Baby Sleep Basics
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Baby Keeping You Up? Here’s a Tried and Tested Method Most Moms Swear By for Inducing Better Sleep Patterns in Babies
Do you often find yourself waking up in the morning with dishevelled hair and puffy eyes, having gotten only 3 hours of (interrupted) sleep the previous night due to your little one’s erratic sleep hours? The morning-after is truly a test of parenthood. Will you feel grumpy and sullen afterwards or just drag yourself out of bed, accepting your fate? The good news is, there’s actually a way out of this, by simply employing a few methods to get your energetic little munchkin to sleep longer at night and give you some much-needed rest. And it’s way easier than you think! This tried and tested way of regulating your baby’s sleep cycle to give him (and yourself) a good night of sleep will soon be your saving grace.
Massages and Baby Sleep
If you’ve ever had one in the past, you’ll know that a massage can be incredibly relaxing. In the initial years, babies tend to take smaller, more frequent naps through the day and night, waking up to feed or play. Though they may feel rested despite getting irregular sleep, the same can’t be said for parents. A relaxing massage triggers serotonin production and helps the mind and body calm down, hence, improving sleep. Giving your baby a daily massage will induce better sleep patterns and help him sleep for longer hours at night.
Apart from inducing better sleep patterns, a massage shares a lot of other benefits, which include strengthening the bones and muscles and getting soft and glowing skin for your baby. Using the right massage oil at night amps up the benefits of a massage as well. Dabur Lal Tail, an Ayurvedic massage oil for babies, is enriched with natural ingredients like sesame oil, which makes the skin soft and supple and strengthens the bones and muscles, shankhpushpi for glowing skin, and rantanjot, which protects it. The oil also contains urad, which strengthens bones and muscles, and, most importantly, karpura or camphor, which improves blood circulation and calms the baby. Massaging your baby will help with development and allow him to sleep well, so he can wake up feeling rested and ready to play!
Step By Step Guide for Massaging Your Baby
Massaging can be ideally done 1-2 times a day. Many parents prefer to massage their baby before a bath, while a few parents prefer giving a massage before bedtime, as it relaxes the baby. Choose the massage time as per your suitability. The right techniques and the right oil deliver the best results for inducing better sleep patterns. Here is a step by step guide to help you out.
1. Pick a Comfortable Spot
Massaging should be a relaxing time for both you and the baby. Pick a quiet spot in the house, preferably in the baby’s room, so you can directly lay your baby to sleep after the massage. This should be a time for you to bond with your little one, so choose a comfy spot in the room.
2. Choose the Right Baby Massage Oil
Many parents opt for a lighter massage oil because they think it will be mild and gentle. However, this is misleading. The texture of an oil doesn’t signify mildness. The ingredients that go into the oil define the oil’s efficacy standards and safety on the baby’s skin. So, research well on the ingredients or composition of the oil before choosing one.
The main criteria for a massage oil should be that it is made with natural ingredients that are best for your baby’s skin and development. You will find two types of light oils in the market. One with harmful chemicals and one that’s toxin-free. However, it’s best to use an oil, especially for babies, that has efficacy standards proven for safety on the skin and natural ingredients that will not only help in bones and muscles strength but are also known to provide naturally soft and glowing skin.
Many parents worry that a heavier, coloured oil may stain the baby’s skin or give it a dark tinge. However, this is far from the case. The crimson colour in Dabur Lal Tail comes from ratanjot, a herb that soothes and protects the skin from harmful outside elements. It easily washes off while bathing and does not stain the baby’s skin. The oil also contains shankhpushpi, which imparts a glow to the skin and sesame oil, which not only nourishes the skin but also the bones and muscles. It is easily permeable, which allows it to seep into the skin and work on bone, muscle and joint strength. The addition of urad is great for nourishment of the baby’s bones and muscles, making them stronger. Further, karpura improves blood circulation for optimal development and calming your baby before sleep. This Ayurvedic oil is free from chemical-processing and perfect for your little one’s skin, giving him nothing but authentic, Ayurvedic, natural and safe skincare and the best of physical development.
3. Gather Other Supplies
Lay down a soft towel to place your baby on, so he feels comfortable. Also, keep a tissue or napkin handy in case of spills. You can arrange the oil, napkins and towel in a box or tray so everything is placed together and you save some time every day.
4. Gently Massage Your Baby
Use gentle strokes and low pressure while massaging your baby. Glide your fingers up and down the baby’s hands and legs, not forgetting the fingers and toes. Apply a little pressure and go in circular motions while massaging his tummy and back. For the face, glide your thumbs across the forehead and from the nose to cheeks in soft motions.
Tips to Keep in Mind During the Baby Massage
Here are some tips that will come in handy before, during and after you massage your baby, to let him sleep peacefully afterwards.
1. Create a Comforting Atmosphere
Dim the lights and create a warm and comforting atmosphere while massaging the baby, as it will make him feel calm before the massage and also give him some cues that it is now time to sleep. Also ensure that there is no outside noise that could disturb him during this time.
2. Let the Oil Slowly Get Absorbed Into the Skin
Gently massage the oil until it is completely absorbed into the skin. A thicker oil will take a bit longer for the skin to absorb but offers better nourishment. Dabur Lal Tail has a sesame oil base which has an inherent property of easy permeability. This is why the oil seeps deep into the skin and reaches the bones and muscles, strengthening them. The oil has a rich crimson red colour, owing to the addition of ratanjot, which protects the skin and offers deep moisturisation. It is a non-staining oil containing shankhpushpi, which imparts a natural glow to your little one’s skin. Made with natural ingredients, this baby massage oil is the best for skin nourishment and strengthening of the bones and muscles. All in all, it works wonders for babies!
3. Don’t Allow Any Interaction Post the Massage
Make sure that friends and family members do not walk in and disturb the baby during this time. After the massage, place your baby on his bed and let him fall into a deep slumber, with nobody walking in to the interact with him, as his sleep might break. This goes for you as well, so don’t talk to him or pick him up in harsh movements.
Irregular sleeping patterns may cause your little one to wake up constantly throughout the night. And a calming baby massage is the perfect solution if your baby has trouble sleeping. Simple grab a nourishing massage oil, gently massage your baby and watch him drift off to sleep, without any hassle. Here’s to restful sleep for your munchkin and yourself!
