Tips for Growing Your Baby's Brain
Developed by Kevin Karpowicz, M.D., Schenectady, New York
Tip #6: Share Sleep With Your Baby
Remember: Young infants should always sleep on their backs, directly on the mattress – not on a squishy pillow or mound of blankets.
- The hardest thing about having a new baby is getting enough sleep. Right? Not necessarily.
- Understanding how babies sleep and making some adjustments can save a lot of stress for everyone.
- Babies have short sleep cycles. For a newborn, it's around 2-4 hours, meaning that the baby will wake up about 2-3 times each night for about the first 6 months.
- When falling asleep, your baby enters into “Light Sleep,” which lasts about 20 minutes. Then, if not disturbed, your baby will usually fall into a state of “Deep Sleep.” When holding your baby in Light Sleep, wait until Deep Sleep begins before putting the baby down. Otherwise he or she will probably wake up and become upset. When babies are upset, parents can also become upset. This starts a cycle that is bad for everyone.
- It's very helpful for parents to figure out how to respond consistently and in a calm manner to a baby's cries. Being tired and irritated does not help. When parents respond to a baby's cries in an angry way, the baby will become confused. Mom and dad – the source of comfort – may also become a source of fear. If this confusion keeps on, feelings of insecurity may become hardwired into your baby's brain and become permanent.
- What will help? Have your baby sleep with you in the same bed, or right next to you – within arms reach. This way you can respond quickly to your baby's needs with a comforting hand or breast without necessarily climbing out of bed. YOU will get better sleep this way, and your baby will feel more secure.
