Supporting New Parents
“Is your baby sleeping through the night?” This seems like the question that everyone asks parents of newborns, however, it can set up unrealistic expectations. It is important to remember that babies sleep a lot, but it is normal for them to not “sleep through the night.” Even once babies develop a regular sleep cycle (around six months of age), “sleeping through the night” does not mean they are sleeping all night. When experts and parenting books talk about babies “sleeping through the night,” they are usually talking about any six-hour stretch. That means that if baby falls asleep at 8 p.m. and wakes up at 2 a.m., he has technically “slept through the night.”
Did you know that frequent waking is actually a good thing? Waking up often to eat can help increase milk supply, ensure that baby is gaining weight appropriately, and is protective against sleep-related infant death.
With all this waking, we know new parents are tired. What are some things that you can do to support a new parent in your life?
- Instead of asking if baby sleeps through the night, ask questions about baby’s smile or things baby likes.
- Ask what you can do to help.
- Be encouraging.
- Drop off a meal.
- Check in often – text or call.
- Listen.
- Give a break when you can.
- Be supportive of safe sleep.
- Help connect the parent to resources.
For more information about realistic expectations for baby’s sleep, view our resource Baby Eating and Sleeping: What is Normal?. For more information about infant safe sleep, go to Michigan.gov/SafeSleep.
