As a new parent, you may be wondering how to get your baby to sleep through the night.
You may have heard various methods from well-meaning friends and family, but are unsure of what works. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation out there about baby sleep.
In this blog post, we’ll clear up some common misconceptions about baby sleep so that you can get your little one on a healthy sleep schedule.
Why do some babies sleep through the night and others don t?
It’s one of the greatest mysteries of parenting – some babies seem to spontaneously start sleeping through the night without any help, while others cry and fuss most of the time.
Theories abound on this topic – from varying sleep cycles and developmental stages to different propensities for sleeping or being prone to waking up easily.
It can be particularly frustrating for parents whose babies are not sleeping through the night, with seemingly no solution at hand.
Research suggests that effective sleep practices such as a consistent pre-bedtime routine can help soothe a baby into better sleep habits.
While there are no guarantees about when a baby starts sleeping through the night, following some tried and tested strategies is likely to result in more restful nights for all concerned.
What are 3 things that an infant should not sleep in?
When caring for an infant, you should make sure that both the baby and the sleeping area are safe. There are several items that infants should not sleep in, including car seats, bouncy chairs, and swings.
Car seats are designed to protect while the baby is in motion, but they don’t provide enough support or comfort for a safe sleep environment.
Similarly, bouncy chairs and swings can also be too soft for a good night’s sleep and can lead to potential suffocation hazards as well.
Instead, look for a firm crib mattress with a well-fitted sheet or flat surface specifically designed to keep your little one safe and comfortable throughout their snooze time!
Do smart babies sleep less?
Have you ever seen a baby and couldn’t help but think it seemed extra intelligent? Parents can pretty quickly tell nowadays if their little one is smarter than the others, especially when it comes to sleep.
Studies have found that smart babies may sleep less than average babies since their brains are often overactive.
While this may seem concerning at first, it’s not as worrisome as it seems since sleep isn’t the only factor in active brain development.
Smart adventurers seem to be fueled by activities that engage their minds, like problem-solving or puzzles.
Even though smart babies might get a bit less sleep during critical developmental stages, these shortcomings don’t prevent them from already being a few steps ahead of the curve!
Will a baby naturally learn to sleep?
It is often said that “sleep is a learned behavior”. But in truth, babies are born with an innate ability to sleep.
Since their biological clocks are often still developing and growing, newborns may not have the typical sleep patterns of older children or adults.
Still, despite an initial period of adjustment, the knowledge that sleep is essential for health and functioning is effective.
For example, studies have shown that when babies experience Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), they are not aware of the dangers of being exposed to unsafe sleeping environments or how to regulate their body temperature during rest.
As such, it becomes the responsibility of parents and caregivers to ensure their baby’s safety and optimal sleep. When this occurs, babies naturally learn proper rest habits over time as they grow.
Do healthy babies sleep more?
When it comes to babies and sleep, you hear a lot of anecdotal remarks, with some parents bragging they have “good sleepers” while others worry that their child might never learn how to sleep through the night.
But how much truth is there to the claim that healthy babies do indeed sleep more?
It turns out that multiple scientific studies have confirmed that in general, when a baby is in good health, their sleep patterns are significantly better than when they are ill.
Although everyone’s experience is different, experts agree that the general rule of thumb is healthy babies = more sleep!
So if you want your little one to get plenty of restful slumbers, make sure they stay happy and healthy!
It’s a Wrap:
When it comes to sleep, every baby is different. It’s important to have realistic expectations and understand that babies will have their patterns.
Sleep training can take a long time, and setbacks are common—it takes patience, consistency, and self-care for everyone involved.
While there are many misconceptions about babies’ sleep out there, the most important thing you can do as a parent is trusting your instincts and do what works best for your family.
Ultimately, a well-rested baby has been nurtured in a way unique to them, allowing them to grow and thrive to their highest potential.
