A newborn baby gradually begins to connect with the extrauterine world, and although he does not speak, he is able to communicate through signals. This is how we can identify when he is sleepy, hungry, uncomfortable, cold or hot, etc. Learning to recognize sleep signals in a newborn is key to responding to his needs in time and giving him quality rest.
Sleep in newborns
The first thing you should know is that unlike adults (who fall exhausted into bed after a tiring day), babies become more hyperactive when they are over-tired, which makes it difficult for them to fall asleep and get quality rest, since this prevents them from connecting with their sleep cycles. So forget about that idea of skipping naps so they are more tired at night, because a good daytime sleep will lead to a good nighttime sleep.
Remember: A rested baby sleeps more, falls asleep more easily and wakes up less at night.
Sleep signs in a newborn
Your baby's sleep cues are key to knowing when they are tired, very tired, or ready for sleep (either for a nap or at night).
Signs that a newborn is tired:
- Fixed or lost gaze
- Red eyebrows
Signs that a newborn is ready to sleep:
- He appears agitated
- Yawns frequently
- Rubs his eyes
This is the ideal time to put your baby to bed and allow him to fall asleep.
Signs that a newborn is overexerted:
- Cry and scream
- His body stiffens
- It pushes you
- He resists being calmed down
These are the most general and common sleep signals that you can use to 'read' your baby, but it is very important to understand that each baby is unique and may have his or her own ways of letting you know that he or she is tired and sleepy. For example, some babies will curl up, touch their ears, or close their eyes if you run your finger across their forehead.
So take this information, which we are sure will be very useful, but always stay alert to your baby's individual signals. It may take some time, but rest assured that you will be able to understand the way your baby communicates with you in order to respond to his needs in time. Sweet dreams!
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