02/23/2023
Trying to get our little one to sleep can often leave us parents feeling more tired than our baby. How can we know what is making it so hard for them to go to sleep or stay asleep?
Here are six common reasons our little ones may be experiencing difficulty:
1. Sleep Environment - If you are trying to get your baby to sleep in a room that isn't dark, or that is noisy, that can cause disruptions. Also, keeping the room at the right temperature will help. Perhaps try some blackout curtains and use white noise (see link in bio).
2. Undertired - Knowing the right amount of sleep for your baby's age will help you to gauge if they are getting too much sleep. Too much sleep and your little one will find it more difficult to feel tired.
3. Overtired - Not getting enough sleep can make babies cranky, fussy, and hyperactive at bedtime. Making small changes in your daily nap routine can make all the difference. Babies from 0 - 12 months need between 12 and 19 hours of sleep in a 24 hr period. Toddlers from 1 - 5 years old need 10 - 14 hours, and children 6 - 10 years old need approximately 10 hours of sleep at night.
4. Bedtime Routine - bedtime routine might involve having a bath, a snack, brushing teeth, and a bedtime story. Make sure the routine is the same time every night, and keep it simple and short to help your child wind down and relax.
5. Screen Time - blue light emitted by televisions, tablets, laptops, and phones can throw off the body’s sleep/wake cycle, making it harder to fall asleep. Turn off all devices at least two hours before bedtime, opting for more soothing activities like reading a book.
6. Hunger / Thirst - If your little one is still hungry or thirsty before bedtime, they will fuss to try and indicate this to you. You might find that knowing your baby's different cry sounds will help you determine this.
If you've tried all of the above and you're still having issues, give us a call. It is possible for your baby AND you to get quality sleep.
www.babynursehelp.ca
1-877-534-2826
