#Newborn sleep expert professional

Your baby has a long period of development after birth, during which their brain grows very fast. All the while, your baby's brain is busy developing. They may even sleep with their eyes slightly open (Sleep Foundation 2022). Your baby will spend a lot of time in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which is a light, easily disturbed sleep. Swaddling also means they’re less likely to wake themselves up when their arms or legs jerk, which is a natural newborn reflex (Lullaby Trust nd). It mimics the environment your baby is used to, your womb. But do put them in their Moses basket or crib to carry on sleeping as soon as you get home, where it’s safest (NHS 2021a). You may find your baby sleeps soundly in their car seat on their first journey home. They’ll be used to getting calls from new parents and should be able to reassure you.

#Newborn sleep expert professional

If you have any concerns, just give your healthcare professional a ring. Your baby may breathe quickly, pause for a few seconds, and then start breathing again (MacLean et al 2015). It’s because babies are natural nose breathers (Brennan 2021).Īnother newborn habit is periodic breathing. Try not to worry if you hear them making strange snuffling or grunting noises. What will my newborn’s sleep be like?You'll have to adjust to the way your baby sleeps. Forget household chores and try not to have many visitors in the first few weeks. Make sure you get help to get you through. But you'll probably pass the first days with your baby in a haze of tiredness. Is this normal?Yes, every parent knows that feeling! Rest assured that these sleepless nights won't last. Try to take naps during the day to recharge. As your baby will sleep nearly as much during the day as in the night, you'll soon find your old sleeping patterns are a thing of the past (NHS 2021). Your baby relies on you to be close to them so you can take care of their needs, and they won't know day from night. This is because your newborn's tiny tummy is about the size of a walnut and so they will wake often for feeds (NHS 2020). Your baby won't sleep for more than about three hours at a time. But although this sounds a lot, it doesn't mean you'll get much sleep in these first few days (NHS 2021). How much will my newborn sleep?Your baby may sleep for up to 18 hours over the course of 24 hours. But as well as getting used to their new life outside of your womb (uterus), your baby is having a major growth spurt and will need plenty of sleep to fuel this. Your baby will be tired after the efforts of being born. How should I put my baby down to sleep?.