As a new parent, you’re probably running on fumes, your body aching for just a few uninterrupted hours of sleep. You’ve likely found yourself in the middle of the night Googling, “When do babies start sleeping through the night?” Your friends might be telling you, “Hang in there. It gets better after three months,” or “My baby slept through the night after four months.” But what if you’re still stumbling around in a sleepless fog at six months? When do you finally get your sweet sleep back? Let's dive into the unpredictable world of baby sleep patterns, discuss what’s normal, and share some practical baby care tips to help you (and your little one) rest easy. The Reality of Baby Sleep Patterns Let’s be real: The question isn’t “when” babies will start sleeping through the night, but rather “how” you can help them get there. It's important to understand that every baby is different. Some might bless you with 6–8 hours of sleep as early as 8 weeks, while others may need a bit longer to find their rhythm. A baby’s sleep cycle is influenced by several factors: feeding habits, growth spurts, developmental milestones, and even temperament. Fact check: Most babies will not start sleeping through the night—meaning a stretch of 6-8 hours—until they are between 4 to 6 months old. Before this, their tiny tummies can't hold enough food to keep them satiated for such long periods, which means night feeds are inevitable. Common Sleep Challenges Parents Face If you’ve been lulled into believing that all babies magically sleep through the night at three months, you’re not alone. Parents often face several sleep-related challenges, such as: Frequent night wakings: Most newborns have shorter sleep cycles and wake up every few hours. If your baby wakes up crying every 2-3 hours, it’s normal. Trouble self-soothing: Some babies find it difficult to self-soothe, which means they need you to help them get back to sleep by rocking, feeding, or holding them. Sleep regression: Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, a growth spurt or developmental milestone may throw off your baby's sleep routine. Colic or gas issues: Colicky babies often have disrupted sleep patterns due to discomfort and frequent crying. The habit of comfort feeding: Babies might get used to being fed or rocked to sleep, creating a pattern that is hard to break later on. If you find yourself nodding your head to these points, remember—you’re not alone, and these are completely normal challenges every parent faces. Thankfully, there are solutions and strategies to help you navigate through these sleepless nights. How Can You Help Your Baby Sleep Through the Night? While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, there are several tried-and-tested baby care tips that might make your nights a little easier: 1. Establish a bedtime routine: Babies thrive on routines. Create a calming bedtime routine that includes activities like a warm bath, gentle massage, soft lullabies, or reading a book. Over time, this will signal to your baby that it's time to wind down and sleep. 2. Create a sleep-inducing environment: Keep the room dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature. Consider investing in a white noise machine or a soothing night light. This can help drown out other household noises and create a consistent sleep environment for your baby. 3. Teach your baby self-soothing: While it’s tempting to rock or feed your baby to sleep every time they wake up, this can form habits that are hard to break. Instead, give them a few moments to see if they can settle on their own before intervening. 4. Mind the sleep associations: If your baby associates falling asleep with being rocked or fed, they might struggle to get back to sleep without those cues. Gradually reduce these associations by transitioning from rocking to simply holding them, then gently patting them while they are in their crib. 5. Try a dream feed: A "dream feed" is when you gently wake your baby for one last feed before you go to sleep, which may help them sleep longer during the night. 6. Keep night feedings calm and quiet: If your baby does wake up in the night and needs to be fed, keep the lights dim and your interactions minimal. This will help them understand that nighttime is for sleeping, not playing. 7. Make sure they’re getting enough daytime sleep: Ironically, an overtired baby is often harder to put to sleep. Make sure your little one gets the right amount of daytime naps. Sleep begets sleep. 8. Monitor baby's sleep needs: Pay attention to your baby’s sleep needs and look for signs of overtiredness. Newborns need about 14–17 hours of sleep, while 4- to 11-month-olds need around 12–15 hours. When Should You Be Concerned? It's natural to worry about your baby's sleep patterns. However, it's important to note that there isn't a universal answer to when babies start sleeping through the night. If your baby is over six months old and still waking up frequently, consult with your pediatrician to rule out any underlying issues such as reflux, allergies, or other medical conditions. How Laadlee Can Help You Create a Restful Environment At Laadlee, we understand that every parent wants the best for their child. That’s why we offer a variety of baby care products designed to promote better sleep, such as: 1. Swaddle blankets: Swaddling can help recreate the cozy feeling of the womb, making your baby feel secure and calm. 2. Sleeping Bags: When your baby starts to roll over, sleeping bags are a great alternative to swaddling, allowing for safer and more comfortable sleep. 3. Soothing Toys and Night Lights: These can provide comfort and familiarity, especially for older babies transitioning to sleeping in their own rooms. Explore our range of thoughtfully curated baby care products at Laadlee to help make those restless nights a little easier. With the right tools and strategies, you can create a calming sleep environment that promotes healthy sleep habits for your little one. Conclusion Parenting is a journey of trial and error. When it comes to baby sleep, there are no guarantees, but there are ways to set yourself and your baby up for success. Be patient, stay consistent, and know that every sleepless night brings you one step closer to a full night’s rest. Remember, you're not alone in this journey, and there's always help and support available. For more baby care tips and the best baby care products, visit Laadlee today. We're here to make your parenting journey just a little bit easier, one sleep-filled night at a time.

