Determining your baby’s sleeping habits from birth to 3 months

In the first few weeks after a baby’s birth, it is quite easy to discern that he spends practically the entire time sleeping, whether it’s day or night. Other than being required to be fed about two or three times at night, babies at birth generally take to sleeping. It is important to note, though, that at birth your little angel is just as easy to wake up, and he’s bound to have considerably shorter sleep cycles. He would usually stir every 40 minutes or so. Now, as he grows, his sleeping patterns would gradually change as well. By the time your baby is 3 months, it is common for him to have already established some sort of pattern – longer times when he’s awake, and longer times of continuous sleep as well. Below are a few things to keep in mind about your baby’s early sleeping habits:

In the same room

Right after child birth, it is highly recommended to have your baby in the same room with you. It almost goes without saying, but sharing a room with your little angel following his birth will allow you to attend to his needs better. You can easily observe his moods and become familiar with cues on his sleeping habits. Apart from that, it will also establish closer ties between you and your baby from his birth.  

Putting your baby to sleep

Starting from birth until his first few months, a baby can fall into better sleeping patterns if you set up a routine of sorts with him. Here is a good example: after child birth a baby usually falls asleep following a feed. You might want to try to make your little darling get used to it so he’ll be easily put to sleep after feeding time. As a parent or guardian, it is also sensible to watch for your baby’s signals – when he seems active and wants to play, and when he looks tired and just wants to sleep. You can also help him settle well to sleep, even right after birth. Singing a lullaby, or cooing to him, can be your baby’s prompt that you are trying to put him to sleep – something that may very well become a habit over time.  

At birth, some babies may prove to be a bit harder to settle down for sleep than others. There are infants who prefer dark and quiet places, while others can sleep better if in a well-lighted and noisy room. Whatever the case for your baby may be, it is up to you to discern his sleeping patterns and always help him get the rest he needs.