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To all new parents, I would like to congratulate you on embarking the most exciting, rewarding, and exhausting journey of your life. As much as you want to enjoy time with your little, sleep deprivation is now at its peak. You are trying hard to put your little one to sleep but struggling too especially when it comes to sleep. And not just any kind of sleep, we’re talking about the elusive newborn not sleeping after feeding. You know, the one where you can finally catch up on your own Zzz’s without a tiny human attached to your boob or screaming their head off in the crib next to you.
In this post, I am going to dive into reasons behind newborns not sleeping after feeding, and give you some tips to help your little one (and you!) catch some much-needed shut-eye.
Understanding the sleep patterns of a newborn
Ah, newborns. Those cute little creatures that are basically adorable sacks of potatoes that poop and cry all the time. But did you know that they also have a weird sleep pattern? They can sleep for just a few minutes or several hours at a time, and they wake up every few hours to feed. It’s like having a little party animal that never sleeps, except instead of shots, they’re downing milk like there’s no tomorrow.
And let’s talk about their sleep cycles. It’s like they’re on a whole different planet compared to us adults. They spend most of their sleep time in the REM (rapid eye movement) stage, which is when they’re more likely to wake up. Honestly, it’s like they’re training for some kind of marathon where they have to be ready to scream for food at a moment’s notice. But don’t worry, as they get older, they’ll spend more time in the non-REM sleep stage, which is when they’re in a deeper sleep. Until then, enjoy the constant waking and feeding, and maybe invest in some good coffee.
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5 Reasons behind newborn not sleeping after feeding
Newborn are so adorable and squishy and…wait, why won’t they sleep?! It’s like they’re tiny little insomniacs. So, why won’t they catch some Z’s after chowing down on some milk? Here are 5 reasons behind newborns not sleeping after feeding
- Overstimulation: Maybe your little one is just too jazzed up after seeing all the cool stuff in the world for the first time. I mean, have you seen how fascinating ceiling fans are?
- Gas or colic: Ah, yes, the dreaded gas. It’s like your baby is trying to compete in the Olympics for loudest and most impressive toots. Just make sure to have some burp cloths on hand and maybe some earplugs. Learn more about best sleeping positions for babies with gas
- Hunger: You just fed your baby, but they’re still not sleeping? Maybe they’re going through a growth spurt and need some extra fuel. Or maybe they’re just practicing for their future career as a competitive eater.
- Wet or dirty diaper: Hey, if you had a soggy or poopy bottom, you wouldn’t want to sleep either. Make sure to check and change that diaper, stat.
- Sleep association: Ah, the old “falling asleep while eating” trick. It’s like your baby is trying to pull a fast one on you, but you’re onto their game. Time to establish a bedtime routine and teach them how to fall asleep on their own.
6 Tips for Helping Newborns Sleep After Feeding
Putting a newborn baby to sleep is like trying to fold a fitted sheet – it seems easy in theory, but in reality, it’s a frustrating and never-ending process. It’s like a game of “find the right position” or “guess what’s wrong now.” But hey, at least with a fitted sheet, you can eventually give up and just throw it in the closet. Unfortunately, you can’t do that with a newborn! Here are 6 simple tricks to promote newborns sleep after feeding
- Keep the environment calm and quiet: After feeding your newborn, try to keep the environment calm and quiet to help them fall asleep. This can mean dimming the lights and speaking softly.
- Try different feeding positions: Sometimes, changing the feeding position can help newborns feel more comfortable and relaxed, which can lead to better sleep. Experiment with different positions to see what works best for your baby.
- Burp your baby: Make sure to burp your baby after feeding to release any trapped gas that could be causing discomfort and interrupting their sleep. Here are 15 baby burping tricks
- Swaddle your baby: Swaddling your newborn can help them feel secure and snug, which can promote better sleep. Just make sure to swaddle them correctly and safely.
- Use white noise: White noise can mimic the comforting sounds of the womb and help soothe your baby to sleep. You can use a white noise machine or simply play some calming music or sounds.
- Establish a bedtime routine: Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can help your newborn understand when it’s time to sleep. This can include a bath, a lullaby, and a feeding before putting them down to sleep. Learn Tips and tricks to establish bedtime routine
Remember, every baby is different and what works for one may not work for another. Don’t be afraid to try different methods and see what works best for your little one. And most importantly, be patient and take care of yourself too!
Conclusion
I hope these tips and tricks on newborn not sleeping after feeding, will make your sleepless nights a little less exhausting and a lot more manageable.
Is it important to be patient and persistent when it comes to getting your little one to sleep. You might have to try a few different techniques before finding what works best for you and your baby..
If all fails, remember this is just a phase. Although, I hope this post has provided some helpful insights into the reasons why newborns may not sleep after feeding, and how you can help your baby get the rest they need.
So go ahead, try out these tips, and don’t forget to get some rest yourself. Because let’s face it, as a new parent, you deserve all the sleep you can get.
Thanks for reading, and good luck on your parenting journey!
Newborn not sleeping after feeding
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Disclaimer: The content of this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.