Newborn Baby Not Sleeping?

Life with a newborn is very intense. And we’re talking any newborn baby here. It really doesn’t matter if this is your first baby, or baby number six. No matter how experienced you are, very little can actually prepare you for the reality of bringing a baby home for the first time. And usually its the sleep (or lack of) that we tend to focus on in those early days. The thing is, while we know that newborn babies are supposed to wake up for feeds, or to be changed etc, the reality is that the broken sleep is very hard to deal with. And how do we know if your tiny little bundle is actually waking more than they’re ‘supposed’ to? Googling ‘Newborn baby not sleeping’?  Read on to find how five reasons why …

It might not be time for a feed

Just getting this out there before we go on. Yes, newborn babies have very tiny tummies, and very primal needs when they first arrive home. The main reason why they wake is because those tiny tummies are empty, and those primal instincts for survival are telling them to yell out for food. But let’s put hunger aside for now, and look at the other potential reasons for your baby waking up.

Overtired

Yes, newborn babies can become over tired, and when they do it can  be difficult to persuade them to go to sleep! Despite what you may think, being too tired for sleep has no minimum age requirement! All you can really do here is to pay close attention to the length of time your baby is awake for, and to look out for sleep cues. As soon as you spot them, its time for sleep.

Overstimulated

Forget all the brightly coloured and joyfully musical toys. Your newborn baby doesn’t need them, and what’s more they cannot cope with them! Over stimulation is another top reason why they might be finding it hard to sleep, so make sure you keep things as low key as possible. Its not always easy, but try to limit visitors, and resist the urge to pass them around like a parcel. Yes, everyone wants a cuddle with a new baby, but its so important to take your cues from them, and not from your friends and family. If your baby is fusing, crying, looking away or growing stressed then its likely they’re over stimulated- so you need to bring it all right back down. Its worth noting too that an over stimulated baby will find it difficult to fall asleep and to stay asleep too.

Startle reflex

Ah, the Moro Reflex, otherwise known as the startle reflex. Nature’s way of protecting the human race, believe it or not. The Moro Reflex stems from the cave man baby’s need to cling to a parent at all times. The reflex supposedly meant that if baby loosened their grip, they would be startled into clinging on once more. These days though, it can be a fairly annoying remnant that actually wakes your baby up! The best way to combat the reflex is to swaddle your baby.

Discomfort

If your newborn baby is uncomfortable, they won’t be able to sleep. So although it can be harder to spot, once you eliminate whatever is annoying your baby, you will help them to settle for sleep once more. Whether its a wet nappy or the room is too cold, hopefully it won’t be too hard to figure out!

Separation from YOU

Sometimes your newborn baby just needs you. Wants you. And that is completely normal. Touch is one of the most basic of human needs, and when your baby is in the midst of the fourth trimester there is a very good chance that a cuddle is all they want is you to help them drift back to sleep again. Enjoy it while you can.