By Sr Teresa Hayward (RN, RM, Lactation consultant, Infant and Feeding Specialist, Baby Sleep Consultant)
Babies fight their sleep for so many reasons, and it can be so frustrating for parents. Here are some of the reasons why.
Circadian rhythms aren’t developed yet
Circadian rhythms are our natural internal process that regulate our sleep-wake cycle. It only really starts to develop from 6 to 8 weeks old and is not fully developed until 4months old. Babies under 4months are not ready for a “by the clock” routine. You can definitely start to introduce good sleep habits, but routine will be difficult before that. Their brains are not mature enough for a routine before 4months. Before 4months watching sleep cues and awake periods is important.
Not Knowing How to Fall Asleep
Babies need to learn how to fall asleep independently. From 3 to 4months, practice putting your baby down awake and see what they can do. It is important that you are there to support them and being there for them, so as soon as they are showing stress or crying being there for them. It does take time and practice, but keep the goal in mind of teaching them to sleep on their own, while doing it at their own pace. Not all babies are ready to do this at the same age. If you are struggling, reach out to a Sleep consultant, who does not practice controlled crying or crying out method.
Overstimulation
Remember your baby has come from a uterus which is a climate-controlled environment into a world full of stimulation. Babies are extremely sensitive to their external stimuli and become overstimulated very quickly. Their new world is full of new sounds, sights, and smells as well as different temperatures, airflows and lights. Be mindful of their cues and mood, and ensure they are not becoming overwhelmed or stressed. Avoid noisy music or toys with noise and lights before its time or a nap or bedtime. Also ensure that baby is away from TV or other screens (including your phone) for at least an hour before bedtime. Limit your visitors as much as possible and avoid “pass the baby”. This is a huge sensory overload, and they will often become fussy.
No Sleep Routine
It is extremely important to have a consistent, soothing sleep routine. This is vital in helping your baby transition from awake time to bedtime. Ensure you take 10-15min before naps and 20min at bedtime to do quiet time and wind them down. This also acts as a cue that it is time for sleep. Always ensure that this is done in their sleep environment. Babies are pattern seekers and routine is very comforting for them. As humans, we all thrive on routine
Your bedtime routine will grown and evolve as baby gets older, but having a bedtime routine throughout childhood is a must, so start developing it now. Some activities that can be included in your bedtime routine are bathing, feeding, reading, playing lullabies, rocking, cuddling
Separation Anxiety
Babies will often fight their sleep due to separation anxiety. Babies go through stages of separation anxiety at around 4months, 8months, 12months and 18months. During these stages, add an extra few minutes to the sleep routine to reassure them and prepare them for bedtime or sleep separation.
Light
Always ensure that your sleep environment is dimly lit during bedtime routine. Always leave a night light on - this can be a bedside lamp, night light or a passage or bathroom light shining into the room. Ensure that a night light and bedside lamp is across room and not next to baby. Do not make the sleep environment dark for daytime sleeps
Sleep Timing Is Off
An overtired baby will often have a tough time settling down for sleep and staying asleep. It is extremely important to watch your babies awake time and your babies sleep cues. So often parents are told to keep their baby awake during the day, and they will sleep better at night. This will only lead to an extremely overtired, miserable, sleep deprived baby and you will have a terrible night
If they are showing sleep cues, but their awake time isn’t up yet, get them to sleep, and the same vice versa. Missing that window will result in an overtired baby
Developmental Milestones
It is very normal that when baby is going through certain developmental milestones, that the sleep patterns are disrupted. This is often when “sleep regressions” are blamed.
Nap Transition
If your baby “plays” through a nap for more than 2weeks, it could mean that they are ready to drop a nap. Don’t decide for your baby that they are ready to drop a nap. Make it a gradual transition, and adjust the times of naps and bedtime so as you don’t end up with an overtired baby.
I know it can be super frustrating when babies fight their sleep. As a sleep consultant I am available to assist you in getting your baby into a good sleep routine and assist you with a baby that fights sleep. Feel free to contact me at 0824009501
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