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Baby Sweating in Sleep – Causes & Solutions
Watching your baby sleep peacefully is a blissful experience. Any discomfort your baby faces while sleeping or even otherwise, can be heart-wrenching for many parents. What if you wake up to see your baby drenched in sweat while asleep? It can be quite worrisome, right? You may be curious to know whether sweating at night is normal in infants. Although your baby sweating in sleep can seem unusual to you, it is not a definite sign of a medical condition. Through this article, we will answer all your queries about the causes of night sweating in babies.
Video: Baby Sweating While Sleeping – Causes and How to Deal With It?
Also Read: Snoring in Infants: Causes, Side-effects & Remedies
What Are Night Sweats in Babies?
Night sweats occur when babies sweat excessively at night while they are asleep. There are various causes of night sweats, and the condition must not be ignored, especially if it persists longer.
Are Night Sweats in Babies Normal?
Sweating while sleeping is a normal phenomenon in babies. However, if your baby sweats a lot while sleeping, it might be a symptom of a health issue he is suffering from, and hence, must not be ignored.
What Are the Reasons for Night Sweating in Babies?
We have listed some of the reasons why your baby might be sweating while sleeping.
1. Movement
When babies are in deep sleep, they tend to sweat, as they do not move as much as adults do. Body temperature may rise when the baby stays in one position for a long time, and sweating is the body’s way of regulating this increase in temperature.
2. Position of Sweat Glands
Unlike adults, babies’ sweat glands are located close to their heads. This causes them to sweat excessively at night, especially because they do not change their head positions while sleeping, as much as they do when they are awake. As mentioned above, sleeping in one position may cause body temperature to rise, and sweating helps ensure that it is regulated.
3. Room Temperature
The temperature of the baby’s room can also make the baby sweat excessively at night, as is the case with adults.
4. Blanket
Covering a baby with a blanket or dressing a baby in too many clothes could easily spike a baby’s temperature. This makes the baby’s body temperature rise and leads to them sweating excessively. Similarly, excessive insulation from bedding can cause thermal stress. In a study it was found that more thermal insulation than was necessary to maintain the lower critical temperature increased the risk of SIDS among newborns in the prone sleep position.
Suffocation due to the sleeping position of the baby or getting strangled by a blanket can lead to SIDS or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. If you are watchful, you could notice the baby’s body overheating while he is asleep, which shows up in the form of extreme night sweats.
These are the common reasons why babies sweat could sweat a lot. However, certain health conditions can also be responsible for night sweats in them.
Other Causes of Night Sweating in Babies
If your baby sweats abnormally while he is asleep at night, then you may have something to worry about. There are some health conditions that may lead to abnormal sweating in babies while they are asleep at night. Let’s take a look at some of them.
1. Congenital Heart Disease
Children suffering from congenital heart disease may sweat abnormally at night while sleeping. Such disorders develop while they are still in the womb, and these infants tend to sweat excessively, even while eating and playing.
2. Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea has been detected as one of the causes of excessive night sweating in infants. In this condition, children pause for some time while breathing, causing the body to get overworked. This, in turn, makes the baby sweat abnormally in sleep. Children suffering from sleep apnea also display other symptoms like bluish skin and wheezing, along with night sweats.
3. Hyperhidrosis
It has been observed that sometimes, despite a controlled room temperature, babies sweat at night. This could be because of a condition called hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating. Although it is not a common cause in children, those suffering from hyperhidrosis also have sweaty hands and feet. However, it is not a serious condition and can be cured by a specialist. The treatment may involve a surgical procedure, or may even be cured non-surgically, by applying ointments or administering oral medication. Be sure to consult a dermatologist to determine the treatment your baby needs.
4. Common Cold/Fever
The night sweats in your baby could be because he is fighting the infection that causes the common cold or fever. Your child may then also show other symptoms like a runny/stuffy nose, cough, etc.
5. Allergies
Certain allergies can also lead to night sweats in babies. Look for signs like an allergic skin rash, a runny nose, etc., that he usually has when awake and exposed to the things he is allergic to.
7. Respiratory Health
Night sweats in babies can be linked to the child’s respiratory health too. In rare cases, babies with asthma, tonsillitis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis (a lung inflammation) have night sweats.
So, what is it that you can do when you find your child sweating excessively at night? Here are some tips that can help you deal with it.
Tips to Deal With Night Sweating in Babies
Here is a list of simple steps that you can follow, in order to keep a check on night sweating in babies.
1. Control Room Temperature
Ensure that the room temperature is always cool (between 26-27 degrees centigrade). Remove any unnecessary blankets and coveralls from the crib to ensure that your baby has a comfortable and sound sleep.
2. Keep Your Baby Hydrated
It is essential that you hydrate your baby well before putting him to sleep. This will help to make up for the fluid loss that takes place due to sweating.
3. Dress Your Baby Appropriately
Remember to dress your baby in breathable and light clothes. This will keep the baby’s body temperature under control and bring down night sweating. Irrespective of whether your baby has a night sweating problem or not, it is important to dress him in comfortable clothing for a sound sleep.
4. Keep the Baby’s Crib Clutter-Free
Get rid of the blankets, stuffed toys, sleep positioners (if you are using one), pillows, etc., before you put your baby to sleep in his crib to avoid overheating. Ensure he has nothing around him that can suffocate or strangle him while he sleeps.
5. Less Cries
Yes, sweating excessive crying be an outcome of excessive crying. Try clearing issues that could make a baby cry at night like a wet diaper or hunger, so they can lull to sleep peacefully.
Here are some points you must remember when your baby has night sweats.
Points to Remember
Parents need to be very watchful when it comes to their babies. These points will help you keep deal with night sweats and also seek medical assistance when required.
You may want to consult a doctor if your baby continues to sweat at night, even after taking the above precautions. The cause of night sweating in babies must be diagnosed at the right time, for appropriate treatment.
If excessive head sweating is accompanied by dry stool and dry skin, this could be an indication that the baby has weak kidneys, and it is advisable to consult a doctor, as soon as possible.
