There is no routine, new-born babies feed and sleep on demand. They can be quite sleepy for the first 2 weeks and then quite vigorous and wanting to feed frequently for the 2nd and 3rd weeks. However, all babies are unique and different. It is important to respond to them and not let them cry for long periods. This causes undue distress and is not good for baby or mum.
New-born babies can sleep for around 16 hours in 24 hours. New-born’s do not understand the difference between night and day. They usually sleep for short bursts during the day and night. Each sleep can last from 1-4 hours. When new-born’s wake it is best to feed them straight away as they wake up hungry. After the feed they will probably want to go back to sleep again.
The longest a new-born baby should be awake is an hour. Then they will be tired again, if babies are awake for too long, over 1.5 hours they will get very irritable and overtired, the eyes will be red and they will be crying. They like a quiet, calm environment. Babies that are overstimulated by noise and activity get irritable and overtired. This is especially true for premature babies and babies traumatised by birth.
New-born sleep cycles
New-born babies have active and quiet sleep phases. During the active sleep phase, they are quite noisy and squirm a lot, the breathing is noisy and irregular. They can be easily woken, however leave them to sleep a bit longer if you can resist picking them up.
During the quiet sleep phase, they are still, breathe deeply and regularly. They are not likely to wake up during quiet sleep. Each sleep cycle of active and quiet sleep is about 40 mins in duration. After this they will rouse or wake up a bit. You can leave them and see if they will fall into the next sleep cycle or they may need some comfort like a feed, nappy change, cuddle or just a pat and a soothing voice.
Try to leave them to sleep for as long as possible before waking them up for a feed. New-borns need to feed at 3-4 hourly intervals. They do need to feed at night so wake them at 4-5 hours for a feed if they have not already woken you up! They need a constant energy supply as they have poor glucose and fat reserves. Frequent feeding and waking also prevents sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). It is a myth that keeping a baby awake during the day means they will sleep at night: Babies need to feed and sleep regularly.
Safety: the baby must sleep in a cot or bassinet next to your bed. It is not safe to sleep with your baby in bed. This increases the risk of SIDS. Do not fall asleep with your baby in the bath.
How to settle a new-born baby
Comfort: Check the nappy to make sure it is dry before sleep, check babies’ temperature, feel the back of the head and neck and the arms and feet are cold.
Feed: If the baby has had a feed in the last hour they should be satisfied. However, they may need a quick top up 20-30 mls or a 5 min breastfeed. A baby’s stomach is about 30 mls capacity. A hungry baby will not sleep.
Wrap and Tap: Wrap the baby in a light muslin or cotton wrap, make sure the arms are tied in tight and the legs are free to move a bit. This will prevent their own startle reflex from waking them up 20 mins into the sleep. Many mums say the baby doesn’t like it, but they will sleep longer and be easier to put them down in the cot when wrapped. Lightly pat the bum or leg while they go off to sleep – I do not know why but they like it!
Safe Sleeping
Try not to wrap the baby too tight or have the cloth too near the face where it might suffocate the sleeping baby. Safe swaddling: https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/safer-sleep-advice/swaddling-slings/
Hold the baby upright for 10-20 mins after a feed and put baby back into cot or bassinet once fed and nappy changed. This will prevent reflux or indigestion. Put the feet at the bottom of the cot and cover with a blanket or sheet to stop them from moving too much. You can prop the mattress up with a folder to give a slight incline at the head end.
Do not co-sleep with your baby, it is not safe. You are putting the baby at risk of SIDS. Also do not have any teddies, blankets, pillows, or bolsters in the cot at all.
No smoking in the house. If someone smokes they must remove their top and wash hands before handling the baby. They are overly sensitive to smoke and it increased the risk of SIDS.
What is SIDS? https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/safer-sleep-advice/what-is-sids/
Safe sleep guidelines: https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Safer-sleep-for-babies-a-guide-for-parents-web.pdf
Reflux or indigestion
If your baby suffers from reflux or indigestion after a feed, you can tip the top of the bassinet or cot mattress up on a large folder or phone book to raise the head of the cot or bassinet about 30-45 degrees. Sit them up for 20 mins after a feed. Change the nappy before the feed, not after. See your GP or health visitor for expert advice.
What is reflux? https://www.nct.org.uk/baby-toddler/feeding/common-concerns/what-baby-reflux-symptoms-and-support