Sleep Schedules
Six weeks into your parenting journey, and you might be marveling at your baby’s first social smiles. Yet, as delightful as these moments are, you might also be puzzled by their erratic newborn sleep patterns. While the notorious 4-month sleep regression looms in the future, at six weeks, there isn’t a widely recognized sleep regression. However, that doesn’t mean all nights will be peaceful, leaving you to wonder, “Is there a 6-week-old sleep regression?”
In this blog, we’ll delve into the intricacies of a 6-week-old’s sleep, from the science behind their circadian rhythm and sleep patterns to the challenges of colic and the period of PURPLE crying. We’ll also provide insights to help you navigate this phase and maximize sleep for both you and your baby.
See here for our Sleep Regression Guide for All Ages.
Newborn sleep is spread throughout the day as babies develop their circadian rhythms and over time. These rhythms, which align with the pattern of night and day, influence when babies fall asleep and wake up. At this stage, newborns sleep in short spurts of one to two hours until their body begins to establish a more consistent sleep pattern. This fragmented sleep is also because infants need to eat often, both during the day and at night.
By six weeks, the breastfeeding game changes. While breast milk supply was driven primarily by hormones after birth, by 6 weeks, it’s all about supply and demand. Your baby’s feeding patterns directly influence your milk production. And with growth spurts around the corner, don’t be surprised if you find yourself in a seemingly endless cycle of evening feedings.
Six weeks in, and every feeding can still feel like a guessing game. Growth spurts can throw a wrench in any established routine, making your baby seem hungrier and fussier. Stay adaptable, and remember: this too shall pass.
Ever heard of dream feeding? It’s when you feed your baby just before you hit the sack, aligning their longest sleep stretch with yours. Post the 4- to 6-week growth spurt, this might be a strategy worth trying to enhance sleep cycles and encourage longer stretches of sleep during the night.
By now, you’ve probably had your post-birth check-in with the ob-gyn. It’s not just about physical recovery; it’s a time to address any emotional and mental challenges. Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone, and it’s okay to seek support.
Around the six-week mark, some babies might exhibit signs of colic — prolonged periods of crying without an apparent reason. This can be incredibly challenging for parents, but it’s essential to remember that colic is a phase that will pass.
Additionally, the period of PURPLE crying, which peaks around this age, refers to episodes where babies cry more frequently, especially in the evenings. It’s a normal developmental phase, albeit a stressful one for parents.
At 6 weeks old it’s normal for your little one to sleep anywhere from 11-19 hours in a 24-hour period. It’s still too soon to be able to follow a sleep schedule consistently, and you won’t see much regularity with the sleep schedule until they reach 3-4 months old and their sleep cycles and circadian rhythms mature.
Daytime Naps: Nap lengths are likely to be unpredictable – ranging anywhere from 10 minutes to 2 hours. You’ll likely notice that your little one is able to comfortably stay awake for 30-90 minutes between naps. It’s still common for your little one to be experiencing some day/night confusion at this age, but it usually resolves by 8 weeks of age.
Evening Sleep: This can be unpredictable, especially during the ‘witching hour.’ Your baby might cycle through short naps and feeds, making evenings a bit challenging.
Nighttime Sleep: It’s normal for baby to have a late bedtime at this age – you might find that the longest stretch of sleep your little one has starts as late as 10pm. Some babies may start to have a longer initial sleep stretch during the night, but don’t expect your little one to be sleeping continuously throughout the night. Their tiny stomachs mean they’ll still likely wake up every 2-4 hours for feeds. This frequent waking is not just about hunger; it’s also a protective mechanism against SIDS.
Parenting is exhausting! Around 6 weeks, many new parents start to hit a metaphorical wall. The initial rush of having a newborn baby is wearing off, the constant stream of visitors has likely started to slow, and the cumulative effects of 6 weeks of disrupted sleep are setting in. As you are settling into the new reality of the fourth trimester it’s very normal to wonder if you’ll ever sleep again.
The possibility of sleep training often becomes a topic of discussion once your baby reaches 4 months of age. However, at Batelle, we recommend focusing on establishing good sleep habits and routines until your baby has reached 6 months old, rather than starting formal sleep training before then. This is because, around the 6-month mark, many babies have achieved significant developmental milestones, such as developing gross motor skills that assist with self-soothing, like repositioning themselves during sleep, and are able to sleep for longer stretches.
However, there are still many things you can do to maximize sleep at set the stage for good sleep habits even before your little one is 6 months old. Our Batelle Babies program is designed to guide parents in creating a comforting, predictable sleep environment and responding to their baby’s needs during this crucial stage. Remember, the sleep patterns you’re seeing now won’t last forever. As your baby grows and matures, you’ll notice a permanent change in their sleep patterns, with longer stretches of sleep and more predictable naps.
With the knowledge that your baby’s sleep patterns are still evolving, here are some tips to help establish good sleep habits and maximize sleep:
Navigating the sleep patterns of a 6-week-old can be a blend of joy and challenges. Cherish the moments of connection, like those heartwarming social smiles, and know that with each passing week, you’re one step closer to more predictable nights and better sleep.
