, you know I am obsessed with the !
The temperature of the room is also important for babys safety and comfort. I was a nutcase about the temperature in Evelyns nursery after she was born, so I get it. Most experts agree the room a baby sleeps in should be between 68 and 72 degrees F. Make sure your baby is dressed comfortably for the temperature.
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Newborn Burps Hiccups And Spit Up
Some newborns need to be burped frequently, while others burp on their own and need very little assistance from you. If your baby is fussy or seems uncomfortable during or after a feeding, that’s a cue to burp them.
You can also burp your baby when you switch breasts, after every 2 or 3 ounces, every 10 to 15 minutes of feeding, or when your baby’s finished eating. After a day or two of feedings, you’ll find a pattern that works for your little one.
No need to whack your baby’s back a gentle circular motion or soft pats will bring up the bubbles. There are several burping positions to try, including holding your baby with their head resting on your shoulder, sitting them upright on your lap with the fingers of one hand supporting their chest and chin, or laying your baby tummy-down across your lap.
Don’t be alarmed by hiccups or spit up. Hiccups are normal for new babies and don’t cause them discomfort. Likewise, spitting up during and after feedings whether in just small amounts or what may seem like the entire feeding is normal.
If your baby’s spitting up seems excessive, or if they also arch their back or cry, they may have a type of reflux. Read more about the difference between reflux, which is normal and improves with your baby’s head control, and gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, which requires treatment. Whatever the cause, keep a burp cloth handy.
Facetime Friends And Family
Your friends and family may not be calling you because they know you are busy in newborn land, but its likely they would love to hear from you and see that cuddly, sweet baby. Stay connected with your loved ones with a quick call to catch up. And if you have mom friends, give them a call to ask all your new-mom questions.
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Not Burping Baby Properly
One of the key mistakes many new parents can make is failing to take the time to properly burp their newborn.
I think many new parents are nervous about handling their newborn, said Gannon. They will often put the baby down quickly after feeding because they are scared they arent holding it properly.
The result of failing to burp is that the baby may spit up and gag, losing some of that precious milk, or wake up in an hour or so screaming in pain.
Im getting calls all the time where parents say that the baby is really peaceful after feeding, but then baby wakes up screaming and is up for the next 2 1/2 hours, added Gannon. My favorite line is cheat the baby, cheat yourself. If you cheat the baby out of a good burp and fail to get all of that air out, you and the baby are both going to suffer.
There are several burping techniques you can try until you find the one that works best for your baby. In the most well-known, the-over-the-shoulder burp, you place your baby high on your chest with her chin resting on your shoulder and face turned to one side, tummy firmly against the chest. Pat or rub the babys back gently until she burps.
It might take you an additional 10 minutes at the end of the feed, said Gannon, but the baby will be happy.
A Day In The Life Of A Newborn
5-minute read
Newborn babies seem to mostly sleep, eat, cry and poo. But as you and your baby get to know each other and bond in your early days together, your day will also involve cuddling and playtime. All babies are different their eating and sleeping patterns often change, and it may take some time for them to settle into a routine.
You may prefer that your day-to-day activities follow what your newborn does. Alternatively, you may like to start to establish a very simple routine. Either way, your baby and you will begin to settle into a daily pattern of sleeping, feeding and playing.
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Keep Your Newborn Close At Night
This will allow you to quickly feed your baby before shes fully awake during the night. Co-sleeping parents often get more sleep because mom and babys sleep cycles align with one another. If you choose to co-sleep, please follow safe co-sleeping guidelines.
Rooming in with your newborn?Read: Room Sharing For The First Year: Is It Right For You?
Getting To Know Your New Baby
How do we look after our baby’s umbilical cord? How much can our baby see? Why are their genitals swollen?
Newborn babies do not come with an instruction manual, and you’re bound to have lots of questions about their behaviour and appearance to begin with.
You’ll find some of the answers you need in getting to know your newborn.
