Sleeping
During the first few weeks, your baby will probably sleep from feeding
to feeding. But as the baby gets older, sleep time diminishes. At first
the baby is awake more during one part of the day. Then the baby sleeps
less during other times of day. By the time the baby is a year old, he
or she will probably take only two naps a day—one in the morning and
one in the afternoon.
Most newborns are not disturbed by lights or by some noise and activity
around them, but if it is possible, you should provide a separate room
for the baby.
It has become popular among some parents to keep the young infant in the
same room as the parents—even in the parents’ bed. This can facilitate
breast feeding and is thought to enhance “bonding.” It is, however, a
mixed blessing. There is some evidence that these infants develop more
sleep problems later in the first year. Some parents have a difficult
time moving the infant out of their room once this pattern has begun.
When space is limited, the baby can still be somewhat separated from the
rest of the room by a room divider or a screen. The new baby will be
most comfortable in a bassinet or a small crib. When the baby is older,
a high-sided crib is a necessity.