Look out for other signs or symptoms in your baby, like head banging, rocking, teeth grinding, snoring, and snorting. If you notice these symptoms, along with night sweats, you must consult your paediatrician immediately.
Head banging: This may indicate that the baby is in pain. Ear-ache and teething are common causes of head banging, and the child is sure to grow out of it. However, if the habit persists even after the baby is 3 or 4 years old, it may indicate a developmental problem that needs to be evaluated.
Teeth Grinding: Pain because of teething, the discomfort of an earache, or difficulty in breathing due to a stuffy nose, may cause teeth grinding.
Rocking: This is a way babies soothe themselves and is not a cause for concern.
Snoring and Snorting: Babies who have a stuffy nose due to cold may snore and snort in their sleep.
When Should I Consult a Doctor for My Baby’s Night Sweating?
The first time you notice your baby drenched in sweat during the night, try and understand why it may have happened. If external factors such as the temperature of the room, a thick blanket, etc., may have been the cause, you could try correcting it and notice if the issue occurs again. If it persists, it is advisable to consult a doctor. Additionally, if you notice other associated symptoms, such as teeth grinding, snoring, etc., consult a doctor, as soon as possible.
FAQs
1. Is it Normal for My Baby’s Head to Sweat While Sleeping?
As babies’ sweat glands are positioned near their heads, night sweating can occur only in the head as well. Lack of movement causes overheating in the head, which the body tries to control by sweating to bring down the heat. However, if you notice your baby sweating more than normal, as well as other symptoms such as hard stool and dry skin, be sure to consult a doctor.
2. Why Is My Baby Sweating Too Much?
Commonly associated with overheating due to activities or exercises, excessive sweating in babies could be an indicator of an underlying health problem. Hence, it is important to get the child diagnoses if sweating does not stop even after adopting usual sweat-relieving methods.
3. At What Age Does a Baby Start Sweating?
Newborn sweating in sleep or general thermal sweating is limited at birth. Babies start sweating usually around the end of two weeks, as their sweat glands are not fully developed yet even though they are born with those glands.
Now that you know all about night sweating in babies, be sure to take necessary precautionary measures so that your baby has a comfortable and sound sleep. Also, don’t forget to consult a doctor for further queries and concerns.
References/Resources:
1. Foster. K. G, Hey. E.N, Katz. G; The response of the sweat glands of the new-born baby to thermal stimuli and to intradermal acetylcholine; The Physiological Society; https://physoc.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1113/jphysiol.1969.sp008846; October 1968
2. Sweating in Infants and Babies; Pediatric Cardiology Associates of Houston; https://www.kidsheartshouston.com/answers/21878-sweating-in-infants-and-babies
3. Helping Babies Sleep Safely; CDC; https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/features/baby-safe-sleep/index.html
4. Dall. L, Stanford. J.F; Fever, Chills, and Night Sweats; Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition; Boston: Butterworths; Chapter 211; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK324/; 1990
5. Williams. S.M, Taylor. B.J, Mitchell. E.A; Sudden infant death syndrome: insulation from bedding and clothing and its effect modifiers. The National Cot Death Study Group; Int J Epidemiol.; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9119562/; April 1996
6. Hyperhidrosis; Cleveland Clinic; https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17113-hyperhidrosis
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Why Does My Baby Wake Up Crying? Reasons & Solutions
Why does my baby wake up crying? This is a common question many parents ask. A baby usually wakes up crying in the middle of the night because of two obvious reasons. One, he needs a diaper change and the second that he is hungry. But at times a baby may wake up crying for no apparent reason. There is no conclusive reason for babies to cry on waking up. It is quite typical of them to cry amidst sleep cycles as they may find it hard going into the subsequent one. Even some of the best sleepers may have sleep issues sometimes. Feeding or rocking can work to make them sleep. However, they may start relying on these actions too much. That is why you need to figure out the cause of his cries at night and remedy them.
Reasons Why a Baby Wakes Up Crying
If your baby has a problem settling down at nighttime and remaining asleep through the night, you will obviously be concerned. Hence, you need to understand the reasons why your baby cries at night. Some of the common reasons are below, which answer the question ‘why do babies cry when they wake up’?
1. Physical Discomfort (Temperature, Position, Wet Diaper)
Babies are very sensitive to their surroundings. Regarding the temperature of the room, if the room is too hot or too cold, they may wake up crying. A wet or uncomfortable nappy can also disturb sleep. Even lying in the same position for too long may cause stiffness or pain—changing their position can help.
2. Hunger or Feeding Issues
Even with an established feeding routine, babies can wake up hungry. This is especially common during growth spurts or after weaning from night feeds (1). After introducing solid food, reducing milk too quickly may also lead to nighttime hunger.
3. Overfeeding or Underfeeding
Eating too much or too little before sleep can cause discomfort. Overfeeding may lead to bloating, while underfeeding can leave the baby unsettled and unable to sleep peacefully (2).
4. Lack of Proper Sleep Routine
If a baby is overtired or not tired enough, sleep can become disrupted. A consistent daily routine with enough playtime and activity helps regulate better sleep patterns (3).
5. Loneliness or Need for Comfort
Babies may wake up feeling alone or insecure, especially if they fall asleep with someone nearby and wake up alone. Gentle reassurance, touch, or soothing words can help them settle again.
6. Nightmares or Sleep Terrors
Nightmares can scare babies and cause the infant to wake up screaming. Sleep terrors are different—they may cry hysterically, thrash around, and not be fully awake (4). Sleep deprivation can increase the chances of such episodes.
7. Teething Pain
Teething can cause gum discomfort, making babies irritable and more likely to wake up crying, especially during the night when distractions are minimal (5).
8. Illness or Infections
Conditions like fever, earache, throat pain, or infections can worsen at night and disturb sleep. Babies often express this discomfort through crying since they cannot communicate otherwise.
9. Digestive Issues (Indigestion, Gas, Stomach Ache)
Indigestion may cause a mild, irritable cry along with restlessness or sweating. A stomach ache may lead to sudden, sharp cries, and babies might curl up due to abdominal pain.
