Normal infant sleep and parental expectations

Rudzik, Alanna EF

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
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1435626
• Publisher URL: http://www.ijbpe.co.uk/index.php/87-issue-6/164-normal-infant-sleep-and-parental-expectations