New Delhi, March 2 (IANS). When a child is born in the house, the routine of the entire family changes. Many types of questions are hidden in the minds of parents regarding the newborn. Among all these questions, one of the biggest questions is that for how long is it considered normal for the baby to sleep. Many times the child sleeps more during the day and keeps waking up repeatedly at night. Due to this, parents get nervous and start worrying whether there is any problem in their child’s sleep.
But pediatricians and sleep science research show that this is a completely normal process in the early months of life. It takes time for a newborn baby to understand the difference between day and night, so his sleep-wake pattern is not like that of adults.
According to scientific research, a baby can sleep for an average of 14 to 17 hours in the first few weeks after birth. Some babies sleep up to 18 hours, while others sleep a little less. This time is considered normal. Usually they sleep for about 8 to 9 hours during the day and about 8 hours at night, but this sleep does not happen simultaneously. Their sleep is divided into small parts. In the first two months, the baby sleeps for 30 minutes to 2 or 3 hours, then wakes up for milk. The reason for this is that the stomach of a newborn is very small and he needs milk every two to three hours. That’s why his sleep is interrupted again and again.
Experts say that most children are not able to sleep for six to eight hours continuously before the age of three months. In some children this habit develops between four to six months. As a baby grows, his body gradually begins to recognize a regular day-night cycle. Light, sound and home environment also help in this process. Bright light and normal activities during the day, and peace and darkness at night, help baby understand when to sleep and when to wake up.
Now the question arises why children sleep so much. According to scientific studies, the brain and body of a newborn are developing very rapidly. The brain develops at a very rapid pace in the first year after birth. During sleep, the body produces essential hormones, which help in repairing cells. This is when the brain organizes new information.
However, parents should also be cautious. If the baby barely wakes up even to feed, appears very lethargic, or suddenly starts sleeping more than before, it is important to consult a doctor.
–IANS
pk/ms