10. Cold, Congestion, or Breathing Issues
Blocked nose, sinus congestion, or mucus buildup from a cold can make it hard for babies to breathe comfortably, leading to disrupted sleep and crying (6). So if your baby wakes up screaming, check for these issues.
11. Separation Anxiety
This is an important reason if your newborn wakes up crying. As babies grow, they begin to understand when a caregiver is absent. Waking up and not seeing a parent nearby can trigger fear and anxiety known as separation anxiety, causing them to cry (7).
12. Developmental Milestones & Overstimulation
Learning new skills like rolling, crawling, or standing can overstimulate a baby’s brain. Exciting daytime activities or developmental leaps may lead to restless sleep and nighttime crying (8).
How to Stop Your Baby From Crying When They Wake Up?
There are some tips and tricks you can try to stop your baby from crying when they wake up. Let’s check some you can follow:
Breastfeeding or bottle-feeding well during the day and keeping your baby satiated before putting them to sleep keeps hunger pangs at bay at night and ensures a disturbance-free night.
Always maintain a calm and silent environment in the house when your baby is sleeping. If your little one gets disturbed during their sleep, they may wake up agitated and end up crying.
Start early with a short duration of separation with your baby to reduce their clinginess and dependency on you all the time. You can put your baby in a crib and let them play by themselves or play a peek-a-boo game.
Develop a self-soothing routine with your baby. This will reduce their dependency on you to sleep well.
Put a night light, add starry stickers on the ceiling wall, or draw curtains for the baby to stare at and get back to sleep when they wake up.
If your little wonder has a cold or cough, then giving them baby-safe medications or performing nasal suction before putting them to sleep will help in a sound sleep.
Similarly, if your little one is going through the teething phase, get medications prescribed by your baby’s paediatrician.
When Do Babies Stop Crying When They Wake Up?
There is no such particular age at which babies stop crying after waking up. When babies get older, their sleep duration increases, and they wake up less during their sleep sessions. However, it is possible for older babies to wake up crying if they get disturbed by anything during their sleep.
Each child is different and thus may have a unique sleeping pattern. Babies, till the age of 4-6 months, do not have long sleep durations, and most of them wake because of hunger. By the time they are nine months old, they will have a comparatively longer sleep duration than 4-6 months old babies.
When to Consult a Doctor
If you see a pattern or a continuous trend in your baby’s excessive crying for several hours after waking up or having trouble sleeping again after waking up, then you should immediately consult the paediatrician. It is also important to be sure of any physical ailment that could make the baby cry after waking up, like gas or indigestion.
FAQs
1. Do babies have nightmares?
It is possible for babies to have nightmares.
2. Why does my baby wake up crying and appear afraid?
Babies may wake up crying, feel agitated, and appear afraid if they experience any night terror or nightmare.
3. What happens if you let a baby cry for a long time?
Excessive crying or letting a baby cry for a long time can double the risk of hyperactivity, problematic behaviour, mood problems, sensitivity, and conduct problems by the age of five or six years.
There is no one clear-cut solution that will work for all babies. Each and every baby is different. Therefore, finding out reasons and solutions becomes a challenging experiment wherein theories may be tested to see if a method works. In most cases, it can turn into a waiting game wherein letting the stage pass may work best. If you try everything and nothing works for your baby, you must seek a paediatrician’s advice.
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Why Do Babies Smile In Their Sleep?
It is common for babies to smile or laugh when they are awake. But they also smile while sleeping. As they slumber in dreams, baby smiles emerge like magical whispers, revealing the purest expressions of their innocent joy. If you have recently given birth to your baby and watched him sleeping for hours, you must have noticed a twitch or smile on his face, and it must have been a sight to behold! But why does a baby smile while sleeping? Babies smile while sleeping because of reflexes, cognitive development, and emotional experiences. Read more to find out whether the baby is laughing or smiling in sleep.
Video: Why Do Babies Smile in Their Sleep?
Why Do Babies Smile or Laugh While Sleeping?
Many people think babies see angels while sleeping, which is why they smile. But that may not be true – as little scientific evidence is available. Babies are likely to smile or laugh in their sleep for one (or more) reasons.
1. Developing Emotions
While awake, little ones are exposed to new sounds and sights. During this time, their developing brains may tend to record all the daily experiences and information coming their way, possibly getting processed while asleep. The happy emotions felt while dealing with the new knowledge and their understanding may be exhibited through smiles or laughter in their sleep. Hence, smiling or laughing while asleep can be a part of babies’ evolving emotions.
2. Passing Gas
Babies are believed to start displaying social smiles when they turn 3–4 months old. But if a baby smiles in the first few weeks of his birth, it may infer that he is probably passing gas. This notion is, however, not supported by any concrete scientific research. Nevertheless, it is a known fact that colic babies tend to remain irritable, and farting brings relief and helps them feel better. So one of the reasons for smiling during sleeping could be that the baby is passing gas.
3. REM Sleep Cycle
While in REM sleep, he can experience certain physiological changes that trigger some reflexes, including a smile. The REM sleep phase may also result in rapid eye movements (REMs) and vivid dreams. If you notice your baby smiling or laughing in his sleep, he may be in the REM sleep cycle, recalling some funny episode earlier in the day.
4. Other Medical Causes
In rare cases, convulsions and fits may manifest as unceasing laughter. If you notice other symptoms such as weight loss, trouble while sleeping, frequent bouts of irritability, or laughing for no apparent reason, you must immediately take him to a doctor. Convulsive laughter episodes can disrupt your baby’s resting schedule, thus negatively impacting his health.
How Can Sleep Cause a Baby to Smile?
Sleep holds many mysteries, and one of its delightful secrets is how it can cause babies to break into smiles. Let’s explore how sleep can evoke those precious grins in little ones.
1. Dreams and Imagery
During REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, the phase associated with dreaming, babies may encounter vivid images and experiences that evoke positive emotions, leading to spontaneous smiles.
2. Neurological Development
As babies grow and their brains develop, the neural pathways responsible for facial expressions become more active. Sleep allows these pathways to strengthen and refine, allowing spontaneous smiles to emerge.
3. Emotional Processing
Babies process emotions even during sleep. Positive emotions and experiences from the day can manifest as smiles while they slumber, reflecting their sense of contentment, happiness, or comfort.
