Sleep for 2 week olds

After infants have regained their birthweight and feeding is established, parents no longer need to wake their child at night. Begin by creating a loud, bright stimulating daytime where people talk and full voice, listen to music and watch T.V. In contrast, nighttime should be dark and boring where one parent wakes and calmly feeds the newborn in dim lighting. It is my experience, that in simply providing a “nighttime” environment and waiting for the child to sleep that most babies will sleep 6 to 8 hours stretches consistently between 2 to 4 months

A bedtime routine will help signify the beginning of nighttime. Our newborn bedtime routine begins around 10 pm (1) feed (2) bath (3)dress/swaddle (4)feed again/top off. During this process dim the lights and speak calmly. After only a few nights of this routine, you will see your child relax and prepare for sleep.

Many grandmothers will tell you that you need to feed a baby solids to get them to sleep through the night. Medical studies contradict these thoughts. All seven of my children have learned to sleep through the night before 3 months and before they ever had solid foods.

Written October, 2010 by
Dr. Gordon, Orlando Pediatrician