Normal infant sleep and parental expectations

Rudzik, Alanna EF

Normal infant sleep and parental expectations

Rudzik, Alanna EF

Authors

Alanna EF Rudzik

Abstract

Infant sleep is a subject of great interest - and concern - for many new parents. Parental expectations for infant sleep often reflect cultural norms that may not align well with the realities of infant growth and development. Unrealistic expectations for infant sleep have been linked to the early cessation of breastfeeding (Ball, 2003) and may contribute to the development of postnatal depressions symptoms (Muscat et al., 2012). Parents frequently consult health providers for advice when their infant’s sleep does not meet expectations (Douglas & Hill, 2013; Polnay et al., 1999). This article provides a review of infant sleep biology, duration, and development, that offers a solid basis to educate expectant parents and to advise and reassure new parents about normal infant sleep.

Citation

Rudzik, A. E. (2015). Normal infant sleep and parental expectations. International Journal of Birth and Parent Education, 2(2), 7-10

Journal Article Type	Article
Publication Date	Jan 1, 2015
Deposit Date	Mar 6, 2015
Publicly Available Date	Mar 10, 2015
Journal	International Journal of Birth and Parent Education
Print ISSN	2054-0779
Electronic ISSN	2054-0787
Publisher	Birth and Parent Education
Peer Reviewed	Peer Reviewed
Volume	2
Issue	2
Pages	7-10
Publisher URL	http://www.ijbpe.co.uk/index.php/87-issue-6/164-normal-infant-sleep-and-parental-expectations