4. Reflexes and Mimicry
Some smiles observed during sleep may be reflexive or mimicry of facial expressions observed while awake. Babies naturally mimic the facial gestures of those around them, and these mimicking behaviours can persist even during sleep, resulting in smiles.
Could a Baby’s Smile in Sleep Be a Cause of Concern?
A baby’s smile during sleep is generally considered normal and healthy behaviour. However, there are instances where it could be a cause for concern. It is important to note that these concerns are relatively rare but worth considering. Here are some factors to be aware of:
Muscular Twitching in REM Sleep: Babies spend significant time in REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, which is associated with dreams. During this phase, facial muscles may twitch and make involuntary movements, including smiling. These smiles are typically harmless and indicative of normal brain development.
Discomfort or Pain: Sometimes, a baby’s smile during sleep may be accompanied by signs of discomfort or pain. This could include facial grimacing, restlessness, or crying. If you notice these additional signs, it may be worth investigating further to determine if an underlying issue is causing distress.
Unusual Frequency or Duration: While occasional smiles during sleep are normal, excessive or prolonged smiling could cause concern. If a baby consistently exhibits a high frequency of smiles or if the smiles persist for unusually long periods, it may be worth discussing with a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying conditions.
Gelastic Seizure: A very uncommon type called a gelastic seizure can cause a person to laugh uncontrollably. One-third of those who suffer from these seizures had their first one as infants. Infants who are about to sleep can encounter gelastic seizures. If a newborn has a gelastic seizure while asleep, they may awaken and then go back asleep after the seizure. Gelastic seizures often last 10 to 20 seconds and can be accompanied by additional symptoms, including wriggling, moaning, lip-smacking, and laughter or smiling.
It is important to remember that every baby is unique, and individual circumstances may vary. If you have concerns about your baby’s well-being or development, it is always best to seek medical guidance from your paediatrician.
Different Types of Smiles in Infants
By now, you know why a baby smiles during sleeping. It could be due to developing emotions, the REM sleep cycle, or some medical issues. But did you know there are different types of smiles too? Yes, babies have different types of smiles, which have different meanings. And all these smiles are important milestones in their lives. If a newborn baby smiles in his sleep, his smile can be of three different types, and they mean the following:
1. Social Smile
Babies are likely to go through many emotional changes in the first few years of their life. As they slowly grow up, they may become more responsive, alert, and interact with other people. Babies between 3 and 4 months of age often break into social smiles as a reaction to the attention and gestures of the mother.
If your baby has developed a social smile, it is an important developmental milestone and indicates an intentional expression of warmth towards you. It means that your baby is bonding with you. When a baby shows a social smile, it could be a sign of brain development. It also means that the baby’s communication skills are advancing. At this point, you may want to interact even more with your baby by cuddling, making comical faces or even simply talking to him to increase more social smiles of your baby.
2. Reflexive Smile
Babies also demonstrate fleeting smiles while sleeping, especially within the first few days of birth. Experts believe these early smiles in babies are reflex actions similar to other reflexes shown by newborn babies, like sucking and rooting. Reflexive smiles while sleeping are supposed to be innate gestures. They do not have an emotional trigger but are usually nature’s way for a baby to begin practising different skills. Reflex smiles may happen while the baby is in his mother’s womb from 25 to 27 weeks of gestation. After birth, reflexive smiles may typically occur during the REM sleep phase.
3. Responsive Smile
Responsive smiles may manifest around 6 to 8 weeks after the baby’s birth. A responsive smile while sleeping may be a baby’s response to sensory experiences or things he finds enjoyable, like a familiar soothing voice, cuddles, etc. Responsive smiles are not social reactions but simply reciprocating actions subject to what a baby senses. Responsive smiles can help you learn about your baby’s likes and dislikes, what amuses him or what can make him grin.
FAQs
1. How to Encourage My Baby to Smile?
Encouraging your baby to smile can be a joyful experience. Here are a few tips to help stimulate those adorable little grins:
Face-to-Face Interaction: Make frequent eye contact, talk, sing, and make funny faces with your baby. Babies often respond to the attention and expressions of their caregivers, which can elicit smiles.
Gentle Touch and Tickling: Lightly tickling your baby’s belly or gently stroking their cheeks can trigger a positive response and possibly a smile.
Play and Toys: Introduce age-appropriate toys that stimulate your baby’s senses, such as colourful mobiles, rattles, or soft plush toys. These can capture their interest and potentially lead to smiles.
Peek-a-Boo: Playing peek-a-boo, where you cover your face and then reveal it, can be a delightful game for babies. The element of surprise and anticipation often brings about smiles and laughter.
2. Does My Baby See Angels When He/She Smiles in Their Sleep?
No, when babies smile in their sleep, it does not indicate seeing angels or any specific visual content. Babies go through different sleep stages associated with dreaming, including REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Smiles during sleep are likely a result of their brain activity and emotional experiences during these dream-like states rather than visual perceptions of angels or other specific images. But apart from scientific evidence, it doesn’t hurt to imagine if babies see angels in their dreams!
Watching an infant smiling while sleeping is heart-warming and an important sign that the baby is developing emotionally and physically. Parents must understand that different babies have varied learning curves and developmental milestones. So they should not unnecessarily fret if their baby doesn’t display certain milestones. Let your baby develop at his own pace, and enjoy the little moments with him.
References/Resources:
1. The Characteristics of Sleep; healthy sleep; http://healthysleep.med.harvard.edu/healthy/science/what/characteristics
2. Challamel. MJ; A video polysomnographic study of spontaneous smiling during sleep in newborns; PubMed; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32748500/; June 2021
3. Mendes. DMLF, Moura. MLS; Different Kinds of Infants´ Smiles in the First Six Months and Contingency to Maternal Affective Behavior; Cambridge University Press; https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/spanish-journal-of-psychology/article/abs/different-kinds-of-infants-smiles-in-the-first-six-months-and-contingency-to-maternal-affective-behavior/581879A89266DE057972721E534A00FB; November 2014
4. Tautermannová. M; Smiling in Infants; JSTOR; https://www.jstor.org/stable/1128037; September 1973.
5. Yang. S; SiOWfa15: Science in Our World: Certainty and Controversy; PSU; https://sites.psu.edu/siowfa15/2015/10/18/the-secrets-of-infants-smile/; October 2015
6. Milestone Moments; CDC; https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/pdf/parents_pdfs/milestonemomentseng508.pdf
7. Emotional and Social Development, Ages 1 to 12 Months; University of Michigan Health; https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/ue5463
Also Read:
Cute Baby Smiling Photos
When do Babies Smile Back?
