Let's learn about your 1-3 month old baby's sleep (Infant Sleep)?

When you become a parent, especially in the first few months after having a baby, there are times when 'sleeping' can feel like a dream, right? Sometimes you may think, "Oh, I'll never get enough sleep again." But don't worry! As your little one grows, their sleep patterns will also become wonderfully organized. Today, let's talk about your baby's sleep from one to three months, what to expect, and how we can help them.

How is the baby's sleep at 1-3 months?

When your baby is about a month, two, or three months old, his sleep pattern will start to change. He will start sleeping for a little longer, instead of waking up as often as he did in the early weeks.

What does "sleeping all night" mean these days?

We thought "the baby slept through the night", but at this age that means 5 or 6 hours of sleep in a row . Yes, you heard that right. So don't suddenly think that you too will be able to sleep until morning, right? But you will feel a little more relieved than before. The baby's sleep cycle (`Sleep Cycle`) will gradually start to resemble your sleep cycle. Also, the number of times you breastfeed at night may decrease a little.

Day and night darkness

In the early weeks, some babies have a hard time distinguishing between day and night. They sleep well during the day and wake up at night to play. But by 2-3 months, most babies have mastered this day-night transition. You can help with this too. Keep the house well lit during the day, talk to your baby, and play. When putting him to sleep at night, make the room dark and create a quiet environment.

How long should a baby sleep per day?

At this age, that is, between 1-3 months, a baby usually sleeps between 14 and 17 hours a day. However, this can vary slightly from baby to baby. Some babies may sleep a little more, others a little less. This sleep is not continuous, but comes in the form of several short naps during the day and a slightly longer nap at night.

Why is sleep so important for babies?

Now you're probably wondering, "Why do these little ones need so much sleep?" Simply put, sleep is essential for babies' growth and development.

• Brain development : Babies' brains develop rapidly when they are sleeping. This is very important for learning and remembering new things. Especially the light sleep stage called `REM Sleep` (Rapid Eye Movement Sleep) contributes a lot to this.
• Body growth : The growth hormone, which helps babies' bodies grow, is secreted most when they are in deep sleep.
• Strengthening the immune system : Babies who sleep well have a stronger immune system, which means they are more resistant to illness .
• Behavior and mood : Babies who get enough sleep are usually happy and active during the day. If they don't get enough sleep, they may become irritable and cry a lot.

Let's create an environment for comfortable sleep.

To help your baby sleep well, it's important to provide a comfortable sleeping environment.

Correct sleeping position

The place where the baby sleeps should be safe and comfortable .

• It is best to use a crib or bassinet that is specifically designed for your baby. The mattress should be firm, and a soft mattress is not suitable.
• Do not place toys, blankets, or pillows in the crib that could get stuck in the baby's head or body.
• Keep the room temperature at a comfortable level for the baby. Neither too cold nor too hot is good.

Darkness and silence

When it's time to go to bed at night, make the room very dark . This will help your baby understand that it's night. Also, create as quiet an environment as possible. However, some babies sleep better with a soft, monotonous sound (`white noise`). You can use a small `white noise machine` for this, or sometimes the sound of a fan is enough.

How to develop good sleep habits?

These 1-3 months are a good time to start establishing good sleep habits for your baby. These are not things that can be done overnight, they require a little patience.

Recognize Sleepy Cues

When your baby is sleepy, he will show it in different ways. We call these 'Sleepy Cues'.

• Rubbing eyes
• Ears are pulled.
• Opening the door
• Becoming quieter or more irritable than usual
• Looking away

It's important to try to put your baby to sleep as soon as you notice these signs. Don't wait until your baby is very tired and starts crying. That can make it even harder to get him to sleep.

Bedtime Routine

By following the same simple routine every night before bed, your baby will get the signal that it's time for bed. This can take as little as 15-20 minutes.

For example:

1. Wash your body and put on clean clothes.

2. Give me some milk.

3. Sing a little lullaby or tell a story slowly.

4. Hold the baby and move around the room.

5. Then they put him to sleep.

When this routine is done in the same order and at the same time every day, the baby gets used to it.

Put him to bed while he's drowsy but still awake.

