A guide to decoding baby sleep!

Crack the code to better baby sleep—and rest easier as a family.

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DR. NAHED SABRY

EDUCATION MANAGER, JOHNSON'S BABY HOSPITAL

Navigating infant sleep can feel like solving a mystery, but parents can create healthy sleep habits for their little ones with the proper knowledge. It’s all about breaking down your baby’s sleep cycles and developmental milestones and building on best practices to help the whole family rest better.

Understanding Baby Sleep Cycles: Newborns typically sleep between 14

to 17 hours a day, but their sleep cycles are short, which means they wake up

frequently. As they grow, they start to develop more consistent sleep patterns.

Creating a predictable routine can help ease these transitions and promote better

sleep in the long run.

Milestones That Impact Sleep:

Developmental changes can disrupt sleep at key stages:

• Four months: Babies develop longer sleep cycles, often leading to sleep

• regressions.

• Six months: Many can sleep through the night with a well-established routine.

• Teething & growth spurts: Temporary sleep disturbances are common but

• manageable.

Best Practices for Creating a Healthy Sleep Environment: An ideal

sleep environment is essential for a newborn’s rest and well-being. The right

atmosphere can promote longer, more restful sleep, helping your baby feel secure

and comfortable. By setting up a calming, soothing space, parents can ensure their

little one has the best foundation for healthy sleep habits from the very start.

Read the article in the April 2025 edition!

Here’s how you can achieve that perfect setting:

• Keep it Dark & Quiet – Use blackout curtains and a white noise machine to block out disturbances.

• Control Room Temperature – Maintain a cool, comfortable temperature (18-22°C) to prevent overheating.

• Choose the Right Sleepwear – Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics

• like cotton or bamboo to keep the baby cool and comfortable and prevent overheating.

• Stick to a Bedtime Routine – Establish a comforting nightly ritual to help your baby relax and prepare for sleep.

1. Begin with a warm bath to soothe and loosen tiny muscles, followed by a

massage using baby oils enriched with gentle ingredients such as Aloe & Vitamin

E. This keeps the skin soft and moisturized and helps your baby feel calm and

relaxed.

2. Finally, wind down with quiet time, creating a peaceful atmosphere that

signals bedtime and ensures your baby feels secure, comfortable, and ready for

rest.

Supporting Parental Well-Being: Sleep deprivation can significantly impact

mood and overall health, making it crucial for parents to find ways to rest and

recharge. Sharing nighttime duties, taking power naps, and seeking support from

loved ones or professionals can help alleviate the strain and maintain well-being.

When to Seek Help

If your baby has trouble sleeping consistently past six months, wakes up

distressed often, snores loudly, or remains excessively fussy, consulting a pediatric

sleep expert can help identify solutions.

Decoding baby sleep doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding your

baby’s unique sleep needs and following the right practices, you can create a

peaceful and nurturing environment that supports their growth and your family’s

well-being. Better sleep is within reach with time, patience, and a little guidance.