There has been much research done and several books written on the topic of infant sleep and its importance during a baby’s first eight weeks of life.

Sleep is a basic need for survival and there are several reasons why this is true for both babies and adults. The benefits of sleep include:

• Increased immunity to fight disease and illness.
• Increased ability to learn by being more alert and attentive.
• Increased mental cooperation and coordination in movement which enhances personal performance.
• Increased ability to concentrate and play on their own.
• Promotes the release of the growth hormone responsible for stimulating human growth and cell replication.
• Good sleep establishes security, which builds confidence, self-esteem, and self-control.
• When children sleep, parents are better able to sleep, which increases their family relationships and work productivity.

Sleep has always been a topic of concern for parents with a newborn baby and as the baby grows ‘sleeping through the night’ can turn into a stressful competition among moms. However, a baby is an individual and there are a variety of reasons why he may find it difficult to settle and sleep well. Be mindful of how much sleep your baby requires and ensure she is given the opportunity to sleep at regular intervals.

Tired Signs

Become aware of, and watch out for, tired signs such as:

• Jerky limb movements.
• Facial grimacing.
• Yawning.
• Breaking eye contact.
• Clenched fists.

These are signs that your baby is ready to be settled to sleep.

Establish sleep ‘cues’ such as swaddling or offering a pacifier. These cues can help your baby recognize it is sleep time.

Tip: Babies love to suck, so a pacifier can be very handy if a baby wakes after only 20 minutes of sleep. This is at the end of a sleep cycle and often a baby may think he needs to wake, but it is wise to encourage them to sleep another cycle. Be conscious of not using the pacifier if he is due for a feed.

Next: Cycles and rhythms

By Jan Murray from www.settlepetal.com Co-author of Caring for your newborn: How to enjoy the first 60 days as a new mom

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