CARING FOR YOUR NEWBORN
Sleep
Activities
Discussion
Small group activity
Resources
NC book pages 28 – 29 PowerPoint slides 60 – 64
The cycles and patterns of newborn sleep are very different from adults . In many ways , they are lulled to sleep by an opposite sort of environment from adults ( motion and noise vs . still and quiet ). Understanding these differences can help prepare parents to meet the unique sleep requirements of their newborn .
Discussion Prompts
• How is newborn sleep different from adult sleep ?
• How long does a typical newborn sleep cycle last ?
• What does a safe sleep space look like ?
Key Points
• Sleep patterns and cycles :
• Patterns : a majority of time is spent sleeping , broken into short intervals . Most babies do not sleep through the night ( six to eight hours at a time ) until a few months old or older .
• REM : rapid eye movement , about half of newborn sleep ( much more than adults ).
• Non-REM : four stages : drowsiness , light sleep , deep sleep , very deep sleep ( when you can move baby and they won ’ t wake up ).
• Helping newborns sleep : many of the same strategies used for soothing / calming are also effective at helping babies sleep .
• Safe sleep checklist : room-sharing , back to sleep , firm and flat mattress with no loose or plush items , separate from pets or other children , comfortable temperature , away from smoking , etc .
• Tummy time : helps develop back neck and back muscles . Should only be done while baby is content and supervised .
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