Newborn babies sleep and wake on a 24-hour cycle. Waking occurs when they need to eat, have a diaper change or need comforting and interaction with parents. They sleep between 14 and 18 hours per day in short 3 hour bursts and 1 to 3 hour periods awake. Even during sleep they exhibit activity such as; moving the legs and arms, sucking, smiling or restless activity.
When newborns are tired, they tend to be fussy and often cry. They also may show signs of sleepiness by rubbing the eyes or other clues that you will soon learn. Try to put your baby to bed as soon as they show the signs of sleepiness, but before they fall completely asleep.
It is important for babies to learn how to put themselves to sleep. You can begin to “train’ your new baby to sleep more at night and less during the daytime hours by giving them a lot of light exposure and stimulation while they are awake during the day. As the sun goes down, cut down on stimulation in the form of noise, lights and activity.
About video: Advice from experts at the University of Colorado Hospital Midwifery Program on whether to schedule breastfeeding for newborns.
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