Do you often worry why your baby is not sleeping deeply? You are not alone. It is a common concern among new mothers wondering why their newborn is not sleeping no matter what they try. Sleeplessness in infants can exhaust even the whole family.
Cocoon Care brings you this blog to help you understand why your baby is not sleeping at night, the reasons behind it, newborn sleep essentials and simple fixes for baby sleep problems.
Sleepless in Babies - Age Wise
Every baby has different sleeping patterns. Also, the sleeping pattern differs at every stage of growth. Our blog about baby sleeping patterns by age can give you more insights into your little ones sleeping patterns. Let us look into the major newborn sleep problems at various ages.
Newborn Sleep Problems - 0-3 Months
Newborns don’t have a regular sleeping pattern. They sleep most of the time but may not continuously sleep more than 1 or 2 hours. They need to feed frequently and will wake up often, which is mostly why your 1-month or 2-month-old baby is not sleeping. Research by the American Academy of Pediatrics [1] suggests that by around 6 weeks, infants start differentiating between day and night.
Baby Sleep Problems - 4-5 Months Old
By this time, babies may have adapted to a sleep schedule. They sleep around 14-15 hours, including daytime baby naps. As they start exploring, they may fight sleep and become restless. A baby not sleeping enough is common at around 4 months.
Baby Sleep Problems - 6 Months & Old
6-month-old and older babies may sleep 10 hours or more at night. If their usual routine gets disturbed, be ready for a sleepless baby.
|
Age group |
Common newborn sleep problems |
|
0-3 months |
Infant not sleeping properly Irregular sleep-wake cycles Waking in night, sleeping in day Frequent night-waking The baby is restless but not crying |
|
4-5 months old |
Change in sleep patterns Baby not sleeping enough Trouble self-doothing Baby not sleeping at night |
|
6 Months & older |
Sleep regression Separation anxiety Baby not sleeping deeply Waking up early and not sleeping enough |
Reasons Behind Sleeplessness In Infants
1. Discomfort
Anything that causes discomfort may give you a sleepless baby. Wet diapers, tight clothing, burp needs or even changes in temperature can cause sleeplessness in infants. Use breathable and comfortable infant nightsuits for better sleep.
2. Exhaustion
Babies get tired exploring things around them. A new place, new people or new things can overstimulate them. Overstimulation can cause sleeplessness in infants. Help your baby sleep better with comfortable sleep pods.
3. Hunger
Hunger is the most common cause of a baby not sleeping at night. Look for signs of hunger like sticking out tongue and sucking thumb. Feed them well before tucking them in bed with a kid’s blanket.
4. Change in Sleeping Environment
If you have changed the sleep area or crib of a baby, it can disrupt their sleeping pattern. If you have recently moved to a new place, this could be why your newborn is not sleeping at night. It is ideal to use a baby sleeping bag that can be easily moved to a new room or place if required.
5. Sleep Schedule Issues
Sticking to a regular sleep time is essential to keep away baby sleep problems. Create a routine along with a schedule like a warm bath, changing to baby sleepsuit and singing lullabies.
Tips To Get Baby to Sleep Deeply
Here are some tips to solve sleeplessness in infants.
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Swaddle your baby in a breathable and comfortable newborn swaddle to make them feel secure.
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Feed them well before bedtime to get them to sleep deeply at night.
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Create a calming bedtime routine.
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Use a sleep sack to support the transition from swaddling.
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Set the room temperature to be pleasant. It should neither be too hot or too cold.
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Use white noise or lullabies to block sudden loud sounds.
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Put your baby to sleep when they are sleepy. Avoid over-tiring.
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Keep stimulation low before bedtime.
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Invest in good baby sleeping essentials to make sleep time safe and comfortable.
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If there is illness or other medical reasons why baby won’t sleep, consult a doctor immediately.
Conclusion
Good sleep is as important for you as it is for the baby. Understanding why your baby is not sleeping deeply can help you make the necessary changes. Cocoon care brings you research-backed baby sleep solutions to help you in this quest for peaceful sleep. We believe that peaceful sleep is every baby’s right and every parent’s need. Cocoon Care is the one-stop shop for online baby shopping in India. Let your sweet dreams begin with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to make a baby go to deep sleep?
To make a baby sleep deeply, maintain a consistent bedtime routine. Create a calm sleeping environment and also ensure that they are well fed.
2. Why is my baby not getting deep sleep?
There can be many reasons why a baby is not sleeping deeply. Hunger, overstimulation, discomfort and medical reasons can cause this.
3. At what age do babies sleep peacefully?
Babies start sleeping for longer time by 3- 6 months. It varies for each baby. Sleep training and maintaining a proper sleep routine can help babies sleep peacefully.
4. How do I know if the baby has a sleep disorder?
Frequent night-waking, restlessness or a baby not sleeping properly can be a baby sleep disorder sign. Consult a pediatrician to rule out medical reasons why the baby won’t sleep.
Reference:
About the Author: The Cocoon Care Editorial Team works with pediatric consultants and experienced parents to bring you baby care tips you can trust.
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