Ways To Make Your Baby Laugh
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Baby Sleeping Position – What Is Safe?
Babies sleep a lot, and ensuring a safe sleeping environment is crucial for their health and well-being. One of the key factors in promoting safe sleep is the baby’s sleeping position. Ensuring they sleep in a safe position is very important because wrong sleeping positions in infants can sometimes lead to SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). SIDS in children is caused due to suffocation or strangulation. If you have an infant at home, it is essential that you know everything about the ideal sleeping positions for babies and how certain sleeping positions can cause sudden deaths in newborns.
Which Sleeping Positions Increase the Risk of Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI)?
You may have observed infants sleeping in various positions. Some of these sleeping positions increase the risk of sudden, unexpected death in infancy (SUDI). SUDI is a broad term that encompasses all sudden deaths in infants, including SIDS, which is generally caused by suffocation in a newborn. Sleeping on the chest/stomach is one of the most dangerous positions for infants (8). Let’s look at more newborn sleeping positions that increase the risk of SUDI.
1. Sleep-on-Stomach Position
Risk Involved
The sleep-on-stomach position for babies is highly unsafe for the following reasons:
This position may put some pressure on the baby’s jaws and block the airways, making it difficult for the baby to breathe.
Sleeping on the stomach causes the baby to lie with his face very close to the sheet, causing him to breathe the same air. This may result in breathing recycled air, which is low in oxygen.
Sleeping on the stomach on a very soft mattress may cause suffocation in babies. The risk of rebreathing the exhaled air is higher while lying on a soft mattress because the baby’s face slacks deeper into the soft fabric of the mattress, which might block the baby’s airways from all sides (4).
Also, because the nose is placed very close to the mattress in this position, the baby breathes in the microbes present in the sheet covering the mattress, which may lead to allergies.
While there are exceptions, such as children with gastroesophageal reflux or certain upper-airway malformations like Pierre Robin Syndrome, who may be advised to sleep in this position, it’s crucial to consult a physician before doing so.
2. Sleep-on-the-Side Position
Sleeping on the side is not a recommended infant sleeping position, as infants tend to roll onto their tummy while asleep eventually, and this increases the risk of SIDS due to one of the reasons mentioned above.
So, which sleeping position is good for your baby? The only option left now is the sleep-on-back position. Let’s take a closer look at it.
Safe Sleeping Position for Infants
The sleep-on-back position is the safest and the best sleeping position for an infant (1). It is the most suggested sleeping position for babies as it keeps the airways open and has minimal risks of suffocation. This position not only ensures the safety of your baby but also promotes sound sleep, which is crucial for their development. The US NICHD (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development) recommends the sleep-on-back position for short naps as well as for sound sleep throughout the night in babies.
However, this sleeping position also has some risks involved. Here are some of them:
Risks Involved in the Sleep-on-Back Position
Children lying in the sleep-on-back position for a long time may suffer from ‘positional plagiocephaly’, a flattened head, or the baby may also suffer from ‘brachycephaly’, a flattened back. But, these temporary conditions normalise as soon as the baby turns one. Having said that, there are some techniques that you can use to avoid these conditions altogether –
More tummy time when the baby is awake.
Turning the baby on the sides while he is not asleep.
Reducing the time spent in carriers or car-seaters.
These techniques allow the baby to lie in different positions instead of lying on the back.
You can follow a few more things to ensure your baby sleeps safely. The tips below will help you manage or correct your baby’s sleep positions.
Tips for Safe Baby Sleep
Here are some tips to reduce the risks of SUDI and ensure that your baby has a sound sleep.
1. Use a Firm Mattress for the Baby’s Bed
Many parents make the mistake of choosing soft mattresses for babies. This must be avoided. Babies must be put to sleep in firm beds. Also, bumper pads, pillows, or soft toys inside the baby’s crib must be avoided, as they may accidentally cover the baby’s head (5).
2. Avoid Quilts and Comforters
Avoid using quilts and comforters on top of the mattress to make the bedding soft. This may cause the baby to sink under the bedding and increase the risk of suffocation. Just place a clean, fitted mattress inside the crib and cover it with a clean bed sheet, and that is enough for your baby to have a comfortable sleep.
3. Tug the Blanket Properly
Blankets should only cover the baby up to the chest. The arms must be kept outside the blanket to ensure that the blanket does not roll up to the head and suffocate the baby (3). Sleeping bags with fitted necks and armholes are easily available and highly recommended. They are safe to use and keep the baby warm, too.
4. Night Clothes Should Be Light Clothes
It’s important to dress the baby in light clothes for a good night’s sleep. Ensure the clothes are not too tight and not too loose (2).
5. Keep the Room Cool at Night
It is also suggested that children should sleep in a cool environment, preferably 20 degrees centigrade (6).
6. Use Pacifiers If Necessary
The American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) suggests that infants can be given pacifiers before sleep. However, forcing newborns to use pacifiers is not advisable. Wait till they are about four weeks old before you even try it.
7. Avoid Co-Sleeping With the Baby
Sharing beds with parents, siblings, or even their twins is not advisable for infants. Co-sleeping with the baby can increase the chances of SIDS. When sleeping, your arms, breasts or your clothes may accidentally cover your baby’s face and end up suffocating the baby. In India, co-sleeping with the baby is common, and feeding the baby at night is easy. But now you know why it must be avoided!
8. Share the Same Room
The baby’s crib must be installed in the same room as the parents. This makes breastfeeding convenient and makes it easy for the parents to keep a close watch on the baby’s sleeping positions. The AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) recommends room-sharing rather than bed-sharing as a baby sleep safety guideline (7).
