Sleep Schedule for Newborn to 3 Months Old

For new parents, 'view source' means looking beyond just *when* your baby naps (or doesn't nap) and trying to understand the *why*. It's like debugging – observing their cues, sleep environment, wake windows, and feeding times to see the underlying 'code' that drives their sleep behavior. This helps you identify patterns and potential issues rather than just reacting to the surface-level outcome.

Instead of just thinking 'my baby hates naps,' view the source! Often, nap resistance is a symptom of something else. Are they overtired (you missed sleepy cues)? Undertired (their wake window was too short)? Is the nap environment conducive to sleep (dark, quiet, cool)? Are they hungry, gassy, or teething? A quick check of these 'source elements' can often reveal the root cause and help you adjust your approach.

Key 'source code' to observe includes: your baby's age-appropriate **wake windows** (how long they can comfortably stay awake between sleeps), their individual **sleepy cues** (yawning, eye rubbing, staring into space), **feeding times** (are they full before naps?), and the **nap environment** (is it dark enough, are there distracting noises?). Also, consider **developmental leaps or teething**, which are temporary 'source' disruptions. Tracking these for a few days can reveal crucial patterns.

Absolutely! A seemingly random schedule often has underlying 'source code' driving it. By consistently observing wake windows, sleepy cues, and nap length, you might uncover a hidden pattern. For example, if naps are consistently short, maybe your baby is becoming overtired because their wake window is too long. If they won't settle, perhaps the wake window was too short. Understanding these connections helps you predict and gently guide towards more consistency, even if it's not always a rigid schedule.

It's definitely about understanding your baby's unique 'code'! Every baby is different. While general guidelines exist (like typical wake windows for their age), 'viewing the source' means adapting those guidelines to *your* baby's specific needs, temperament, and developmental stage. It's about becoming a detective to understand *their* internal clock and cues, rather than trying to force them into a predefined 'program.' Flexibility based on understanding is key to a happier, better-rested baby (and parent!).