Understanding Your Baby’s Eat-Play-Sleep Cycle
Welcoming a newborn into your life brings joy, wonder, and a whole lot of new experiences—including understanding their unique eat-and-play sleep cycle. Those initial weeks are a dance of short play periods and long naps, and as they grow, more playtime emerges. As our infant teachers know, this cycle isn’t set in stone. Sometimes hunger strikes, or they signal they’re ready to nap before showing hunger. At Westcliff Early Learning Academy our teachers are trained to tune into the infant’s cues. We wanted to share our simple routine to aid you during these early stages.
The Eat, Play, Sleep Cycle:
Wake-Up and Diaper Change: When your baby wakes up, greet them with a fresh diaper change.
Feeding Time: If your little one is hungry, offer milk or formula to satisfy their appetite.
Playtime Fun: Engage in some “play” activities if your baby is awake. Try tummy time, introduce black and white books or cards, take a gentle stroll outdoors, or explore the house while chatting with them.
Catch the Sleepy Signs: Keep an eye out for early sleepy cues, and when you spot them, help your baby settle down for a nap.
Repeat and Adapt: Continue following this cycle as it suits you and your baby’s needs.
Sleepy Signs to Watch For: As your baby gets tired, they might display signs like:
- Gazing with blank stares.
- Looking away or seeming disinterested.
Indicators of Readiness for Sleep: When naptime approaches, you may notice these signals:
- Yawning/ rubbing eyes.
- Getting fussy
Signs of Overtiredness: If your baby is overtired, they might exhibit behaviors such as:
- Arching their back.
- Clenching their fists.
- Crying inconsolably.
Embrace the journey of understanding your baby’s unique rhythm, and remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Trust your instincts, tune into your baby’s cues, and cherish these early moments—they’re fleeting and precious.