The first week of parenting is a whirlwind of feeding, changing and sleepless nights filled with small yet significant milestones. But in the second week, you are going to notice more changes in their behavior as they become more and more aware, gaining control of their body. Along with this, as new parents, you are flooded with advice of all kinds from families, friends and relatives, but you are unsure which one to trust because, like every other baby, yours is unique too. To help you in this situation, we at Laadlee have curated a blog loaded with tips and advice from experts to help you understand what to expect and how to provide the best care for your little one. Understanding Two-Week-Old Baby Development In terms of developmental and care milestones for your baby, the second week is just as important as the first one. By this time, your baby should be back to their birth weight, and the bonding between you and your child gets even stronger now that you are well aware of the portion sizes and sleeping patterns. Around this time, the baby also begins responding to external stimuli, due to which most parents cannot contain their excitement. Here is a detailed expansion on the major two-week baby development milestones. Two-Week-Old Baby Milestones 1. Physical development At two weeks old, your baby is still in the initial stages of development, which is why changes may be subtle. This is the time when your baby enters a second growth spurt and can grow up to an inch in a month. At the same time, they must also be gaining around 150-200 grams every week and should begin exhibiting newborn reflexes such as the rooting reflex (turning their head toward a touch on their cheek) and the Moro reflex (startle reflex). These reflexes are vital for survival and are an indicator that your baby's nervous system is developing as it should. 2. Routine establishment The second important milestone that you must be on the lookout for is that your baby should be feeding at least 8-12 times in 24 hours. If you are using baby formula, then you should feed them every 3–4 hours. This frequent feeding is necessary as babies need constant energy for sustained growth, and their stomachs can hold only a tiny amount of food. By this time, you must also notice that the baby's stool becomes more regular, suggesting that their digestive system is maturing. 3. Sleeping patterns Around this time, most babies sleep at least 16–18 hours a day, but this sleep is punctuated with periods of wakefulness. Generally, a baby's sleep lasts for 2 hours as their small stomach needs to refill, but every baby is different. Many babies are known to wake up every thirty minutes, but many sleep for more than 2 hours without interruption. It is important to learn baby-specific cues and be on the lookout for them, and tailor your care accordingly. 4. Sensory Development Now, the sensory development of your baby is still in the early stages, but there are clear signs that they are beginning to interact. By this time, they can comfortably focus on objects less than 10 inches away, which is why doctors suggest holding your baby 8-10 inches from your face and sticking your tongue out. Your baby might also respond slightly to your voice and track you with their eyes for a few seconds at a time. 5. Motor skills A two-week-old baby has limited motor skills as their body is still getting accustomed to life outside the womb. During this time, most of their movement will be uncoordinated and reflexive, and you might notice that they bring their hands to their mouths. They might also make some sudden jerky movements but do not worry, as it is all part of their motor skill development. Additional Baby Care Tips for Your Newborn The second week brings ‌with it many additional developmental milestones, such as the falling of the umbilical cord, which requires the utmost care, along with gentle cleaning. This must be followed by the first bath for the baby, after which you must keep the area sanitized and clean. Around this time, the outer layer of the skin of your baby might also be peeling off, so don't get alarmed, as this is normal. To curb these, you can use some baby-safe moisturizers after consulting with your doctor. You must also not hesitate to consult a lactation expert if you feel any problems with the flow or if your baby faces latching issues. The baby poops around this time will be slightly yellowish if you are breastfeeding, or more tan or brownish if using formula feed. The diapers must also be changed around six times each day at equal intervals, and if the flow is less, then you can also consider getting in touch with your pediatrician. Conclusion The first few weeks with your baby are filled with many small milestones. Understanding and keeping track of these developments can help you provide the best care for your baby in the upcoming days. If you need any assistance in caring for your baby or for yourself, then you can check out our collection of baby and mother care collections. We have curated the best pediatrician-approved baby care products that can help you and your baby enjoy these early days.

