Helping Preemies Get Their Sleep in Gear
Helping Preemies Sleep
Preemie sleep can be very touch-and-go. Exhaustion sets in quickly for preemie moms and dads who might already feel overwhelmed and even a bit shell-shocked. Early babies can look so tiny and vulnerable, and the newborn intensive care unit (NICU) can be such an intimidating place. It’s a trying time for many parents, to say the least.
Do Preemies Have Trouble Sleeping?
Life with your early baby continues to be challenging and exhausting even when you’re back in the comfort of your own home. It’s pretty typical for preemies to wake every 3 hours, all night long. It sounds odd, but the dark stillness of home can be jarring for babies accustomed to all the light and noise of the NICU.
It can be stressful for parents when their preemie’s fussiness spikes suddenly, seemingly out of left field. It’s not that the hospital nurses were more gifted at calming…it’s because preemies don’t start the normal baby fussy period until they reach their due date. Most parents aren’t aware that crying typically accelerates 1 to 2 weeks after bringing a preemie home.
Fortunately, my 5 S's method for soothing babies will give your little one some of the 4th trimester cuddling she missed, plus an entire 4th trimester of soothing stimulation to keep her happy! During the day, I recommend nursing your baby often and giving her an abundance of loving skin-to-skin contact, holding and rocking. These are all sweet ways to keep the calming reflex turned on and reduce overstimulation from the sharp noises and commotion of your home.
When Should a Preemie Sleep Through the Night?
Typically we see preterm babies sleep 6 to 8 hours per night at around 6 to 8 months. The length of time they sleep gradually gets longer with each passing month.
Preemie Sleepers: What Should a Preemie Sleep In?
Happiest Baby had preemies (and their parents) top of mind when we invented SNOO Smart Sleeper,the bassinet that uses responsive technology based on the principles of the 5 S’s. When your little bug stirs, white noise and womb-like motion kick in, to help soothe him back to sleep during those night wakings, so frequent for preemies. SNOO also helps stretch sleep longer by mimicking those 4th trimester sensations your early baby craves.
Perhaps one of the most incredible benefits of SNOO as a preemie sleeper is the peace of mind it brings parents. It’s a connected product that sends a smart phone alert when your infant needs more than SNOO can provide…she’s hungry or only her mom or dad’s hold stop a particularly bad bout of crying. In addition, the specially designed SNOO Sack swaddle clips into the crib, preventing babies from rolling to the stomach, making it the safest baby bed ever made.
Independent of SNOO, using a swaddle and white noise are wonderful cues for promoting sleep for preemies.
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Preemie Sleep and Parental Self-Care
Most parents find this advice annoying (sorry!) because they hear it ad nauseam, but nap when you can! Preemie parents, more than others, need to prioritize sleep and self-care. You’ll more than double your trouble if you or your baby gets sick.
Don’t feel guilty about asking for help or paying for it. But on that note, be selective about who you let in the house. Open your doors to the helpers you can count on the most so you can take a break (have everyone wash their hands like mad!); limit other visitors (especially children) to prevent the spread of illness. And finally, boost immunity by breastfeeding your baby if you’re able and get all her shots promptly. Don’t forget: Mom, Dad, and other family members need their shots too, to keep your household safe!
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