Establishing a proper sleep routine is one of the most challenging yet crucial aspects of newborn care. Dr. Shrawan Kumar, renowned neonatologist and director of New Born Care Centre (NBCC) in Patna, shares his expert advice to help parents create an effective sleep schedule for their infants.
Why Sleep Routine Matters
Newborns need 14-17 hours of sleep daily for proper growth and brain development. A consistent sleep routine:
- Regulates the baby’s circadian rhythm
- Reduces fussiness and colic
- Helps parents get adequate rest
- Promotes better feeding patterns
Dr. Kumar’s 5-Step Sleep Routine Method
- Set a Consistent Bedtime
Choose a fixed time between 7-9 PM and stick to it daily. Newborns thrive on predictability. - Create a Soothing Environment
- Maintain room temperature at 24-26°C
- Use dim lighting 30 mins before bedtime
- Play white noise or lullabies at low volume
- Establish Pre-Sleep Rituals
- Warm bath with gentle baby massage
- Change into fresh diaper and comfortable cotton clothes
- Quiet feeding session in a calm setting
- Safe Sleeping Position
Always place baby on their back as per AAP guidelines to prevent SIDS. Avoid loose bedding or toys in crib. - Day-Night Differentiation
- Keep daytime naps in lighted rooms with normal sounds
- Night feeds should be quiet with minimal interaction
Common Challenges & NBCC’s Solutions
At NBCC, Dr. Kumar’s team helps parents address:
- Frequent night wakings through scheduled feed training
- Day-night confusion with light exposure therapy
- Colic-related sleep issues with specialized massage techniques
When to Seek Help
Consult NBCC’s specialists if your baby:
- Consistently sleeps less than 10 hours in 24h
- Has extreme difficulty falling/staying asleep
- Shows abnormal breathing patterns during sleep
Pro Tip from Dr. Kumar: “Start implementing simple routines from 6-8 weeks age. Be patient – it takes 2-3 weeks for patterns to establish.”
New Born Care Centre offers personalized sleep consultation services where experts analyze your baby’s specific needs and create customized sleep plans. Remember, every baby is unique – what works for one may not work for another. With professional guidance and consistency, you can help your newborn develop healthy sleep habits that benefit their development and your wellbeing.