9. Use a Baby Monitor
This is particularly useful for parents who can stay home but cannot always be around the baby. The monitor helps them watch the baby from anywhere in the house.
Parents often have several questions about their baby’s sleeping positions. The FAQs given below will cover most of your questions.
FAQs
1. Can babies sleep on their stomachs?
As discussed earlier, it is not recommended for babies or infants to sleep on their stomachs. But, as babies age 4 to 5 months, they learn to roll from their back to their stomach, which is normal. By this time, the risk of SIDS lowers in children, and hence, it is okay to allow the baby to find his comfortable position. A 5-month-old baby can turn his head to the side and keep the mouth and nose free for breathing. However, it is advisable to keep a watch while the baby is asleep and place the baby on the back while putting him to sleep.
Please note that babies sleeping on their tummy are at a high risk of SIDS only until they are about four months old, but it remains a considerable threat until they are about 12 months of age.
2. Can babies sleep on their side?
The side sleeping position for babies is not particularly alarming. However, recent research shows that babies who sleep on the side eventually turn on their tummy, and this increases the risk of SIDS. Babies tend to learn to roll over by the age of six months. If this is the case, you can let the baby continue to sleep on his side as the rolling over indicates strong internal organs and a low risk of choking. However, if the baby rolls over to the side before six months, ensure you put him in the sleep-on-the-back position.
3. Why do some babies sleep in the fencing reflex position when sleeping on the back?
The fencing reflex is also known as the Tonic Neck reflex. It is one of the many involuntary movements exhibited by infants while sleeping. In this case, when a baby is put to sleep on his back, his head turns to one side with the arms and legs extended to the same side. This prevents the baby from rolling from its back position to the stomach. It must be noted that this self-precautionary movement will disappear anytime between 3 and 6 months of age.
4. What if my baby is finding it difficult to sleep on the back?
Infants often may not be comfortable sleeping on their backs or lack sound sleep. However, parents need to get the babies used to sleeping on their backs to avoid SIDS. Gradually, they will adjust and fall asleep.
Also, babies with congested noses may feel uncomfortable sleeping on their backs. In such cases, place a humidifier in the baby’s room. This will moisten the air and loosen congestion.
5. What if my baby chokes while sleeping on the back?
Healthy babies don’t usually choke while sleeping on the back. It has been established that babies with gastroesophageal reflux disease do not choke when put to sleep on the back. One must only take care not to put babies to sleep with a feeding bottle in their mouths. This can cause choking as well as an ear infection.
6. Which are the best sleeping positions for preterm babies?
Preterm infants are at a very high risk of SIDS. Preterm infants, too, should be put to sleep on the back. But, if the infant is suffering from acute respiratory disease, then he can be put to sleep on the stomach under strict observation. This is only advisable in a highly monitored inpatient setting.
7. Can sleep positioners help my baby to sleep on the back and reduce the risk of SIDS?
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration), a federal agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, does not approve sleep positioners for infants. Using a baby sleep positioner to help babies sleep on their backs could be dangerous and must be avoided.
8. How often should I check on my baby while they are sleeping?
It is recommended that you check on your baby periodically while sleeping, especially during the first few months. However, avoid disturbing their sleep unless necessary.
Newborn babies are prone to SIDS and SUDI on account of incorrect sleeping positions. It is, therefore, essential to know about various sleeping positions and the risks they pose to newborn babies. Taking time out to learn this necessary information will go a long way in keeping your newborn safe and healthy.
References/Resources:
1. Baby sleeping positions: your questions answered; NCT; https://www.nct.org.uk/baby-sleeping-positions-your-questions-answered
2. Ball. H, Blair. P; HEALTH PROFESSIONALS’ GUIDE TO: “CARING FOR YOUR BABY AT NIGHT”; UNICEF; https://www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2011/11/Caring-for-your-Baby-at-Night-A-Health-Professionals-Guide.pdf
3. Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS); Healthdirect; https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/sudden-infant-death-syndrome-sids#prevented
4. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS); Nemours KidsHealth; https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/sids.html
5. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS); Boston Children’s Hospital; https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions/sudden-infant-death-syndrome-sids
6. Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS); NHS; https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sudden-infant-death-syndrome-sids/
7. Falusi. L. O; Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): Common Questions & Concerns; American Academy of Pediatrics; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/Sleep-Position-Why-Back-is-Best.aspx?
8. Sudden Unexpected Infant Death and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; https://www.cdc.gov/sids/about/index.htm
Also Read:
Basic of Baby Sleep
Baby Sleeps with Open Eyes
Bad Sleeping Habits of Baby
Tips to Deal with Baby Sleep Problem
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Baby Crying at Night – Causes & Solutions
Having a baby is a life-altering event; we’re sure you’re aware that raising your little one is no piece of cake. Apart from feeding schedules, nap requirements, and vaccination schedules, one thing you will have to deal with a lot is your baby crying at night. It is through crying that babies communicate their needs and initially, it can be tricky to interpret what your little one is trying to tell you, especially in the middle of the night. But don’t worry – there are different ways to deal with the situation, depending on what works best for your baby.
Video
Why Do Babies Cry at Night?
It is expected of a newborn baby to be crying all night, and frequently. But these episodes should become less frequent as the baby gets older. Here are some common reasons for baby crying at night:
1. Feeling Hungry
Babies have tiny stomachs and need to feed quite frequently during the first few months. Most babies will have to be fed every two to three hours. Watch out for signs of hunger, such as the baby putting his hands into his mouth, fussing, and smacking his lips. Starting the feed before your baby begins crying will help you have a peaceful night.
2. Experiencing Discomfort Due to Gas Troubles
Babies are prone to having gas troubles and may need to be burped or pass gas to feel relieved. Your baby might swallow air when breastfeeding or sucking from a bottle, and burping soon after a feed can provide him with relief. Placing your baby down on his tummy and gently massaging his back can also prove helpful.
3. Having a Dirty or Wet Diaper
Some babies can tolerate a wet or dirty diaper for a short time while others may need a change immediately. Putting on a fresh diaper will help the baby go back to sleep again quickly. However, ensure that you change the diaper quickly and don’t interact much with your baby while doing so, so he can be soothed back to sleep.
