Why Your Newborn Isn't Sleeping Soundly

Posted by Radmin on February 7th, 2020

Though having a baby for the first time feels wonderful and fulfilling, it can be difficult at times. When your little one keeps on crying at night, unable to sleep, you parents get exhausted, too. Read on to find out why your newborn is restless and what you can do about it.

They're Not Aware It's Day- or Nighttime

In their first weeks, babies have irregular sleeping patterns. Their circadian rhythms or "biological clocks" are still developing while they adjust to the different times of the day. These become stable over time, but there are ways in which you can help your newborn establish a normal wake-and-sleep cycle.

During the day, take your baby outside or open the curtains to let some sunshine into the room. The light stimulates the release of cortisol, a hormone that lets one stay alert and awake. On the other hand, keep the room dim as possible during nighttime so your little one can catch their z's. The dark will help their brain produce the chemical for sleeping, called melatonin.

Also, infants easily get some shut-eye at night when they're in a comfortable environment. Check the room temperature if it's just right, and swaddle your babe in a breathable blanket, so their arms and legs don't move and disturb them. You may also try playing white noise in the background to muffle sounds outside that could wake them.

They're Hungry

When your baby cries in the middle of the night, you may need to nurse them. Breast milk is easily digested, so your little one could feel hungry during bedtime despite having been fed just a few hours earlier. It's normal for one- to three-month-old infants to wake up three times during the night for feeding.

Simply give your infant breast milk or formula, and they should get back to dreamland in a couple of minutes. If not, their position may be uncomfortable, or they may feel unwell.

They're Sick

A newborn's body is vulnerable to illness while their immune system is still gaining strength. If they're unwell, certain symptoms will show, such as crying inconsolably, refusing to feed, and having trouble sleeping. The culprit may be constipation or a cold. Schedule a doctor's appointment for your little one to confirm.

While these situations are often why your little one has trouble sleeping, babies' needs change over time. For instance, a parent must pay attention to signs that tell them when to stop swaddling a baby. When they're already at the stage where they can roll over, doing so will only make the infant more restless. Talk to your child's pediatrician to learn more tips and essential information about your little one's sleep cycle.