Newborns seek comfort in parents' arms

Newborns often fall asleep when held by their parents but may wake up when placed in their beds. This behavior is common and is linked to the baby's need for security, as the womb was their only environment before birth.

Security and sensory adaptation

According to Célia Levavasseur, the transition to the outside world involves adapting to new sensations such as light, noise, and temperature. Physical contact with parents helps infants regulate emotions and find calm during this adjustment.

Immature nervous system and sleep challenges

Newborns have an immature nervous system, making it difficult for them to regulate alertness and manage stimulations. Being close to a parent helps them transition from agitation to sleep. Factors like temperature changes, the absence of movement, the Moro reflex, and the need for physical closeness can cause a baby to wake when placed in their bed.

Newborns sleep differently from adults

Newborns have different sleep patterns compared to adults. Their biological clock is not fully developed, and they sleep in short intervals throughout the day, averaging between 14 and 17 hours. Their sleep consists of active phases, where they may move or make sounds, and calm phases with more regular breathing. These short cycles lead to frequent awakenings, which are normal.

Sleeping in parents' arms is natural

Letting a baby sleep in their parents' arms is not considered a bad habit, as it is a natural need for the first four months. Over time, as the baby develops, they will gradually become less reliant on physical contact with their parents.

Parent-child relationship compared to a journey

Doctor Anne Raynaud compares the parent-child relationship to an aircraft carrier and airplane, where the child returns to the parent for security and then explores the world again. Parents can help their babies transition to sleeping in their beds by creating a sleep ritual, observing signs of fatigue, and placing the baby in their bed gradually.

Patience and professional help

It is important to accept small steps and avoid comparing a baby’s progress to that of other children, as each baby develops at their own pace. If sleep difficulties persist, consulting a pediatrician or a health professional trained in newborn sleep is recommended.