Understanding Your Baby’s Sleep
Ever wonder why your baby sleeps so differently from you? While adults spend long periods in deep, restorative sleep, babies have much shorter sleep cycles and spend more time in light, active sleep (Sleep Foundation). Newborns also haven't yet developed a circadian rhythm, so they don't know the difference between day and night. Instead, they sleep around the clock and wake frequently. While this can feel exhausting, these regular wakings are completely normal and play an important role in your baby's development. According to the NHS, in the first few months, waking more often is also linked to a reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Your baby's brain is growing at an incredible rate, and much of that development happens during sleep (NHS). Waking regularly to feed gives them the energy they need to support this rapid growth. Babies also have tiny tummies, and breast milk is digested quickly, so it's natural for them to need feeding little and often. As your baby grows, developmental milestones, growth spurts and sleep regressions can all affect their sleep patterns, so it's completely normal for routines to change over time
Understanding why your baby sleeps the way they do can make these changes feel less overwhelming and help you know what to expect as they grow. For tips on supporting your baby's sleep, managing night wakings and navigating sleep regressions, download our FREE Baby Sleep Guide:
