Laying healthy foundations for sleep in the fourth trimester.
New parents might be familiar with the term “fourth trimester,” which refers to the first three months after the birth of a child. It’s a period of significant adjustment for babies and parents alike, since newborns are very much dependent on their caregivers while undergoing rapid developmental changes outside the womb.
During the fourth trimester, parents are learning on the fly, especially when it comes to ensuring quality sleep for themselves and their growing little one. Infants will be adapting to sudden daily and nightly patterns, plus all of the overwhelming stimuli in their external environment. On top of that, moms and dads are figuring out how to navigate the responsibilities of parenthood, including caring for their baby and, somehow, themselves. Getting good rest is one of the biggest challenges a young family faces in this three-month window!
The point of acknowledging the fourth trimester as the true conclusion of pregnancy is that it’s full of ups and downs, and new parents deserve support in riding those waves so that they can strike a balance that works for the entire household. A huge step in achieving this is planning your baby’s sleep schedule so everyone’s getting the rest they need.
Building healthy habits early
Research tells us that babies who sleep well from an early age are healthier later in childhood, and the fourth trimester is the best time to begin sleep training. By being proactive about establishing a routine for your newborn immediately, they’ll only know structured sleep from day one, which will make sleep training less stressful for both of you.
Understand that it’ll require patience and flexibility regardless of how committed your family is to making this happen! Babies don’t come with a handbook—each one is unique, and yours may just take a bit longer to acclimate to regular sleep based on their age group. Stay consistent and positive as you implement these tips to nudge your newborn toward a smooth and rewarding routine.
Utilize their awake windows to dictate feeding/sleeping times
Technically, babies aren’t able to follow an actual sleep schedule until they’re at least four months old due to the absence of any circadian rhythm. This means the fourth trimester leads up to that threshold, so think of it as a chance to prepare your little one for better rest as soon as possible.
Recognize that newborns wake to feed, and if you try to override that hunger signal in favor of more scheduled rest, it’ll have seriously negative consequences. Heeding your baby’s ebbs and flows makes for stronger foundational sleep habits when the time is right.
Newborn awake windows generally last between 60-90 minutes, so you can expect plenty of napping throughout the day. Once you’ve figured out your baby’s specific windows, you can accommodate their waking hours with expertly timed feedings that will then benefit their sleep. The interconnectedness of feeding and sleeping gives parents the opportunity to arrange their newborn’s days and nights around their two most basic yet crucial needs.
Consider the impact of your baby’s bedroom
Another component of restful sleep is the environment. Your baby is probably sleeping in your bedroom during the fourth trimester—whether they’re next to your bed or in a nursery nearby, this room should be quiet, dark, and at a nice temperature to provide substitute cues for their not-yet-functional circadian rhythm. That comfort is a major factor in encouraging quality rest for your little one, and you’ll want to mitigate any distractions in their nursery. You could even use sound machines to mask disruptive noises.
Of course, it’s essential to follow safety guidelines for baby sleep pertaining to the crib itself, too. Other recommended practices include placing your baby on their back, opting for a firm mattress with a fitted sheet, and keeping soft bedding, pillows, and stuffed animals out of the crib entirely.
Some babies struggle to sleep soundly in a crib or bassinet, but like most underlying issues with baby sleep, this is a solvable hiccup. There is always a root cause for your infant’s restlessness, and making sure their environment isn’t part of that does wonders.
Take note of their sleep cues and nuances
Your little one’s sleep cues (eye-rubbing, yawning, fussing, etc.) offer valuable insight as you outline their typical timetables. If you pay attention to those cues, you’re able to anticipate their sleep windows and schedule accordingly. Regardless of how well-equipped you are, babies will often fight sleep for various reasons or experience false starts, both of which detract from their overall rest. The fourth trimester is a really useful span of time for parents to refine those dysfunctional moments and avoid them in the future.
No matter what, night wakings will be a frequent occurrence… ah, the nature of new parenthood! At this age, babies are too young to self-soothe, so they’ll seek comfort and reassurance when they wake at night in addition to feeding and changing. If your newborn is easily overstimulated, you might be dealing with more night wakings than usual. They could also be light sleepers, which complicates that crib transition. Whatever the obstacle, My Sweet Sleeper is here for you!
Make the most of the fourth trimester
Admittedly, not a lot about the fourth trimester is stable. There will be dirty diapers, empty bottles, and piles of laundry, but there will also be immense happiness thanks to the bundle of joy you’ve brought home. Your family is still under construction! Though these initial few months of parenthood bring plenty of unknowns, you can take advantage of this time to get your baby on track for healthy, balanced sleep within the year
And parents, it’s equally vital to prioritize self-care amidst the chaos of newborn life. It’ll prevent burnout and keep you sharp, which is more important now than ever before. You’re doing great!
Don’t sweat baby sleep in the fourth trimester: it’ll all come together, especially with My Sweet Sleeper on your side. We specialize in helping families achieve their sleep goals, from newborns to toddlers. For further pediatric sleep support, book a consultation today!
