21/08/2024
đź’¤ What Does Normal Baby Sleep Look Like?
👉 Well, it depends on who’s defining “normal” and how.
In WEIRD (Western Educated Industrialized Rich Democratic) societies, parents often feel pressure to encourage independence in their babies as early as possible. We’ve been taught to equate a “good” baby with a sleeping baby. How many times have you heard, “Is she a good baby? Is she sleeping?”
🌙 But here’s the truth: It’s unrealistic to expect a human infant to sleep alone for long periods, given what we know about infant biology. Since the industrial revolution, the way adults and children live, work, and sleep has changed drastically. This has created a mismatch between what parents expect and what babies are biologically capable of.
🤯 The result? Stress for parents who don’t have an “average baby.”
💡 Remember: There’s a wide range of normal when it comes to baby sleep. Understanding and working with your baby’s unique sleep needs—not against them—can help reduce stress for both you and your baby.
