When they fall asleep, they're so peaceful and serene... And then they start smiling, and sometimes even burst out laughing. Impossible not to watch them, right? Newborn babies can sleep between 16 and 18 hours a day, so it's presumed that they dream during that time. But... What do babies dream about?
What babies dream about and their perception of the world around them
Before we talk about what babies dream about, you've probably wondered... How do they perceive the world around them? It is said that newborn babies develop their ability to perceive the world little by little.
- Sight: Newborn babies barely see, but enough to recognize their mother's face when she breastfeeds them. However, the mother's sight is not so much associated with her image, but with the other senses that combine, creating a world of pleasant sensations related to her: her smell, her touch, her voice...
- Touch: is the most important sense for babies. They love to be touched, hugged, caressed, and held. Skin-to-skin contact is essential after birth and also afterwards. It is very important that we consider all the fabrics around them as their skin is very sensitive. Pediatricians recommend the most natural, such as 100% organic cotton, especially if our baby has atopic skin. It is the ideal fabric not only for baby clothes but also for bedding, meaning everything that comes into contact with our little one's skin.
- Taste: is closely linked to touch. At first, the baby tastes mother's milk, but even with this exclusive menu, the baby will receive different stimuli. Breast milk contains hundreds of different flavors that come from the mother's diet. Later on, you will realize that there are many times when they put whatever they can reach into their mouths. In these cases, it is best to always have their teether or Doudou nearby, impregnated with their parents' scent. These accessories will help them sleep better, easily find their pacifier, and feel more secure and cozy.
Soft and cuddly doudou made of natural bamboo fiber in the shape of a bunny, designed to help our little ones sleep peacefully.
Wooden teether and organic cotton is the ideal solution. It will relieve the little one's discomfort and they can also play with the cute and soft bear ears.
- Hearing: is the sense that develops even in the mother's womb. They become accustomed to hearing their mother's heartbeat, the gurgling of the digestive system, and even the sound of her voice and the voices of other family members. Once the baby is born, sounds amplify and multiply.
Babies can be startled by sudden sounds and are calmed by continuous ones, especially by the voice of their mother and other loved ones. They will pay close attention to all the words, songs, stories, and melodies they hear. ;)
- Smell: Babies learn their mother's scent and feel safe and protected near her. They are even able to know where she is in the dark!
Babies turn away from strong smells and prefer sweet and soft aromas like breast milk. Therefore, do not use strong perfumes or air fresheners; little ones prefer the most natural.
So... What kind of dreams do babies have?
They say that dreams are memories, images, and sounds we experience while sleeping. But what babies dream about is much simpler: they dream of sensations like smells, tastes, the warmth of a bath, their parents' caresses. These initially basic dreams become richer as the baby experiences new emotions and activities, which are incorporated into their dreams. Therefore, it is said that by 18 months, they are already capable of a real approximation to the content of their dreams, although they cannot always tell us about them.
What if they have nightmares?
Nightmares simply do not occur in newborns, and they only appear around three years of age. It is always advisable that their environment be calm and quiet and that they are not exposed to loud or annoying noises, such as a vacuum cleaner, traffic, a blender, conversations, or loud music... These should always be avoided so that these sounds do not disturb their rest or enter their dreams.
In summary, although we know little about what babies dream about, it is increasingly evident that our little ones do dream. And there is nothing more wonderful than seeing those little faces! Moreover, dreaming is another way to rest and learn by letting imagination soar, don't you think? So it's best for them to dream a lot, and calmly. 😉 If you want to know more about your baby's sleep, we recommend sleep cycles: everything you need to know.
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