WHY IT IS IMPORTANT THAT MY BABY SLEEPS
…for the exactly same reasons it is important for you to sleep! When you are exhausted, you are irritable and a lot less able to learn new things; process information; put up with other people (eg your husband!). Quite frankly, lack of sleep will likely put you in an all-round bad mood.
Your baby is exactly the same.
However, his brain is a lot smaller than yours and he therefore needs a lot more sleep than you do. A well slept baby = a happy baby! A happy baby = a happy, non stressed mummy! (And for the dads…. Remember that a happy wife = happy life!!)
When your baby arrives, his little body will be in a state of rapid development—especially his brain. Making sleep a priority will set your baby up for future success.
Why sleep is important... for your newborn, getting enough sleep is essential.
Here’s why:
1. Most of your baby’s brain development happens when he is sleeping.
2. Your baby’s brain stores what they’ve learned that day during sleep; creating and processing memories.
3. Sleep is the time that a body removes cell waste through the lymphatic system; washing away all the toxins that have built up during the day.
4. Lack of sleep can cause bigger problems down the road: cognitive issues and developmental delays, etc. can sometimes be linked to not getting enough sleep.
5. A 2008 study found that children sleeping less than 10 hours a night before age 3 were more likely to have language and reading problems, and even ADHD. A 2013 study showed that children with irregular bedtimes up to the age of three had more difficulty in reading, maths, and spatial awareness than children with more consistent bedtimes.
6. Sleep promotes growth so don’t be surprised if your baby looks as if he has grown over night…he probably has! Growing requires a lot of energy and a lot of downtime.
7. A baby who gets enough sleep is going to generally be more agreeable, eat better, be less fussy, be easier to soothe, more responsive, etc. A well-rested baby is a happy baby!