Wondering how to help your baby sleep better? Discover effective strategies and practical tips for managing your little one's sleep.

Are you exhausted by sleepless nights? Understanding your baby's sleep is key to improving their rest and yours. Together, we'll explore best practices for establishing healthy sleep routines and addressing common challenges parents face.

Newborns and infants have different sleep cycles.

Many mothers report that their babies are very restless during sleep. It's understandable that a baby's sleep cycle and duration may change as they grow.

Newborns don't have a set day-night schedule and may sleep more during the day. By the way, every baby is unique. Some sleep a lot... and others don't!

Resting stages of the newborn

Understanding your baby's optimal sleep times is essential. Learn about sleep windows and how to identify the ideal time for naps and bedtime.

A newborn's sleep lasts approximately 50 minutes and consists of three distinct phases:

• Sleep Onset marks the beginning of a newborn's sleep cycle. Initially, the baby goes through a transition phase from wakefulness to sleep. During this stage, the baby may be calm and relaxed, but is still aware of their surroundings. It is common for the baby to doze off while being fed or rocked. Eye movements are slow, and breathing is regular. This stage usually lasts a few minutes before the baby enters a deeper sleep.

• Restless Sleep After the onset of sleep, the baby enters a restless sleep phase. During this stage, the baby may experience rapid eye movements, facial gestures, sighs, and even small sounds. Although it may seem like the baby is uncomfortable or restless, don't worry: it's completely normal! and is an important part of central nervous system development. This stage is believed to be associated with brain maturation and memory consolidation. It's important to allow the baby to go through this phase uninterrupted, as it contributes to healthy development.

• Deep sleep is a crucial stage for a baby's growth and recovery. During this phase, the baby is in a state of calm, restful sleep. Breathing is deep and regular, muscles are relaxed, and the heart rate is stable. It is difficult to wake the baby during this stage, and this is when most physical restoration and immune system development occur. Deep sleep is essential for a baby's healthy growth and development, as well as their overall well-being.

Unless your baby has difficulty falling asleep, newborns typically sleep between 14 and 18 hours a day (though not continuously, unfortunately, even though parents need their rest TOO...), with sleep periods that can last from 30 minutes to 2 hours, and even longer in some cases.

After the first night, which is usually peaceful, the baby will be particularly restless and cry intensely, seeking to be held, breastfed, or bottle-fed.

Overcoming the sleep crisis during the first month...

The first sleep crisis can be challenging. Learn what to expect during this period and how to support your baby through it successfully.

The baby's rest period (between one month and one year of age) appears to last 70 minutes, divided into four stages:

• Falling Asleep This stage marks the beginning of a baby's sleep cycle. During this phase, the baby transitions from a state of wakefulness to sleep. It is a gradual process in which the baby relaxes and prepares for sleep. Parents often notice signs of sleepiness in their baby, such as yawning, rubbing their eyes, or becoming quieter. It is important to establish a calm and relaxing routine to help the baby fall asleep gently and peacefully.

• Paradoxical or "REM" sleep. During this stage, the baby enters a lighter, more active state of sleep. Rapid eye movements are characteristic of this phase, hence its name. Even though the baby is asleep, their brain is very active, and it is during this time that dreams occur. This stage is crucial for a baby's brain development, as it is believed to contribute to memory consolidation and information processing.

• Slow-wave or non-REM sleep: This stage is characterized by deeper, more restful sleep. During slow-wave sleep, brain activity slows and the baby's muscles completely relax. This phase is vital for the baby's growth and development, as it is during this time that growth hormone, which is essential for physical development, is released. This stage is also believed to be important for memory consolidation and learning.

• Deep Slow-Wave Sleep (from six months) As your baby grows and develops, they enter a phase of deep slow-wave sleep more frequently. This stage is characterized by extremely deep and restful sleep. During deep sleep, your baby is difficult to awaken and their breathing is deep and regular. This phase is essential for your baby's physical growth and development, as well as their overall well-being. During this time, your baby's body is recovering and recharging for the next day.

In addition to nighttime naps, your baby will take three naps until six months (one in the morning, one at midday, and one in the late afternoon), and then, in the following months, this will be reduced to just two naps (one in the morning and one in the afternoon). By four months, your baby will be able to fall asleep on their own and go back to sleep if they wake up. However, this doesn't mean they'll sleep through the night uninterrupted after four months (at this stage, that's unlikely!).

Why does my baby resist sleeping?

Many parents experience their babies' resistance to sleep, and this can cause worry and stress. It's important to understand the possible reasons behind this behavior in order to address it effectively.

Sleep resistance in babies can be related to various factors

1. The environment in which the baby is trying to fall asleep: If the environment is not conducive to sleep, with too much noise or light, the baby may have difficulty relaxing and falling asleep. Furthermore, babies are very sensitive to changes in their environment, so even small disturbances can affect their ability to sleep.
2. Overstimulation before bedtime: If your baby is very active or excited just before bedtime, it may be difficult for them to calm down enough to fall asleep. Therefore, it's important to establish a relaxing bedtime routine that includes quiet, comforting activities that help prepare your baby for sleep.
3. Separation anxiety: Babies may feel insecure or anxious when separated from their parents or caregivers, which can make it difficult for them to fall asleep on their own. It's important to provide your baby with the security and comfort they need to feel calm and relaxed before bed.

Establishing a consistent and comforting sleep routine is essential. This includes creating a sleep-friendly environment, establishing regular sleep schedules, and following a relaxing bedtime routine. It's also important to respond sensitively to your baby's needs during the night, providing comfort and support when needed.

Key signs that can tell you when it's the right time to put your baby to bed

Yawning, rubbing their eyes, or starting to cry are clear signs that they're ready to sleep. But there may also be times when your baby seems awake and active, even though it's their bedtime. In such cases, there are more subtle signs you should watch for.

For example, if you notice that your child's eyes are slightly watery, he or she is blinking frequently, he or she is becoming paler, or he or she is rubbing his or her nose or ears, these may be signs that he or she is starting to feel tired and it may be time to put him or her to bed.

Helpful tip

Try to put your child to bed within the first ten minutes of noticing these signs of tiredness, as this may make it easier for them to fall asleep.

However, if your baby is overly fussy or has missed their sleep cycle, they may find it more difficult to fall asleep. In such cases, it's important to be patient and reassuring, providing the support and calm they need to relax and fall asleep.

Babies dream

We explore the science behind babies' dreams and their importance for their cognitive and emotional development. From early infancy, sleep plays a crucial role in memory consolidation, emotional processing, and the development of social skills. These dreams not only reflect a baby's brain activity but also shape their long-term growth and well-being.

Conclusion: Sleep is crucial for the well-being of your baby and your family. With the right strategies and an understanding of their needs, you can help your baby sleep better and enjoy more restful nights for everyone.

Start implementing positive changes in your baby's sleep routine today!

With this article, we hope we've provided you with valuable and practical information for managing your baby's sleep effectively. Remember that every baby is unique, so experiment with different approaches and find what works best for your family. Happy sleep!