Here is why your baby is struggling at bedtime
Many parents experience the nightly struggle of putting their baby to bed, only to have them wake up shortly after, upset and restless. This common issue might be tied to the timing of your baby’s sleep schedule. Surprisingly, it all comes down to understanding your baby’s daytime sleep needs and getting the timing just right.
The Importance of Timing
Our babies require between 12 to 13 hours of daylight, which includes their naps. For example, if your baby wakes up at 6 AM, they should ideally go to bed between 6 PM and 7 PM. It’s easy to misjudge this, especially if your baby is taking short naps throughout the day, leading to crankiness and overtiredness.
False Starts: What They Are and How to Handle Them
Many parents find themselves trying to put their weary baby to bed as early as 6 PM, only for the little one to initially fall asleep and then wake up frustrated. This can be a classic case of “false starts,” where the baby signals that it isn’t quite the right time to sleep.
The solution is often much simpler than you might think: synchronize their sleep schedule with their natural rhythms. Ensuring your baby naps well during the day, even if it means napping on the go while monitored, can help achieve this. Whether it’s in a stroller, carrier, or simply holding them while being vigilant, the key is ensuring quality napping to set the stage for a seamless transition to nighttime sleep.
Tips to Improve Your Baby’s Sleep
- Monitor Nap Times: Track how long and when your baby naps during the day to better align their wake windows with their bedtime.
- Stay Flexible: If their naps aren’t going as planned, don’t hesitate to adapt. An extra stroller walk or soothing activities might do the trick.
- Consistent Bedtime: Consistency is crucial. Try maintaining the same bedtime routine to help your baby recognize it’s time to sleep.
- Watch for Sleep Cues: Look for signs of tiredness such as rubbing eyes, yawning, or decreased engagement. These cues are your baby’s way of saying they’re ready for a nap or bedtime.
By adjusting nap schedules and monitoring daytime sleep, you can help your baby avoid those frustrating false starts at bedtime. Remember, every baby is different, and finding the right routine might take some trial and error.
Conclusion
Parenting is full of challenges, and getting your baby to sleep well is a significant one. By understanding the impacts of timing and encouraging good nap habits, you can enhance not only your baby’s sleep quality but also their overall mood and well-being. If you have questions or need more personalized advice, feel free to reach out in the comments section. You’re not alone in this journey, and support is always available.
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Carrie Bruno RN, IBCLC, MSCP
