Completely Awake After Night Feedings
Here are a few things to consider:
- Perhaps you're seeing some day/night confusion. Check out this Instagram post:
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Did you know that many babies are born thinking days are for sleeping 😴 and nights are for partying? 🎉 It's TRUE! While babies are in the womb, they are often rocked and lulled to sleep during the day as you are up and moving. When you lie down at night, the stillness actually wakes the baby! Cue in-womb dance party while you try to sleep. 💃 - So what's a new mama to do?? One simple tip: Use LIGHT and DARKNESS! - ➡️When it’s daytime and you want your baby to be awake- throw open those curtains and switch on the lights. Try to get your little one outside for a bit if the weather allows. We want everything to say to your baby: "It's daytime: time to be awake, interact, and play." ➕Please know: this does NOT mean that naptime needs to be bright. Feel free to turn down the lights for naps. ➡️When it's time for bed at night, dim the lights during your bedtime routine. Then, keep your baby's sleep environment as dark as possible all night long. This is a cue to your baby that nights are for sleeping. ➕Turn off those night lights! During night feedings, try to maintain the lowest light that is safe. *️⃣Expert tip: Trade out the light bulb in your night stand for a red bulb so you can see without turning on bright lights. - Getting days and nights straight is a huge step in helping your baby set up healthy sleep! For more, check out the class "Will I Ever Sleep Again?" This class, designed for expectant parents and those with babies 12 weeks and younger, will give you the tools you need to set your baby up for sleep success. No crying! No rigid schedules! Breastfeeding friendly. (Link in bio) I can help you LOVE the newborn stage! ❤️ - Any mamas out there who saw this mixed-up baby schedule? How long did it take your babies to get days and nights straight? - Photo by @caitlinb_carlton
A post shared by TakingCaraBabies~Sleep Expert (@takingcarababies) on
- If you're removing your little one's swaddle, consider leaving your little one swaddled for night feedings.
- If you need to do a diaper change, I would do that at the beginning or even in the middle of a night feeding.
- Lower the lights to nearly complete darkness. Consider switching out the lamp to a red bulb as it's less disruptive than a white or blue light.
- If you haven't yet taken the newborn class, start on our Will I Ever Sleep Again? class page!
