Active Sleep and Newborns
Have you ever looked at your newborn, love of your life, and been like …. “Are you sleeping? Doesn’t seem like it…😬 “
Maybe they are super loud, or moving around lots, doing motions that really make it look like they are awake, however you swear they looked like they went to sleep 2 seconds ago!
Or maybe you think they’re sleeping, but gosh is it okay that they’re making that much noise?!
Well I’m here to tell you that it’s okay, your child is okay, and it’s normal newborn sleep!
Newborn Sleep
Newborns have 2 types of sleep that they go through in each sleep cycle:
active sleep and quiet sleep.
Each sleep cycle spans between 20-50 minutes (increases in length as they reach 4 months).
During active sleep, they are moving around, making noise and are easily woken.
During quiet sleep, their breathing is slow, and they are super still and harder to wake.
This active sleep is where you will see your child moving around, making lots of noise but there is no need to worry because it is completely normal and a sign that your child is developing just as they should.
Now your child’s 4 months old!
Once your child has reached around 4 months old, this is when their newborn sleep cycles begin to transform into more adult-like ones.
This is commonly called the 4 month regression, because that change in their sleep cycles can look like a baby who was a terrible sleeper and after 4 months… is now doing great! It can also look like a sleep-through-the-night-baby at 4 months is now having difficulty through the night and at naps.
Active Sleep Tip:
Don’t run to pick up your little one the minute they make a sound!
If your little one is in active sleep and you run in and pick them up, you might actually wake them up! So when you hear something, attend to them by checking in, but give them a moment before going to pick them up etc.
**I am not saying ignore your crying child! Please still go attend to your crying child, but just don’t run in at every peep :)
So what is the bottom line? New parents, don’t fret if your child is supposed to be sleeping but is also making a ton of noise and moving around.
Then, if you have any questions you can give me a call! I am here to support you and provide you with all the encouragement you need.
-Your Paediatric Sleep Consultant
💚 Marina
