A newborn baby does not have a set pattern of sleep which can often confuse parents. Read on to know what is the normal sleep pattern of a baby and when to worry. It takes months of sleepless nights and exhausting days for parents to understand the sleeping pattern of the baby. As babies are not born with a sleeping pattern and have no sense of circadian rhythm, day and night, their sleep pattern is very irregular in the initial months which can confuse the parents. Understanding what’s normal and identifying the problems in the baby’s sleep patterns can help parents manage it and ensure their baby is healthy Newborns have unique sleep cycles that differ significantly from those of older children and adults. These patterns are driven by their developing brain and physical needs. According to a study published by the journal Nature and Science of Sleep, newborn babies do not have a set sleep schedule when they are born. They sleep in short periods throughout the day and night because their body clocks are not yet developed. Newborns sleep an average of 14–17 hours a day, but according to Dr Agarwal, this is broken into short periods of 2–4 hours due to their need for frequent feedings. For the first few weeks of life, newborns don’t follow a consistent day-night pattern (circadian rhythm). “Their sleep is largely influenced by hunger and other biological needs During REM sleep, babies may twitch, grimace, smile, or make small noises. This is entirely normal and reflects their brain’s rapid development. Talking about the waking patterns of a newborn, Dr Agarwal said, “It’s normal for newborns to wake up often, especially for feeding. These babies may wake every 2-3 hours.” Many newborns are noisy sleepers. According to Dr Agarwal, “Grunts snorts, and other sounds are usually harmless and occur due to their immature breathing systems. Newborn sleep patterns are unique, often unpredictable, and primarily driven by developmental needs. While frequent waking, irregular sleep cycles, and short naps are normal, parents should watch for red flags such as excessive sleepiness, difficulty waking, or breathing problems. By fostering healthy sleep habits and understanding what’s normal, parents can better navigate this early stage of their baby’s life while ensuring their newborn’s health and well-being.
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