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Change Of Clothes And Diapers
Newborns have a daily routine of eating sleeping and popping. That is why it becomes indispensable to change the cloths during the day time of the baby. It will provide a new and refreshing look at the baby. Clean and hygienic babies attract everyone. Changing materials that are clean and dirt-free is essential during day time because the newborn remains in the eyes of everyone.
Changing diapers and making the baby clean is an essential feature of growing up the baby. The baby requires milk feed almost every hour, and according to this, the popping routines moves. This activity of changing the clothes and diapers after every hour is time-consuming. As it is a routine of the baby, it never overcomes with tiredness to the mothers.
Your Relationship With Your Partner
Your relationship with your partner will also change as you adjust to your new roles as parents. You may find that you have less time for each other.
You might have disagreements with your partner on decisions about your baby.
Try to:
- listen to and respect one anothers perspective
- be flexible and let things go when you can
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How Do You Play With A Newborn
Although a very young baby can’t hold toys or take part in games, even the newest of newborns will get bored and lonely if his caregivers don’t interact with him during most of his wakeful periods. That said, though, don’t let the stress on stimulating brain development make you feel guilty for every minute your baby spends awake but alone. If he’s peacefully content, he isn’t bored and lonely. In fact, if you’re too quick to jump in with a rattle or a song, you may actually interrupt the time he needs to rest, to gaze, and to quietly process all the new stimuli he’s bombarded with.
Of course, the more cuddling, cooing, smiling, and talking your baby is privy to, the better. Apart from that, there are three main ways to stimulate your newborn. First, accept that adult company is the best entertainment for him and find different ways of providing it. Park his bassinet or bouncy seat near the hub of household activity, for instance, and encourage everyone to stop by for quick “chats.” Also keep your baby beside you while you’re reading or watching television, and get into the habit of taking him with you while you putter around the house.
AAP. 2015. Back to sleep, tummy to play. American Academy of Pediatrics.
Nemours Foundation. 2015. Learning, play, and your newborn.
Newborn Baby Day 1 Checklist: Watch For Pee And Poop
You have no idea how fixated on your babys bathroom habits you are about to become. Especially if during the first day or two, your infant doesnt go to the bathroom at all. Dont worry, says Dr. Jana. Despite what youve read in many parenting books, pee and poop dont always happen right away. A mothers milk has to come in, and the baby has to master sucking, before he regularly pees and poops, she explains. The process can take three to five days, so dont panic is hes trying to nurse and youre not getting action at the other end.
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Research Mom Meet Ups For Future Use
Its normal to feel isolated and lonely as a new mom, especially with a newborn when it may be hard to leave the house. Dont rush yourself into getting into the mommy and me scene . Its OK if it takes you a few weeks or months to muster up the energy and courage to join these meet ups. Start by researching whats available around you. Search for local mom Facebook groups, mommy and me yoga classes, baby storytimes, and new mom support groups. Some of these groups may even offer online support until regular business can resume. Do your research now, and when the time comes that these groups meet again and you feel up to it, youll have a handy list of options.
Night Waking Is Normal And It Will Happen
Once your baby seems to have settled into a regular nighttime routine, know that there will still be nights when she seems to be up every hour. As babies hit developmental milestones and growth spurts, sleep is often disrupted while your babys body and mind catches up. As her brain and nervous system mature she will, over time, consistently sleep longer stretches at night.
A word of caution: Enforcing a sleep schedule on your baby before meeting daytime needs may result in a feeding issue or an unhappy baby. Over-feeding your baby or using formula as a sleep aid do not help with night-time sleeping and may lead to other problems.
Sometimes we just dont know why newborns wake at night. Keep in mind that night wakings are completely normal and necessary for babies. Babies will wake at night for a variety of reasons: feeding, comfort, to feel secure, calming, developmental milestones, and will often need help falling back to sleep.
Remember, you cannot spoil a baby. Responding and attending to your child will increase her confidence and your bond with your baby. For more tips about newborn sleep and development, please review our free Gentle Baby Solutions Guide.
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