Babies are cute, right? Especially when they’re all snuggled up and sleeping. It’s a known fact that sleep is crucial for babies’ development. But how much sleep do 4-week old babies need? Let's take a deep dive into the napping habits of these tiny humans.
The Basics: Understanding What Your Baby Needs
Before we get started on the number of hours your baby should be snoozing, let's look at some basics to make sure we're all on the same page (pun intended):
Newborns VS. Four-Week Old Babies
A newborn baby sleeps A LOT during their first week – about 16 hours per day! By four weeks though, things start changing up in the sleep department. Your little one has become more alert and curious about their surroundings which means fewer nap times!
Should You Wake Up Your Baby To Feed or Not?
Experts recommend you wake your little one if they haven't eaten in around four hours (which can happen often due to erratic feeding patterns). However, if your bubba seems interested in consuming food / drinks outside those scheduled feedings then it’s better not waking them up - gotta strike while that iron's hot!
Don’t Forget About Night Waking
You’ll also likely have night feeds too at this stage but don’t despair mommies (and daddies), after tonight comes morning where hopefully there will be some well-needed shut-eye when it happens.
So How Much Sleep Does a Four Week Baby Need?
There isn't an exact amount as each baby is unique however AAP suggests between 14-17hours total daily sleep For most parents what matters most is whether your baby gets as much rest as possible; happy mummy = happy house._
Let's break down these numbers further;
Daytime Sleep
Daytime sleep is crucial for both you and your baby. To avoid the risk of SIDS, experts say that it’s essential not to let babies sleep on their tummy, so make sure they sleep on their back or side only.
According to expert suggestions a new born sleeps most comfortably with 4/5 naps per day which should reduce to either 3-4 by the time they reach four weeks old. This equates to around 1 hour nap after every feed making each snooze time anywhere between half an hr-2hrs depending on your bubs comfy spot!
It's worth noting though that sometimes our little ones don't stick/follow this rule exactly; don't stress about it too much (eeep!) because once bub starts falling asleep within minutes after fed we can consider them a sleeping proffessional!
Night Time Sleep
Now for night times – Experts recommend that babies between newborns And four weeks need approximately determined total hours at night . Some may wake up often during the night due feeding schedules.
However, what really matters is whether enough total sleep has been obtained over a span of at least 24 hours across daytime and nighttime cycles combined - less wakes throughout equals better quality rest periods leading hopefully to more overall good moods for everyone involved including mum herself!
Signs Your Baby Isn’t Sleeping Enough
Let's face it: We're all tired when our little ones aren't getting enough shut-eye. Here are some telltale signs that maybe ya bubba needs more zzz’s in their life:
- They’re waking up multiple times still even after being changed & fed,
- Plenty cranky crying if plans have just fallen apart 3.Their movements seem more jerky than usual(no matter how cute these moves are!) 4.They rub eyes / yank ears ????????????????????????????????????????, 5.We know this one's the hardest to determine but compared to other babies their age your little ones is way more unsettled/poorer mood currently; might mean it’s time for some napping!
Tips for Helping Your Baby Sleep
We've all been there: pacing back and forth, rocking our baby until we're in severe pain. Here are some tips that may help you get your 4-week-old on a sleep schedule.
Regularity Is Key
Make sure everything keeps coordinated by sticking with the same bedtime / wake up routine every day so they know what's coming next before even fully opening those peepers! (even when visitors come round or during outings)
Also adds an extra bonus getting your baby accustomed to night/daytime differences from birth; where daytime is brighter & full of fun while nighttimes bring cosy bedding and darkness everywhere
Feeding Time Setup
Feeding structure is just as important ie don't allow too much light or noise distract from inner calm needed-especially after a tiring day !! Keeping at least half-hour break before bed is bound to do wonders ensuring adequate food intake while reducing the feeding stimulates cries !
Find The Perfect Temperature For Them
There’s this thing called 'thermal-neutral' which refers how heat-wise comfortable someone feels enough not waking up suddenly due overheating / freezing mostly happens between around1-2months old. Make sure room temperature isn't outside the range doctors suggest..usually mentioned in those long papers handed out right after bubba's born 🙂
Babies can be exhausting especially if parents aren’t sleeping properly . Fortunately research has shown greater total time slumber can lead better quality rest periods throughout both day/night times leading hopefully overall good moods for everyone involved including yourself. So go ahead try these suggestions and see result over time inevitably leading to more well -rested baby for all to enjoy!