Welcoming a newborn into your life is a journey filled with love, excitement and a touch of anxiety. As you embark on this journey, you may wonder what to expect during your baby’s first week. Understanding the development and care milestones for your 1-week-old can help you steer these early days with confidence and joy. Physical Development In the first week, your baby’s body is adjusting to life outside of the womb. Here are some key physical developments to look out for: 1. Weight and length: It’s common for babies to lose some weight in the first few days, but they typically regain it by the end of the first week. Don’t be disturbed; this is normal as they adjust to feeding. 2. Feeding and digestion: Your baby’s stomach is tiny, about the size of a marble. Frequent feeding, usually every 2-3 hours, helps to keep them nourished. Breastfeeding might be challenging at first, but with practice, it becomes a beautiful bonding experience. 3. Sleep patterns: Newborns sleep a lot, up to 16-18 hours a day. However, they sleep in short bursts, usually 2-3 hours at a time, because their tiny tummies need constant refueling. 4. Reflexes: Your baby is born with several reflexes, like the rooting reflex, which is when the baby turns their head toward your hand if you stroke their cheek or mouth. They also have a grasp reflex which is grabbing your finger when placed in their palm. These reflexes are nature’s way of helping them connect with you. Sensory Development Your baby’s senses are already working, but they are still developing and adjusting to the outside world. 1. Sight: Newborns can see, but their vision is blurry. They can focus on objects near them, roughly the distance to your face when you are holding them. They are naturally drawn to high-contrast patterns and human faces. 2. Hearing: Your baby’s hearing is well-developed at birth. They can recognize your voice and also find it soothing. Talking, humming, and gentle shushing can comfort them and help in developing their auditory skills. 3. Smell and taste: Babies have a keen sense of smell and can recognize the scent of their mother’s milk. They prefer sweet tastes, which is why breast milk is naturally sweet. 4. Touch: Touch is essential for your baby’s development. Gentle caresses, skin-to-skin contact, and soft fabrics provide comfort and protection, creating a sense of trust and bonding. Emotional and Social Development Even at one week old, your baby is starting to form emotional connections and social bonds. 1. Bonding: Holding, cuddling and talking to your baby helps build a strong emotional bond. Skin-to-skin contact, also known as kangaroo care, is particularly beneficial for both you and your baby. It promotes bonding and helps regulate their body temperature and heartbeat. 2. Crying: This is your baby’s way of communicating. They might cry because they are hungry, uncomfortable, tired or need a diaper change. Learning to crack their cries takes time, so be patient with yourself as you get to know your child’s cues. 3. Comfort and soothing: Every baby is unique, and what soothes one baby might not work for another. Experiment with different techniques like swaddling, rocking, gentle bouncing, or using a pacifier to find what works best for your little one. Care Tips Taking care of a newborn can feel like a challenge, but here are some tips to help you through the first week. 1. Feeding: Whether you are breastfeeding or formula feeding, ensure your baby is feeding regularly. Look for signs of hunger such as lip-smacking, rooting or sucking on their hands. If you are breastfeeding, don’t hesitate to seek help from a lactation consultant if required. 2. Diaper changes: Newborns can go through 8-12 diapers a day. Frequent changes help prevent diaper rash. Keep an eye on the color and consistency of your baby’s stools; this can give you insights into their health and digestion. 3. Bathing: In the first week, stick to sponge baths until the umbilical cord falls off. Use warm water and a gentle baby soap. Keep the bathing area warm and comfortable for your baby. 4. Sleeping: Create a safe sleep environment by placing your baby on their back in a crib or bassinet with a firm mattress and no loose bedding or toys. 5. Health check-ups: Your baby’s first pediatrician visit usually happens within the first week. This is a great time to ask any questions you might have about their health and development. 7. Self-care for parents: Taking care of yourself is equally important. Rest when your baby sleeps, eat nutritious meals, and don’t hesitate to ask for help from family and friends. Remember, taking care of your well-being allows you to take better care of your baby. Milestone Celebrations Every tiny achievement is a milestone worth celebrating. Here are a few simple yet special ways to capture these precious moments. 1. Photographs and videos: Document your baby’s first week with photos and videos. These will become treasured memories when your baby grows. 2. Baby journal: You could also start a baby journal to record your thoughts, feelings and observations. This can be a wonderful memento to look back on and share with your child when they’re older. 3. Footprints and handprints: Capture your baby’s tiny footprints and handprints. You can use non-toxic ink pads and paper for this remembrance. Conclusion: Embrace The Journey The first week with your newborn is a time of immense learning and bonding. It’s filled with sleepless nights, countless diaper changes, and moments of pure joy as you catch yourself gazing at your baby’s tiny face. Trust your instincts, seek support when needed, and cherish every moment. At Laadlee, we want to help you with all your baby and maternity essentials, providing the best mother and baby care products to support you and your little one. Whether you are looking for diapers, bathing products, maternity pillows—you name it, we have it. Our goal is to make your parenting journey as smooth and joyful as possible. Your love, care, and attention are the most important gifts you can give your 1-week-old baby.