Your baby's sleep needs may vary depending on their age. Of course, a 2-month-old baby's sleep pattern is different from that of a newborn or older baby. Understanding the baby's sleep pattern is important to ensure that his sleep needs can be fulfilled, so that the growth process is optimal.
Generally, babies aged 2 months need to sleep about 16 hours per day, with sleep time at night longer than during the day, which is about 9 hours. However, it is possible that your little one wakes up every few hours because he is hungry and needs to be fed.
Various Ways to Shape 2-Month Baby Sleep Patterns
Babies will usually begin to have regular sleep patterns with long duration without being disturbed when they enter the age of 5-6 months. Even so, you can shape your little one's sleep patterns since he was 2 months old, in the following ways:
1. Enough nap time
Entering the age of 2 months, the baby's desire to communicate can increase, so he wants to stay awake longer during the day. This is certainly fun. Even so, make sure your little one gets enough sleep, for example by getting him used to taking a nap.
A 2 month old baby should not get up and play for more than two hours as this will tire him out. When tired, the baby can become very fussy and just don't want to sleep.
2. Teach the difference between day and night
During the first 2 months, babies can not distinguish between day and night. Babies don't understand that the day is when they are active and at night it is time to rest. Therefore, you need to teach this to your little one.
During the day, play actively with your little one. Make all rooms bright and let the sounds of daily activities, such as the sound of washing machines, cars, music, and more, be heard by your little one. Even while breastfeeding, you should keep your little one awake. Do this, except when he's napping.
Instead at night, keep the room dim and quiet. When your little one wakes up, don't give him a toy or talk to him for too long at a loud volume.
3. Observing the signs of a sleepy baby
Babies who are tired and sleepy will usually yawn, rub their eyes, tug at their ears, or become more fussy. If your little one shows these signs, you should put him in bed even though he is still awake.
This method will teach your little one to be able to sleep on their own and make their sleep patterns regular. If when your little one is sleepy, the mother holds him first until he falls asleep and then puts him on the bed, the little one will learn that he needs to be rocked before going to bed.
4. Create a bedtime routine
Mothers need to do an activity regularly before going to bed so that your little one gets used to and feels comfortable with the routine. The activities can be varied, according to what you want, for example breastfeeding, changing into pajamas, or singing a song before bed.
5. Letting the baby sleep even though it seems to be moving
Your little one may be moving his body, sucking his fingers, frowning, or smiling while sleeping. This is a normal thing. Mother does not need to panic and immediately wake him up, because it will interfere with his sleep time. But if your little one whines or cries for a few minutes, you need to check, because maybe your little one is hungry or cold.
A 2 month old baby's sleep pattern is sometimes irregular. However, if your little one sleeps too long or wakes up frequently, you should check your little one with a pediatrician so that the cause can be identified.
