why do babies wake so often at night?
Newborns wake up approximately every 2 hours around the clock, whether they are fed by breast or bottle. There are several reasons why it’s important for babies to wake up at night.
Newborns』 tummies are tiny and can』t take in very much at each feeding. Babies must eat frequently, even at night, to get enough calories to sustain their rapid growth rate. As they get bigger, babies can drink more at one time and don』t have to wake as often to eat.
Young babies wake easily because they dream a lot. For infants, dreaming is a vital part of normal brain development. When babies dream, blood flows to their brains and neural connections are made. Dreaming is so important for newborns that they may spend up to 30 minutes dreaming before they fall into deep sleep. Babies, like adults, are more likely to wake up when they are dreaming than when they are deeply asleep. If something happens while they are dreaming (i.e. the phone rings, or they are put down into a bassinet), they will probably rouse. It’s simple to tell when a baby is dreaming; her eyelids flutter and her mouth and body twitch. Parents can help their baby stay asleep after breastfeeding by holding them and waiting until all signs of dreaming have stopped before putting them down. By the time baby is 3–4 months old, she will spend less time dreaming, and more time in deep sleep.
Young babies wake frequently to stay safe and comfortable. It can take a little time for babies to coordinate their brains, lungs and muscles. If they sleep too deeply, they may get too hot, or too cold, or they may not wake when they need to move their muscles or to get a little more air. After the first 6 weeks, most babies will settle down and sleep for 3–4 hour stretches. As they get older and their bodies mature, they will sleep even longer. Many babies will sleep most of the night around 6–9 months of age.
While it makes perfect sense for babies to wake frequently throughout the night, it can be very challenging for parents. Rest assured that the sleep deprivation you experience now is directly supporting the health and development of your wonderful baby. Take good care of yourself by eating well, getting a little exercise, relaxing whenever possible, talking to other parents, and letting others help you as much as possible. Believe it or not, this too shall pass!
(Adapted from www.secretsofbabybehavior.com)