This is easier said than done. But if possible, try to put your baby in his crib before he falls asleep, when he is still drowsy. This will help him get used to going to sleep on his own. But this doesn't work for all babies, so find a way that works for your baby.

Common problems affecting baby's sleep

Some common sleep issues may arise during this time. Let's take a look at what they are and what can be done about them.

• Frequent night waking: It's normal for babies this age to wake up several times a night. It could be because they're hungry or just a little uncomfortable. As soon as your baby wakes up, don't panic, do what they need (feed, change their diaper), and calmly put them back to sleep.
• Feeding to Sleep Association: Many mothers put their baby to sleep while feeding. Although this is easy, sometimes the baby may not want to go to sleep without feeding. If possible, try to put the baby to bed after feeding, before he is completely asleep.
• Growth Spurt: During a growth spurt, babies may be hungry more often and have changes in their sleep patterns. They may need to be breastfed more often and cuddled more. This will return to normal within a few days.
• Illnesses: Even a minor illness like a cold or stomach ache can affect your baby's sleep. In such cases, seek advice from a doctor.

Safe Sleep for your baby is very important!

When talking about baby sleep, we can't forget about safe sleep . This is extremely important , as it can protect the baby from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Remember: Always put your baby to sleep on their back (back to sleep). This is the most important way to prevent SIDS.

A few more important points:

• The mattress for your baby to sleep on should be firm and flat . Things like sinking mattresses, water mattresses, and bean bags are not suitable.
• Do not place pillows, piles of blankets, large toys, or bumpers in your baby's crib. These can cause suffocation.
• Don't overdress or wrap your baby in clothes that make him feel too hot . Be mindful of the room temperature.
• Keep your baby away from people who smoke. Smoking in the environment where your baby is, as well as during pregnancy, greatly increases the risk of SIDS.
• The international recommendation is to sleep in the same room as the parents, but in a separate, safe place (crib) for the baby , at least for the first 6-12 months.
• However, in our country, mothers often sleep in the same bed with their babies. If you share a bed like that, you need to be very careful .
• Never put a baby to bed if the parents are taking alcohol, drugs, or medications that cause excessive drowsiness.
• If there is a wall on the side where the baby sleeps, check for any gaps between the bed and the wall that could get trapped.
• Do not place pillows or thick blankets used by adults close to the baby's face.
• Do not let your baby sleep on a very soft mattress (sinking).

When should I see a doctor?

Most of the time, these changes in a baby's sleep are normal, but there are times when you should seek medical advice.

• If your baby is excessively sleepy or is difficult to wake up.
• If you notice a sudden, unexplained change in your baby's sleep pattern.
• If you seem to have difficulty breathing while sleeping (e.g., snoring loudly, stopping breathing for a while).
• Even if the baby seems to be sleeping well, he or she is not gaining weight properly .
• If you have serious concerns or doubts about your baby's sleep.

In such a situation, it is best to consult a pediatrician for advice.

Mom and Dad's sleep is important too!

It's true that moms and dads don't get enough sleep when they're taking care of a newborn. But sleep is essential for your physical health as well as your mental health.

There's a saying that goes, "Sleep when the baby sleeps." It's easy to say, but hard to do. With all the housework and other things going on, it's a challenge. But whenever possible, try to take a little break and close your eyes while the baby sleeps.

• Share the chores with your husband/wife. It would be a great help if you could take turns taking care of the baby when he wakes up at night.
• Don't be afraid to ask family and friends for help. If you have someone to watch the baby for a while, you can get some sleep.
• Eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of water. These things will help maintain your body's energy.

Finally, remember this (Take-Home Message)

Your 1-3 month old baby's sleep is a complicated, but wonderful thing. As they gradually adjust to the world, their sleep patterns change.

• Be patient: Every baby is different. It will take some time to get used to your baby's sleep pattern.
• Prioritize safe sleep: Always put your baby to sleep on his or her back, and create a safe sleeping environment.
• Establish a bedtime routine: This will help your baby prepare for sleep.
• Listen to your gut: If you have any questions or concerns about your baby's sleep, talk to a doctor.
• Take care of yourself too: As a mother or father, your health is also very important.

You are not alone in this journey. This time can be challenging, but it is also beautiful. We wish you and your baby a good night's sleep!

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