There are very few things that concern parents as much and as often as a baby that just will not go to sleep. The mind can immediately start racing to some of the worst possibilities, but in the vast majority of cases, it’s not quite as serious as a major health issue. The truth is that a whole plethora of different factors can disrupt sleeping patterns and get in the way of the sleep they should be having. Here, we’re going to explore a host of them and provide some tips to help you work around them, as well.
They Might Be Hungry
One of the most common reasons babies get up at night is also one of the most relatable. A hungry baby is often going to wake up to try to scrounge up some food, especially during that first year. Newborns have tiny stomachs and need to be fed often, and even older babies are likely to wake up more often during growth spurts, when their bodies are using a lot more calories. It doesn’t necessarily mean that your daytime feeding routines are off, but distracted feeding can lead to your baby not getting as much as you think they might be. Try feeding them at night and, if they fall asleep soon after, that’s likely the cause.
Is Their Environment Too Stimulating?
Just like anyone else, babies find it harder to sleep when there’s too much light, noise, or activity in their vicinity. It’s easy to imagine how a sudden sound, be it from a cupboard door closing, a dog barking, or a sneeze, can wake them up. Even lighter noises can wake up light sleepers, which is when white noise machines can be hugely helpful. Especially as homes that are too quiet can make lighter background noises all the more disruptive. Light exposure can also signal wake-up times earlier than you want, while the temperature being too hot or too cold can affect them as well. A baby’s bedroom should be a cool, dark, and quiet (but not too quiet) environment.
Diaper Discomfort And Skin Irritation
Anything irritating your baby’s skin can cause discomfort that will keep them up for a good while, especially for those babies who have sensitive skin. Overnight diapers that don’t hold enough moisture can be uncomfortable and lead to bad cases of diaper rash. Choosing the right overnight diaper, as well as slathering on a loose, but thick layer of barrier cream, can help protect them from the friction of a little nocturnal relief. Try a diaper change, and you might find them falling asleep before too long.
The Right Clothes Make A Big Difference
Clothes can also be a source of discomfort. If it’s too tight, it can tug on them; if it’s too loose, it can slide around too much. Some fabrics are a little more prone to causing irritation than others, as well. However, with clothes, temperature tends to be the biggest problem when it comes to keeping baby comfortable at night. Sleep sacks, swaddles, and other nightwear after often rated in TOGs, indicating warmth. Finding the right TOG level for your baby, and for the sleeping environment they’re in, can make a big difference. You can also check their temperature directly. If they’re warm and overly sweaty, they’re too warm. To check if they’re too cold, feel their chest or back, rather than their hands or feet, since the extremities tend to cool down a lot easier than the core of the body.
You Didn’t Find The Magic Signal
Some babies will develop sleep signals over time, often in response to routines and habits created by you, the parent. Some babies will typically fall asleep after being fed, held, or rocked, usually because that’s what they’ve gotten used to over time. As such, some babies may have trouble falling back asleep if they wake up without those sleep signals. Sleep associations are a good habit to build, as they make it easier to adjust their routine as they get older, as well. As a parent, it’s worth finding sleep cues that are easy to repeat. Feeding them might not always be super convenient, but holding them or rocking them is a lot easier to manage on a routine.
Separation Anxiety
As babies grow, they also become more emotionally complex creatures. As such, towards the second half of their first year, they can become more prone to separation anxiety, and if they notice your presence, and then when you leave, they might start complaining loudly about it. While some might think that leaving the baby alone to get them used to not having you around is a good strategy, it’s not very good for developing confident and expressive babies. Instead, you should respond with reassurance whenever they need it. It can be a little frustrating to have to keep going back to soothe them, but they’ll feel more secure and be able to drift off into a deeper sleep.
Could It Be A Medical Issue?
Illness and physical discomfort definitely can affect a baby’s sleep when given the chance. If they have a cold, it can make them congested, which makes it difficult to breathe comfortably when lying flat. If they have an ear infection or are teething, it can wake them up in the middle of the night. If your baby is waking up unusually often and is inconsolable, or shows signs like pulling their ear or has a fever, you might want to consult a doctor. Most medical issues babies face at this point are minor and temporary, but getting the right care can at least help restore some comfort and help them go to sleep.
Sometimes, a baby not sleeping when they normally do or as much as they normally would is worth a little extra concern. However, often it’s wise to make sure that you’re accounting for all the other possibilities, as well. It can save you some stress and help your baby get the sleep they need.
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