Sleeping like a baby: The impact lack of sleep has on new parents

  • Wales
Three in ten people with babies under 18 months say they get around 4 hours sleep a night

Whoever came up with the statement 'sleeping like a baby' has perhaps never spent time in the company of a newborn.

The birth of a child has drastic short-term effects on new mothers’ sleep, particularly during the first three months after birth but the impact can continue for many years.

Researchers at the University of Warwick recently found that parents' sleep patterns can be affected up to six years after having a baby.

  • So how 'normal' is your babies' sleep pattern?

Three in ten people with babies under 18 months say they sleep, on average, between three and four hours per night, according to a recent survey.

Almost two in five say they are kept up worrying about their babies breathing properly.

But the consequence of lack of sleep means more than just feeling tired.

According to experts it can negatively impact relationships, as 59% of parents with children under 18 months, admit sleep deprivation leads to more arguments between them and their partners.

Newborn babies' sleep patterns can vary from 8 up to 18 hours a day Credit: PA Images

The amount of sleep a baby needs will vary but according to NHS guidelines the list below shows the average amount of sleep babies and children need during a 24-hour period, including daytime naps.

  • Newborns - Most newborn babies are asleep more than they are awake. Their total daily sleep varies, but can be from 8 hours up to 16 or 18 hours. Babies will wake during the night because they need to be fed. Being too hot or too cold can also disturb their sleep.

  • 3 - 6 months - As your baby grows, they'll need fewer night feeds and will be able to sleep for longer. Some babies will sleep for 8 hours or longer at night, but not all. By 4 months, they may be spending around twice as long sleeping at night as they do during the day.

  • 6 to 12 months - For babies aged 6 months to a year, night feeds may no longer be necessary and some babies will sleep for up to 12 hours at night. Teething discomfort or hunger may wake some babies during the night.

  • 12 months to 2 years - Babies will sleep for around 12 to 15 hours in total after their first birthday.

A common question that parents of newborn babies get asked is, "Does your baby sleep?". One expert said this can put pressure on parents at an already stressful time.

Here are some top tips by Louise Goncalves to help your newborn baby sleep:

  • Establish the difference between daytime and nighttime - newborns do not know the difference and it can take up to 3 months.

  • Change tone of voice and body language - Calm and considered and nighttime, fun and energetic during the day.

  • Use Music - in the background play upbeat music during the day and quiet classical music during the evening.

  • Establish a bedtime routine - i.e. bath, story, clean nappy and babygrow.