#packandplay

If you’re searching for a 4-in-1 baby bassinet sleeper that combines functionality, safety, and convenience, the Obee Odee 4-in-1 Baby Bassinet is a strong contender. Modern parenting demands smart solutions, and a 4-in-1 baby bassinet sleeper is exactly what makes life easier during those exhausting newborn months. Instead of buying multiple products, this all-in-one system covers everything—from sleeping to diaper changing. Read more>>

How Many Hours Sleep Your Baby Needs?

Newborns do sleep a lot of the time.  But their sleep is in very short segments. 

 As a baby grows, the total amount of sleep slowly decreases.  However, the length of nighttime sleep increases.

Generally, newborns sleep about 8 to 9 hours in the daytime and about 8 hours at night.  But they may not sleep longer than 1 to 2 hours at a time.  

Most babies don't begin sleeping through the night (6 to 8 hours) without waking until they are about 3 weeks old, or until they weigh 12 to 13 lbs.  

About two-thirds of babies have the ability to sleep through the night on a regular basis by age 6 months.

Babies have different sleep cycles than adults.  Infants spend much less time in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep (which is dream time sleeping ).  

What are the signs of infant sleep issues?

Once a baby begins to regularly sleep through the night, parents tend to be unhappy when the baby starts to wake up at night again.  

This often happens at about 6 weeks old.  This is often a normal part of development called separation anxiety.  

This is when a baby doesn't understand that separations are short-term (temporary).  

Babies may also begin to have trouble going to sleep due to separation anxiety.  Or because they're overstimulated or overtired.

Frequent responses of infants having these night awakenings or difficulty going to sleep may include the following:

Waking and crying 

one or more times in the night after sleeping through the night

Crying when you leave the space 

Refusing to go to sleep without a parent nearby

Clinging to the parent at separation

Sleep problems may also occur with illness.  Talk with your baby's healthcare provider if your baby begins having trouble going to sleep or staying asleep, especially if this is a new pattern.

Signs of sleep readiness

You can help your baby sleep by recognizing signs of sleep readiness, teaching him or her to fall asleep on his own, and reassuring him or her with awakenings.  

Rubbing eyes

Yawning

Looking away

Fussing

Helping your infant fall asleep

Babies might not be able to produce their own sleeping and waking patterns.  Surprisingly, not all babies know how to put themselves to sleep.  

And not all babies can go back to sleep if they're awakened in the night.  When it's time for bed, many parents want to soothe or breastfeed a baby to help them fall asleep.  

Developing a bedtime routine is a fantastic idea.  But don't let your baby fall asleep in your arms.   

And your baby may begin to expect to be in your arms in order to fall asleep.  When your baby briefly wakes up during a sleep cycle, they might not be able to go back to sleep on their own.

Infants who feel secure are better able to handle separations, especially at night. 

Cuddling and comforting your baby during the day can help them feel more secure. 

 Allowing time for naps daily as needed for your baby's age.

Not having any stimulation or activity close to bedtime.

Developing a bedtime routine, such as bath, reading books, and rocking.

Playing soft music while your baby is getting tired.

Offering a transitional object that your baby can take to bed.  This might be a small blanket or a soft toy.  

But don't do this until your baby is old enough.  Your baby should be able to roll up and sit.  This will prevent the danger of suffocation.

Tucking your baby into bed if he or she is drowsy, but before going to sleep.

Comforting and reassuring your baby when he or she is afraid.

For nighttime awakenings, comfort and reassure your baby by patting and soothing.  Do not take your baby out of bed.  Repeat as needed.

Being consistent with the routine and your responses.

Reducing the risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related infant deaths

Here are recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on how to reduce the risk for SIDS and sleep-related deaths from birth to 1 year old: 

An infant who is fully immunized may reduce his or her risk for SIDS.

Breastfeed your baby.  The AAP recommends breastmilk just for at least 6 months. This can reduce the risk for SIDS, breathing in food or a foreign object (aspiration), and choking.  

Never place your baby on their side or stomach for sleep or naps.  If your baby is awake, give your child time on their stomach as long as you're watching.  

This can lessen the chance that your child will develop a set head.

Always talk with your baby's healthcare provider before increasing the head of the crib if your baby has been diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux. 

If your baby is breastfeeding, don't use a pacifier until breastfeeding has been fully established.

Use a firm mattress that is covered by a tightly fitted sheet.  This can prevent gaps between the mattress and the sides of a crib, a play yard, or a bassinet.  

That can reduce the risk of the baby getting stuck between the mattress and the sides (entrapment).  It can also reduce the risk of suffocation and SIDS.

Share your room rather than your bed with your baby.  Putting your baby in bed with you increases the danger of strangulation, suffocation, entrapment, and SIDS.  

Bed sharing is not recommended for twins or other multiples.   But infants should be in a separate bed or crib appropriate for babies.  

This sleeping arrangement is recommended ideally for the baby's first year.  

However, it should at least be preserved for the first 6 months.

Don't use baby seats, car seats, strollers, baby carriers, and baby swings for routine sleep and daily naps.  

These may lead to blockage of an infant's airway or suffocation.

Don't put babies on a couch or armchair for sleep.  

Sleeping on a couch or armchair puts the infant at a significantly greater risk of death, such as SIDS.

Do not use illegal drugs and alcohol, and don't smoke during pregnancy or after birth.  

Keep your baby away from others who are smoking and regions where others smoke. This will keep them from getting overheated, reducing the risk for SIDS.

Don't use loose bedding or soft objects (bumper pads, pillows, comforters, blankets) in your child's crib or bassinet.  

Do not use home cardiorespiratory monitors and commercial apparatus (wedges, positioners, and special mattresses) to help decrease the risk for SIDS and sleep-related infant deaths.  

These devices have never been shown to decrease the risk of SIDS.  In rare cases, they've caused infant deaths.

Always place cribs, bassinets, and play yards in areas with no dangling cords, wires, or window coverings.  This can reduce the danger of strangulation.