The first few weeks with a newborn are a concentrated blend of tenderness... and fatigue. If you feel like your baby sleeps peacefully during the day but keeps you awake for a good part of the night, don't panic: this phenomenon is very common and temporary. This is called day/night confusion, and it's neither a whim nor a manufacturing defect. Simply put, your baby doesn't yet have the maturity to distinguish between the two.
Ouatine & Cumulus gives you its tips to help your baby learn to sleep.
Why does my baby confuse day and night? 😕
In utero, your baby develops calmly, lulled by your movements during the day, which soothes them and promotes sleep. Conversely, at night, the baby is often more active since you are lying down and still. The baby follows its mother's biological rhythm, without truly integrating a rhythm of its own. At birth, it enters a world where the concept of a circadian rhythm – this famous day/night cycle – still has no meaning for them.
It's only around 6 to 8 weeks that a newborn gradually begins to distinguish day from night. And even then, that doesn't mean their rhythm is totally regular. But this is the age when the baby will start to have slightly longer awake phases during the day, which will help space out their nighttime feeds.
Every child takes the time necessary for their own development. So, above all, don't compare them to the babies around you and adapt to your baby's rhythm and progress.
How to help them distinguish between day and night? 🌞
During the first few weeks, babies sleep a lot – often more than 16 hours a day – but without a clear distinction between morning, afternoon naps, and night. However, you can already lay the groundwork.
Create a daytime atmosphere 💡
To help your baby understand the concept of daytime, focus on natural light. Go for a walk, gently expose them to daylight, but not directly to sunlight. Open the curtains or install thin ones that will provide a subdued atmosphere in the room. This helps them synchronize their biological clock and gradually integrate their circadian rhythm.
During their awake phases, gently stimulate them: little songs, caresses, visual games, an animated voice. Even if the moments are short, they are precious. Don't stop living when they fall asleep for a nap; take the opportunity to vacuum, listen to music. You can make some noise, always reasonably, of course. You get the idea: let the house live: a little noise, subdued light, or open curtains.
Another tip: have them sleep in a different place than at night. For example, a nap in the living room or in a different bassinet from their night bed can create a distinction in their mind.
Offer distinct nap and bedtime routines 🕐
Offer a flexible sleep rhythm adapted to your baby's needs, but be sure to implement small routines to bring regularity to sleep, with naps spread throughout the day. Absolutely no long naps in the late afternoon, otherwise, hello midnight party.
Baby Sleep: Our Tips for a Peaceful Bedtime
Waking up at night: how to react 🌟
You've just fallen asleep when, suddenly... your baby's cries can be heard. A feeding, a cuddle, a burp, a diaper change... Night wakings are part of the package. At night, your mission (should you choose to accept it) is simple: don't turn this moment into an overstimulating activity.
Adopt "night mode" 🌙
If your baby wakes up at night, it's essential to keep the room's atmosphere as calm as possible. Avoid long conversations, games, overly cheerful looks. Opt for dim lighting, just enough to see what you're doing, but not bright enough to stimulate them. Feed, change the diaper if necessary, and then, back to sleep.
Also, avoid overly dynamic interactions; your voice can be soft, but not cheerful as during the day. This contrast helps them understand that at night, we sleep (or at least... we try).
A different ritual 🌜
Unlike during the day, we don't play cheerful music or use flashing mobiles. In fact, did you know that mobiles are not recommended for putting your child to sleep, as they can be overstimulating? If you have a bedtime routine, keep it calm, simple, and repetitive: a soothing bath, a gentle lullaby, a quiet cuddle.
Your baby will quickly associate these gestures with a longer separation period, that of nighttime sleep.
Sleep Bonus: The little extras that make a difference 💤
Offer baby a reassuring environment with a cocoon that recalls the softness of the maternal womb. Their natural flexed position will reassure them, helping them feel secure and fall asleep more easily, for better physical and psychological development.
If, despite your efforts, nothing changes or if the awakenings are associated with inconsolable cries, do not hesitate to consult a professional. Sometimes, a medical cause (such as gastroesophageal reflux) can explain sleep disturbances and discomfort related to the horizontal position.
Ouatine & Cumulus, falling asleep safely 👶
Learning to sleep is a non-linear process. There will be progress, regressions, endless nights... and then, suddenly, a little more regularity. Don't get discouraged.
Every baby is unique. You can't do things for them, but you can gently guide them towards more peaceful sleep. By providing a clear framework, distinguishing between awake and rest times, you are already giving them wonderful landmarks.
And remember: your baby's development is not a sprint, but an adventure, with you as a benevolent guide.
