Some newborns occasionally mix up their days and nights. This is known as day-night reversal. This temporary backward sleeping  results in babies sleeping more during the day and wanting to be  fed, changed  and entertained during the night. This can be very exhausting for parents however, you have to know that this will not last forever.

How to manage day-night reversal in babies

If your baby is determined to sleep during the day and stay awake at night, there are certain things you can do in the beginning  to help the baby adapt to a more acceptable sleep pattern. This won’t happen overnight but you will surely get there.

During your baby’s first few days at home, you have to establish an atmosphere that clearly differentiates between night and day. These tips may help.

During the day

• do not swaddle the baby so that he is more awake. Dress the baby warmly enough so that there is no need for extra blankets
• do not try to go out of your way to stifle any noise during your baby’s daytime sleep. Hearing ordinary sounds will reinforce  the difference between night and day
• avoid activities that put the baby to sleep
• place the baby’s bed by a bright window not directly in the  sun
• avoid steady background noise such as music that will encourage the baby to sleep

At night

• swaddle the baby securely. You can use a special swaddle blanket to make it easier
• Keep the room dark  and keep the noise down
• letting your baby sleep in a small, cozy space rather than a huge space  will make him feel secure
• be prepared to feed the baby at night. Towards the end of feeding, swaddle the baby so that he falls asleep right after. Do not play with the baby when he wakes up to eat.