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About my baby
Why do my baby sleeps at day time and awake during night?
How to change the sleeping habit of my baby?
He is a preterm baby 2 months old now and he cries often for no reason.
Answers (8)
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In preterm babies, sleep–wake cycles usually take more time to settle compared to full-term babies. Even in the womb, when the mother is active and moving, the baby gets gently rocked and tends to sleep, and when the mother rests or sleeps, the baby often becomes more active—this pattern can continue after birth. In full-term babies, sleep patterns usually start becoming more organized within the first 3 months, but in preterm babies this process may be prolonged. This is normal, and sleep is actually very important for their growth and brain development. It is best not to force a strict sleep pattern early on. You can help gently by keeping lights dim at night and maintaining a calm environment, and over time the baby’s sleep rhythm will naturally improve.
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I totally understand your concern. Before suggesting treatment, I would like to ask a few questions to ensure the correct management can be provided.
Contact me on Practo or WhatsApp chat.
Contact number: 97012307 two nine
Dr. G. Avinash MBBS, MD (Pediatrics) Fellowship in Neonatology
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This sleeping habit is absolutely normal. It will gradually change as the baby starts getting aware of surroundings with day light and sound. Try not to stimulate when the baby wakes up at night. Keep the lights dim and feed. Don’t keep the room dark during the day when the baby is sleeping. There are many reasons a baby can cry- for diaper change, uncomfortable clothing, needing swaddling, needing change of vision or stimulation, hunger, colic, etc..
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If still have more doubts kindly do video consultation
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Dr. Bhatt Vivek Prafulchandra
Pediatrician
5 yrs exp
Rajkot
It's very common
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Dr. Sushmitha Trivedi
Pediatrician
8 yrs exp
Gulbarga
Baby’s nervous system is still developing. So the sleep wake up cycle is also under process of development. It takes 6-8m for the babies to have the normal cycle. Don’t try to change the habit or anything.
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Dr. Shiv Tej N
Pediatrician
11 yrs exp
Bangalore
It is very common for young babies—especially preterm infants—to sleep more during the day and stay awake at night. This happens because their biological clock (day–night rhythm) is still immature.
During the day, keep the environment bright and normal (light, routine household sounds)
During the night, keep lights dim and interactions calm
Try to maintain a fixed bedtime routine (bath, feed, sleep)
Ensure proper feeding and burping
Gentle rocking, swaddling, or white noise may help soothe the baby
Avoid overstimulation before sleep
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Dr. Sakshi Agarwal
Pediatrician
6 yrs exp
Ghaziabad
Sleeping during the day and waking up in the night is because their sleep cycle has not been developed. Usually when they are inside womb, they sleep while the mother is awake and vice versa. The sleep cycle will get established gradually over next 1-2 months.
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1. Keep the environment calm and lights off while you are making him sleep
2. Adequate breastfeeding helps the baby calm down
3. Check for soiled diapers, too tight clothings, over clothing
4. most babies require gentle swaddling and cuddling during the night. also they require feeds atleast 2-3 times in the night. Make sure you are feeding them well.
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.