Doorslapen baby - Verloskundigen PuurBegin in Kampen

As a new parent, you may be wondering when your baby will finally sleep through the night. Babies’ sleep patterns vary widely, but there are strategies you can employ to help promote better sleep for both you and your baby.

What does 'sleeping through' mean?

Medically, “sleeping through the night” is defined as five to six hours of uninterrupted sleep. For many babies, this means a period of sleep from midnight to about 5:00 in the morning. Most babies reach this point around 4 to 5 months of age. However, every child is unique; some babies sleep through the night earlier, while others need more time.

When can I expect my baby to sleep through the night?

Many babies begin sleeping for longer periods of time around 6 months of age, often up to eight hours at a time, such as from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. From about 9 months, some babies may even sleep from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. However, it is normal for babies to wake during the night until they are one year old and sometimes even later. Factors such as hunger, a full diaper, or the need for comfort can play a role.

Tips to promote sleeping through the night

While your baby's sleep pattern will develop naturally, there are some strategies that can help promote better sleep habits:

Create a regular bedtime routine: A consistent routine, such as a warm bath, reading a story, or singing a lullaby, will help your baby relax and prepare him for nighttime rest.
Distinguish between day and night: Keep the rooms bright and active during the day and limit light and noise at night. This will help your baby learn the difference between day and night.
Provide a restful sleeping environment: A dark, quiet and comfortable room can contribute to a better sleep. If necessary, use a night light and ensure a pleasant room temperature.
Pay attention to signs of fatigue: Watch for signs such as yawning, rubbing eyes or staring. Putting your baby to bed on time prevents overtiredness, which can make falling asleep difficult.
Limit stimuli before bedtime: Avoid busy activities and bright lights in the period leading up to bedtime. This will help your baby to calm down and prepare for sleep.
Use a sleeping bag: A sleeping bag can help your baby sleep peacefully. A blanket can be a reason why your child wakes up, because he can wriggle it loose. This does not happen with a sleeping bag. A sleeping bag can certainly help with a restless baby.
Consider swaddling: If your baby is sleeping very restlessly, he may swat himself awake with his arms. Loud noises, temperature changes or sudden movements also often cause babies to have a startle reflex, the Moro reflex. This reflex causes the arms and legs to move, which can disturb sleep. Swaddling ensures that your baby does not do this and that he becomes calmer. Only swaddle after consulting the child health clinic and make sure that you stop using it as soon as your child can roll over. It can be a suffocation hazard if your child rolls onto his stomach but cannot return.
Take good care of yourself: The first few months are tough for you. Especially if your baby doesn't want to sleep through the night. You can alternate the evening and night shift with your partner, so that you can take turns resting. Also take good care of yourself and take your rest moments during the day if necessary. This will enable you to calm your baby down better at night. Don't hesitate to ask your environment for help with tasks such as cleaning, cooking and shopping.
Calm your baby before bedtime: A quiet evening program makes the transition to the bedtime ritual smoother. Avoid games with a lot of stimuli and do something quiet in the hours before going to sleep. With a massage or a bath your baby can relax nicely. This makes it easier for him to fall asleep. This also increases the chance of sleeping through the night.
Don't keep your baby awake during the day: Keeping your baby awake during the day against his will is usually pointless. Keeping him awake will only make him overtired and stressed. The stress hormone cortisol is produced, which makes it difficult to fall asleep. Cortisol also hinders the effect of melatonin. In addition, the extra stimuli and unrest can cause your baby to sleep restlessly.

Keep taking good care of yourself and don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it.

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