Baby Sleep – A Wealth of Knowledge

Newborns usually sleep 14 to 18 hours a day, some less, some more. Each baby has their own sleep needs.

Most babies wake regularly because their brain is actively learning and growing. Frequent waking is not a problem, it even protects them and trains vital functions.

Some babies sleep longer stretches after just a few weeks. Others still wake regularly at 18 months or more. Both are healthy. There is no point at which a baby "finally has to sleep through the night".

Why babies need food at night

Your baby's stomach is tiny, but their brain needs an enormous amount of energy. Breast milk is easily digestible, which is why your baby gets hungry again relatively quickly. Multiple night feedings are completely normal and important for development, whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.

In Germany, only extremely few babies die from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The risk can be further reduced through simple measures such as breastfeeding, not smoking, and sleeping on their back.

A few basic rules apply for safe sleep, no matter where your baby sleeps:

• ✓ Your baby lies on their back
• ✓ On a firm mattress
• ✓ Without heavy bedding, pillows, or stuffed animals
• ✓ The environment is smoke-free
• ✓ No siblings and no pets lie next to the baby
• ✓ The room is not too warm
• ✓ Don't dress your baby more warmly than you are dressed in bed yourself

Your baby sleeps most safely near you. Babies who regularly sleep in the protected parental bed sleep safely there.

In the family bed, it is especially important that no one has consumed alcohol, drugs, or medications that cause drowsiness. Premature babies or babies with very low birth weight should always sleep in their own bed.

Tiredness signs

Babies show their tiredness long before they cry. Your baby rubs their eyes, pulls at their earlobes, turns their gaze away, or starts to whimper. If you respond to these early signs, falling asleep will be easier for both of you.

Hunger signs

Likewise, there are early and late hunger signs. Your baby opens their mouth, turns their head searching back and forth, moves more, or brings their hand to their mouth. The earlier you respond to this, the more relaxed it is for both of you. A baby is fed when hungry, not by the clock.

Recognizing signs of tiredness

Babies show signs of tiredness long before they start crying. Responding to these signals early makes it easier for both you and your baby.

Recognizing hunger cues

There are early and late hunger cues. The earlier you respond, the easier it is for both of you. If your baby is already crying or kicking, calm them first and then feed. A baby is fed when hungry – not by the clock.

Babies relax best through closeness. Some calm down through movement, others through gentle sounds or your heartbeat.

Try what works for you: Carrying, rocking, long exhales, humming, going for a walk until your baby falls asleep, quiet activities with the baby in a carrier, or white noise. Once you've found something, stick with it for now. Consistency and patience demonstrably help more than any training.

The 4-7-8 breathing technique

If you want to calm yourself: Breathe in for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 7 seconds, and breathe out for 8 seconds. Repeat this four times. Your heartbeat becomes calmer, and your baby senses this calm.

The less stressed you are, the better your baby sleeps. On difficult days, think about which tasks can be dropped and what really needs to be done. Especially towards evening, it helps to slow down the pace.

Sometimes it is said that babies have fixed phases when they sleep worse. There is no evidence for this. Sleep difficulties often occur when your baby has learned something new, is teething, or is sick. Each baby develops at their own rhythm. More restless nights mean that your baby is developing. Now they simply need you more.

The first years are wonderful and exhausting. You sleep less, have to reorganize, and let go of many things. Look after each other, because especially the mother needs breaks. Share the work and accept help from outside as well.

People have always raised their children in community. It is completely normal to get support: Someone helps with housework or cooks for you, someone watches the baby for a while. Especially as a mother, you need relief. That is not weakness, but common sense.

This brochure was created in collaboration with experienced experts and the artgerecht education initiative.