Infant sleeps for long periods from birth

Aurore, mother of a 2.5-month-old girl named Amélia, reported that her daughter began sleeping for extended periods shortly after birth. Amélia fell asleep immediately after being offered a bottle and remained asleep until midwives checked on her at midnight and 3 a.m. the following day. By the second night, Amélia woke up to eat at 3 a.m. and again at 7 a.m.

Sleep patterns vary among newborns

Psychologist Elisabeth Darchis explains that while most infants require several weeks to sleep for several hours in a row at night, some newborns can extend their sleep periods from birth. On average, babies who sleep through the night require 12 to 16 hours of sleep per day between 4 to 12 months; between 1 to 2 years, it's between 11 and 14 hours; between 3 to 5 years, between 10 and 13 hours; and at least 9 hours from 6 years old.

Feeding and inner security influence sleep

Darchis explains that some newborns benefit from feeding, as they may hallucinate that they are breastfeeding, which can help them calm down and prolong their sleep. These babies may have an inner life that helps them feel secure, allowing them to sleep longer in the evening, even if they do not distinguish day and night until the third month.

Environment affects a baby's sleep

The environment also plays a role in a baby's sleep. A quiet space can help a toddler sleep more peacefully. Some babies sleep a lot because they feel insecure, retreating into sleep when parents are not available. Others may sleep a lot due to exhaustion from struggling against fatigue, crying, collapsing, and then remaining asleep for a longer time. The last bottle before bedtime can also impact a baby's sleep, as increasing its volume may lead to extended sleep periods.

Aurore's bedtime routine

Aurore confirms this point, stating that she gives Amélia a 210 ml bottle before bedtime, and she wakes up at 8 a.m. Darchis advises against waking up a baby to regulate their sleep schedule, as this can disrupt their natural rhythm. Interaction with a newborn is essential, but prolonging waking moments should be avoided to prevent associating waking with pleasure, which can increase the number of awakenings.

Creating a sleep-friendly environment

Parents should help their babies distinguish between day and night by allowing them to benefit from natural light during the day and whispering and staying in the dark at night for feeding. Establishing regular schedules for hygiene, waking activities, or walks can create a sense of security for the baby. The parents' attitude also has a real influence on their child's sleep, as calmness and security can help the baby feel more at ease.

Aurore's calmness influences Amélia

Aurore believes her calmness during pregnancy and today has played a major role in Amélia's sleep patterns. Darchis notes that some parents may struggle with the idea of their baby not being able to tolerate their bed, but it is often the parents who do not accept seeing their child alone. Parents may respond too quickly to a baby's whining, which can break the extension of sleep. It is essential for the child to learn to self-secure in the bed.

Associating sleep with comfort

Darchis emphasizes the importance of helping the child "dream of their parents' arms," the bottle or breast if they are breastfed, to avoid associating sleep with feeding. She also notes that children who sleep in their parents' room often sleep through the night later, as there is more stimulation and interaction between the baby and parents. However, finding a balance is crucial to ensure the baby feels secure while also developing the ability to self-soothe.

Excessive sleep may signal concerns

Darchis warns that if a baby sleeps a lot, especially in the maternity ward, professionals are very attentive, as this sleep can reveal a relational escape. There are instances where a baby may be too well-behaved, raising concerns about possible depression, especially after a difficult cesarean or when parents have not had the strength to take care of their baby. The mother-child bond is crucial, and if the mother is not available, the newborn may retreat into sleep, which can be addressed through adjusted voice or eye contact to help the baby find their eating and sleep rhythm.

Sleep patterns may persist for months

Aurore notes that if Amélia has taken such a sleep rhythm, there is little chance it will change, as babies who sleep well can continue this way for weeks and months. At 1 month, the child sleeps 17 to 20 hours per day and may only wake up once during the night. At 2 months, the baby is capable of sleeping almost through the night, sometimes until early morning, that is, 6-7 hours.

Developmental changes affect sleep

Darchis adds that the number of naps does not influence the quality of evening sleep, but during the child's development, several disturbances will disrupt this sleep cycle, including separation anxiety around the 8th month, teething, and diaper rashes. The sleep of young children is a long process that fluctuates with time.