Sleeping babies are a peaceful sight to behold, but all parents know the struggle of rocking them to sleep, only to have them wake up as soon as you put them down on the bed or crib.
Many traditional moms, titas, and lolas will say it's because these babies get accustomed to being held, but the truth is there are various factors involved in the situation. Here are some of them.
1. Your baby is growing.
In SmartParenting.com.ph’s interview with a sleep coach, the expert said these changes in a baby’s sleeping pattern is typical. It is called sleep regression, or a period wherein babies who were previously experiencing uninterrupted sleep suddenly begin waking up at night or skipping their nap time.
"Babies at 4 months will have their first developmental leap," the sleep coach said. At this point, babies will begin to sleep differently from the way they did when they were newborns. "What you teach at this stage—both good and bad—are what form the foundations of your baby's sleep habits for life," the expert said.
2. Your baby may not be getting enough physical activity.
This applies to babies even as young as a few weeks old. Infants should be doing regular tummy time, which helps develop their back and neck muscles.
Researchers from Michigan State University found that tummy time during daytime may affect how long babies sleep at night. The study observed the physical activity and sleep behaviors of 22 healthy 6-month-old babies, with the researchers focusing on how much time babies spent on their tummies during the day. The researchers found that babies who had more of this early physical activity slept longer and more peacefully at night.
Make sure your little one is awake and alert—not tired or hungry—when doing tummy time. (Read more about tummy time here.)
3. Your baby may not realize that it's time for bed.
Parents can start teaching good sleeping habits to babies as young as a few weeks old. According to the Mayo Clinic, overstimulation can prevent babies from having a good night's rest.
As early as an hour before your baby’s bedtime, turn down the lights and lessen any activity so your little one will understand the difference between night and day.
4. Your baby may need time to settle down.
Experts say it's actually common for babies to stir again after you put them down for their nap. One thing you can do is try offering soothing or calming words before picking them up again. See if they'll self-soothe.
5. Your baby may need a soothing massage.
Aside from dimming the lights in the room and keeping things quiet, babies benefit greatly from infant massage. A study published by the United States National Library of Health found that adding a gentle massage to infants' nighttime routine resulted in fewer sleep disruptions for the child and improvements in the mother's sleep quality.
What's more, a baby massage may even strengthen the bond between mother and child. Your touch, smell, and voice can provide the most comfort to your baby. The next time they become restless at night, squeeze a small dollop of baby lotion on your palms and give them a calming massage.
Remember to choose a lotion suitable for your little one's delicate skin. Baby’s skin loses moisture up to five times faster than adult's skin, which makes it more prone to allergies and rashes. Try Baby Dove Nourishing Baby Lotion. It helps soothe your baby's skin and keep it moisturized for up to 24 hours. #ChooseMoisture and keep baby’s skin soft and smooth with Baby Dove.
Bedtime with your LO doesn't always have to be a battle, not if you find the right technique to help your little one have a good night's sleep.
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