It’s not uncommon for babies to sleep soundly during the day and be fussy at night, but this can be exhausting for parents and disruptive to those around them. Let’s explore the reasons behind this and offer some solutions.
1. Reasons Why Newborns Sleep During the Day and Are Active at Night
Reasons for Newborn’s Sleep Patterns
While it’s normal for newborns to have irregular sleep patterns, it could also indicate that they need your help with the following issues:
- Sleep Cycles: Newborns’ sleep cycles and brain waves change, often causing them to wake up and cry due to discomfort.
- Oversleeping During the Day: When babies sleep too much during the day, they may struggle to fall asleep at night, resulting in nighttime wakefulness.
- Hunger: Babies may wake up and cry because they’re hungry or haven’t fed enough. Ensure you feed your baby before bedtime.
- Teething: The pain and discomfort of teething can disturb a baby’s sleep, leading to fussiness at night.
- Dirty Diaper or Uncomfortable Environment: A soiled diaper, extreme temperatures, or an uncomfortable environment can cause restlessness and impact a baby’s sleep.
- Medical Conditions: Common illnesses like colds or other ailments can also contribute to a baby’s nighttime wakefulness.
2. When Do Babies Outgrow Daytime Sleep and Nighttime Activity?
When Do Babies Outgrow Daytime Sleep and Nighttime Activity?
According to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), 70-80% of newborns will outgrow daytime sleep and nighttime activity by the time they are 9 months old. Between 4 and 6 months of age, babies start sleeping through the night in stretches of 4-5 hours as their stomachs can now hold more milk, reducing the need for night feedings.
However, there are other factors that can cause babies to wake up at night. Parents should be attentive and comforting to help their babies fall back asleep if they wake up unexpectedly. It’s important to establish a consistent sleep pattern to prevent nighttime wakefulness.
3. How to Help Newborns Sleep Better at Night
Ways to Help Newborns Sleep Better at Night
If your baby frequently sleeps during the day and is active at night, try the following tips to improve their nighttime sleep:
- Be Patient: Sometimes, this is just a normal phase of development, so parents should be patient and know that it will pass as the baby gets older.
- Establish Healthy Sleep Habits: Try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule and prepare everything your baby needs before bedtime, such as a diaper change, feeding, and a comfortable room temperature.
- Sing Lullabies: Singing lullabies creates a warm and cozy atmosphere, helping your baby relax and fall asleep more easily.
- Create a Comfortable Environment: Adjust the room temperature and lighting to make your baby’s sleeping environment as comfortable as possible.
- Break Bad Habits: Identify and break any bad habits that may be disrupting your baby’s sleep, such as feeding or rocking them to sleep every time they wake up.
In summary, we’ve explored the reasons why babies sleep during the day and are active at night, as well as provided solutions to improve their sleep patterns. Remember to be patient and understanding as your baby grows and develops, and always seek professional advice if you have concerns.
Source: Marrybaby.vn
