Every new parent knows all about sleepless nights. Midnight feedings and checking in on your newborn make most parents able to survive without much sleep for several months. However, your baby is different. Studies have shown that babies require between 14-16 hours of combined daytime and nighttime sleep during their first 6 months, and getting enough sleep is crucial to a child’s development.
Growth
While it may seem like your baby is growing up before your very eyes, they’re actually doing most of their growing during their sleep. A protein hormone secreted by the pituitary gland called growth hormone (or “human growth hormone”) reaches its height of secretion during your baby’s sleep cycle. Studies have shown that while there are many factors that affect the release of this hormone, sleep is actually the most crucial.
Eating & Metabolism
Hormones take charge of many different functions of the body, including regulating appetite and metabolism. Babies that don’t get enough sleep can sometimes either overeat or show a preference for high-calorie carbohydrates, thus making those dreaded vegetables even harder swallow in later life. Metabolism can also be affected, which can cause weight problems down the road.
Your Baby’s Brain
Sleep, or a lack thereof, can greatly affect your child’s mood and ability to interact with the world around them. Keep in mind, everything your baby encounters is new and interesting for them, so sleep is the time they have to process this new information.
How To Give Your Baby the Best Sleep
With all of these important factors to consider, it’s easy to see how parents can feel anxious about ensuring their baby gets the appropriate amount of quality sleep. Fortunately, there are some great tips and tricks to use that can help even the fussiest of kids achieve sweet dreams.
1) Getting Hotter (or Colder)
Nobody likes to be a sweaty mess when they’re sleeping, and your baby is exactly the same. Dr. Alan Greene, M.D., author of From First Kicks to First Steps, suggests that the optimal temperature should be between 65 to 70 degrees. However, be sure not to place them too close to a window or fan, as this may vary the temperature too much.
2) Silence Isn’t Necessarily Golden
When your child was in the womb, it was exposed to near constant noises from both your body and outside. Some noise is reassuring for a baby trying to get off to sleep, and there are a variety of items that can achieve this. Try a musical mobile, like those found at Kids II Inc, which not only offers soothing sounds but bright colors and shapes. White noise machines have also been shown to have great results.
3) Swing Out Sister
While you may feel like you need to tip-toe around your baby, movement can actually remind them of the womb. Swinging or rocking is a natural motion that seems to sooth even the most upset kids. Try a good, old-fashioned rocking chair, or there are also some great swings available on the market that will do the job nicely.
Trying to get your child to sleep can seem overwhelming to a parent at first, but a good sleep routine can be established with a little time and patience. Every baby is different in their needs and likes, so be sure to experiment with what works best for your little one.
With four kids, Melanie Fleury knows the importance of having a good nap schedule, for herself as well as the kids. She has used various methods to get them to fall asleep and stay asleep. From lullaby singing mobiles to swings and rockers, Kids II Inc offers a variety of options sure to soothe the fussiest baby.
Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanrocketship/2552416553/
Comments are closed.