22
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.
Preview
© SanyaSM
22
© PLUMTREE BABY, LLC