Having a baby is a major life event. Therefore, you want the best care for your new baby. It is no secret that babies need lots of rest, and you want to ensure their sleep is healthy. If you are about to or have just had a baby, it is time to see the team at Newport Pediatrics for quality newborn care in Newport, TN. Dr. Samuel Pucket and Dr. Jennifer Sauceman are your resident pediatricians who can guide you in handling a sleepy newborn.

What Are Typical Sleep Patterns?

There are 24 hours in a day, but don't be surprised if your newborn sleeps for as many as 17 of them. During the day, you can expect them to wake up every few hours to feed. Your babies are small, and their stomachs are small. Therefore, they must eat every few hours to be satiated. It may take the three-month mark for your child to begin sleeping through the night or up to eight hours. Be prepared to wait up to a year for your baby to sleep at night without waking up.

There are three typical phases of alertness your child has during this time. They have the quiet, alert, and crying phases of waking up. Your baby is attentive and takes in their environment in the first quiet alert phase. Then, expect them to begin responding to sights and sounds, such as lights or your presence. Crying often comes next.

What Issues Should You Look Out For?

Newborn care in Newport, TN, may involve dealing with your child refusing to sleep or being fussy. Existing conditions, such as room temperature, may cause newborn discomfort. Babies can become confused depending on their daytime conditions. Parents should ensure babies recognize natural light so they can become accustomed to it during the day and associate it with being awake. You should also ensure the nighttime environment is quiet and dark so the baby can naturally go to sleep. In some cases, children may have a condition called colic, in which they cry excessively for no exact reason. They may also be experiencing gas or reflux after eating. Be careful that your newborn only associates sleep with specific conditioning, such as using a pacifier or rocking.

The first year of life is fragile as newborns adjust to the world. Part of that adjustment involves an evolving sleep cycle. Dr. Pucket and Dr. Sauceman are your professional team at Newport Pediatrics. When you need newborn sleep care in Newport, TN. Call us at (423) 623-0653 for an appointment.