Child Development 101: Why Babies Need Their Zzzzs

Newborns need a lot of sleep because they're adjusting to a new environment and experiencing rapid growth. Many babies can double their body weight by the age of 5 months. 

"During sleep, our bodies are rebuilding and allowing us to rest from the day, but for newborns, there's a lot of development going on in both the brain and the body," explains Florence Nelson with ZERO TO THREE, a nonprofit organization that promotes the health and development of infants and toddlers.  

According to the organization, a newborn's brain is about 25 percent of its approximate adult weight. But by age 3, it has grown dramatically by producing billions of cells and hundreds of trillions of connections, or synapses, between these cells. 

As the brain matures over the first months, growth continues but at a slower rate and babies lengthen alternating periods of activity and sleep. By preschool, many children need one nap a day and most go without naps by kindergarten.

To ensure babies get plenty of sleep, Nelson says parents should:  

• Establish a bedtime routine. This will help babies learn to fall asleep and understand they need to stay in bed during sleeping hours.
• Help babies soothe themselves. Those who can suck their thumb or sleep with a stuffed toy or blanket will have an easier time falling asleep and can help themselves fall back asleep when they awaken.
• Understand sleep patterns can change. Babies who have been sleeping a consistent number of hours a night might suddenly be waking up. If this happens, look at whether there's been a change in routine, such as preschool or a new family member. If needed, re-establish bedtime routines and make sure your child feels comfortable and secure at bedtime.

For more information and resources, visit http://www.zerotothree.org/child-development/sleep/

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