When it comes to parenting, there are a lot of misconceptions and old wives’ tales. One of the most common is that you should never wake a sleeping baby. Is this true? What are the consequences of not waking a baby when they need it? Let’s take a closer look at this topic to find the best practice for new parents.
Why should you never wake a sleeping baby? ( Best Practices)
Wake baby can cause them to be grumpy and irritable. It can also disrupt their sleep schedule, making it difficult to get back on track.Only wake a sleeping baby if it is necessary. Otherwise, let them sleep! If you must wake a sleeping baby, try to do so gently and gradually. In general, it’s best to let babies sleep as much as they need to promote healthy growth and development.
It can also disrupt their sleep schedule, making it harder for them to get back to sleep. Sleeping babies are adorable – enjoy the sight of them peacefully resting!
Newborn sleep for proper development and growth
This is true! Babies need a lot of sleep to grow and develop properly. According to the National Sleep Foundation, newborns require between 14 and 17 hours of sleep daily!
For babies safe sleep environment consider room sharing, which includes the use of cribs, playpens and bassinets.
Most newborns spend the first 8-12 week of their lives juggling work and play. The baby is more alert in the evening and tends to sleep more frequently in the daytime. Our internal clock for sleep (circadian rhythms) isn’t fully developed until 5 and 6 months of age.
In the interim, what could we do for our infants? It is a natural process that can’t be over-extended. Why should you never wake a sleeping baby? Here are a few things parents can do to encourage their baby’s healthy sleeping habits:
- When your baby is awake to feed in the night, keep the lights low and make it as dull as possible.
- Don’t be shocked if your baby is a bit giddy for 45 minutes following their feeding before falling into a dreamlike state. It’s normal.
- In the daytime, it is not advisable to keep babies awake longer than they should be to avoid fatigue. For infants, the maximum awake time is 45 and 60 minutes.
- Making sure your days are energetic and lively can aid your baby’s transition to life outside the womb!
Sometimes babies need to be woken up to eat
Most Babies need to eat every few hours to meet their nutritional needs. So, if your baby sleeps for more than 4 hours at a time, you’ll need to wake them up.
Make sure to gently wake your baby at least every 2.5 hours throughout the daytime to feed them. Parents need to make sure your child is nourished throughout the day so that they don’t have too many late-night meals.
In those first few days, it’s crucial to ensure that your baby is gaining weight more than their actual initial birth weight and in a healthy way. Get advice from your pediatrician regarding how often your baby is supposed to be fed. When they should begin to stretch the feedings, they are taking and also when you can not wake your baby to feed.
For safety
There are also times when it’s essential to wake a sleeping baby for safety. In rare cases. For example, if your child is sleeping in a dangerous position or is covered by a blanket, it’s important to wake them up so they don’t hurt themselves.
Sleep training
From day 1, babies change their sleep patterns. Some babies fall asleep more during day time and wake up at night. They take cat naps instead of long stretches.
After four months, babies start to take a nap and transition from 2 down to just one nap . So, to make night sleep peaceful, it is crucial to start sleep training from one morning nap at 7 am to a second nap at 1 pm.
It creates sleep pressure and reduces babies’ night waking. You can also see sleep consultants if unsure about your baby’s sleep needs and nap times.
In general, you should try not to wake a sleeping baby unnecessarily.
While there are some exceptions, you should try not to unnecessarily wake a sleeping baby. Why? Because night sleep is essential for their growth and development! But to make their sleep patterns, it’s crucial to cut the time of daytime sleep or morning nap.
In general, it’s best to let them sleep. There are some exceptions. Remember these tips, and you’ll be able to keep your baby well-protected and healthy!
Reasons to Wake a Sleeping Baby
- If they are hungry: A baby’s hunger cues should always take precedence over sleep. It’s time for your child to be fed if they are showing signs of hunger.
- If they need to be changed: A wet or dirty diaper can be uncomfortable for a baby and may wake them up on its own. But if your baby is asleep and you know that they need to be changed, it’s best to go ahead and do it. A clean diaper will help your baby to sleep more comfortably.
- If they are sick: If your baby has a fever or has any other signs of illness, it’s important to wake them so that you can monitor their condition and seek medical help if necessary.
- If they are in danger: If your baby is in an unsafe sleeping environment, they lie on their stomachs. It is better to change their sleeping position.
- Crying during sleep: If they are crying or making noise in their sleep (this could be a sign of a nightmare)
- Long sleep: If they have been sleeping for more than 3 hours (this could be a sign of SIDS)
Conclusion: Why should you never wake a sleeping baby?
These factors are important to remember if you are unsure why you should never wake a sleeping baby. It is always better to be safe than regret it. You should always wake a baby as quickly and quietly as you can.
Parents Also Ask
Is a 3-hour nap too long, baby?
It is advised that infants sleep for 16 hours or more per day. However, this may differ depending on the child’s age-appropriate bedtime and specific requirements. Newborns, for example, tend to sleep for much longer than older babies and toddlers. If your baby takes a 3-hour nap, this is not necessarily causing concern. However, it is essential to ensure they get enough night’s sleep. If your baby sleeps for long periods during the day, it may be difficult for them to sleep through the night.
What is sudden infant death syndrome?
It is the sudden, unexpected death of a baby under the age of 1. It is a tragedy that occurs without warning and often with no explanation. SIDS is by far the most frequently reported cause of death for infants aged between one month and 1-year old and is most commonly seen between the ages of 2-4 months.
While the exact cause of SIDS is unknown, certain risk factors may increase a baby’s risk. These include sleeping on their stomach or side, exposure to secondhand smoke, and having a parent who smoked during pregnancy.
What is the best sleep position for a baby?
The ideal position to sleep for babies is to lie on their backs. This position reduces the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related problems. If your baby has trouble sleeping on their back, you can try placing them in a semi-reclined position. It will help them to stay comfortable and reduce the risk of SIDS. Consult with your pediatrician if you are concerned about your baby’s sleep position.