4. Needing Reassurance
Being alone in the dark can be a scary thing for your baby. He might cry out loud for attention, and to be reassured that you’re right there beside him.
5. Feeling Cold
Your baby is likely to cry if he’s feeling too cold. Swaddling him in light layers can help him keep warm and provide him comfort. However, ensure that you’re not wrapping him in heavy layers, as this poses the risk of SIDS.
6. Experiencing Teething Troubles
If you notice your newborn baby crying at night for no reason, check to see if teething could be the culprit. Teething pains can start from as early as four months and can cause babies to drool excessively and chew on everything they get their hands on. If your little one is about to or has already started teething, massaging the gums gently or offering baby teethers, especially ones that have been refrigerated, can reduce his irritation.
7. Being Too Stimulated
Taking your baby to a social event or out on a shopping trip can sometimes prove to be too exciting for him. The sensory overload can prove to be too much, especially if you’re putting him to sleep immediately after the experience is over (eg: reaching home right before your baby’s bedtime or if he falls asleep on the way home), and this can result in him crying into the night. Placing the baby in a familiar setting and then easing him into his bedtime routine can help tackle this problem.
8. Feeling Ill
Feeling sick, tired, and fatigued can make even adults want to cry! If your baby is crying more than usual or sounds different, then it might be due to some illness. Check to see whether your baby has any other symptoms like a fever, cough, vomiting, or loss of appetite, to name a few. Consult your doctor if this appears to be the reason.
How Long Does the Crying Last?
Early intervention can nip the problem in the bud and ensure you and your baby have peaceful nights. By resorting to appropriate methods of dealing with the crying, you can bring about changes in your baby’s behaviour in as little as two weeks. But this task gets more difficult as your baby grows older. Children aged one year or older are likely to fight off going to bed, even when they are sleepy and exhausted. They can cry for hours, protesting at the changes brought about in their schedule. If you do not take remedial measures when your child is an infant, the crying can last up until three or four years of age.
When Should Your Baby Be Able to Sleep Through the Night?
Babies under the age of two months are likely to awaken at least two times every night to be fed. After two months and up to four months of age, this comes down to one feed per night. After four months, formula-fed babies can sleep through the night for about seven hours straight. Breastfed babies should be able to get through seven hours without waking up for feeds by at least five months of age. This holds true for all normal babies of this age group; they should be able to fall asleep and stay that way without being held or rocked during the night.
Can You Comfort Your Baby if He Cries at Night?
There are two schools of thought on this topic. One belief is that babies will stop crying at night for no reason once they realise that no one responds. The other school of thought is that every time a baby cries, he should be held and comforted; that a baby should not be left alone for any reason. It is up to you to decide which way you want to go after weighing the pros and cons of each.
Would it Hurt Your Baby if You Leave Him Crying?
It is believed that letting a baby cry on his own can prove harmful to his physical and mental growth in the long term. But there is no evidence to support this claim. However, most of the sleep-training methods suggest that parents should stop responding instantaneously to every little cry of their child. But this also involves severing a connection between the parent and child. Some researchers opine that a sleep training method which involves letting a child cry for any period of time is likely to adversely impact the child’s physical, emotional, social, and behavioural growth due to interruptions in the natural biological cycle of the infant.
How to Calm Your Crying Baby at Night?
If your baby wakes up crying at night despite all his needs being met, it is likely that he has made it a habit. Here are some ways in which you can help your child (over four months of age) calm down and sleep through the night:
Put your baby in the crib or on the bed when he’s drowsy but still awake. Be certain to place your child in the crib at this point even if his bedtime ritual has not been completed. The baby’s last waking memory has to be of the bed or crib, and not of you. This will encourage him to go back to sleep on his own when he wakes up in the middle of the night.
If your baby refuses to stop crying at bedtime, keep visiting him at intervals of five to fifteen minutes. You can keep increasing the duration between visits. However, do not let the baby get too upset; if he seems extremely fussy or afraid, hold him till he calms down. You can sit in the room for a few moments till he calms down, but try to leave before he falls asleep.
Don’t take your child out of the crib or bed once you have tucked him in for the night. Rocking your baby until he falls asleep or bringing him into your bed for a while will defeat the purpose of this exercise.
Introduce your baby to a security object such as a soft toy or a blanket if your baby is six months or older. This will be of comfort to your baby when he wakes up at night and he will soon be happy cuddling this object instead of you at night.
Some other things that you can try to ensure a regular sleep schedule for your child are:
Restricting the baby’s naps to two hours or less and limiting it to only two naps a day.
Avoiding changing wet diapers at night as much as possible; if you must, then keep the lights dim to prevent stimulating your baby.
Sleep Training for Your Baby
Sleep training refers to the method used to teach your baby to fall asleep on his own. Once this aim is achieved, your baby is more likely to sleep through the night. While some babies easily pick up this art of sleeping, others may take time. There are two ways of sleep training – the controlled crying approach and the no-tears method. The choice is up to both partners after looking at the advantages and disadvantages of each. That said, it is important to remember that for some parents, a single training method might not do the trick. There is no particular age specified at which sleep training should be started. A large number of parents choose the sleep training route because they cannot deal with sleep deprivation any longer. Experts opine that babies are fully able to drift off to sleep by themselves after three months of age.
What Is the Cry it Out/Crying Down/Ferber Method?
Devised by a physician called Dr Richard Ferber, this method recommends letting your baby cry for a short while before you offer him comfort. Dr Ferber has also penned a book on this topic and it can be ideally applied to babies six months and older. The method suggested is as follows:
Gently place your baby in his crib or cot when he is extremely drowsy but not fast asleep.
Give your baby a goodnight kiss and step out of the room.
If your baby cries soon after, wait for a few moments before going inside.
Comfort your baby in a low voice and let the light be on low or switched off. Do not pick him up or feed him.
Leave the room even if your baby is still crying.
You have to repeat these steps until your baby goes off to sleep. It is likely that this will take quite a few attempts before you fully succeed.
Be sure to extend the time between each visit, giving your child greater time to calm down and attempt to sleep.
If the baby wakes up again at night, repeat the same process.
According to Dr Ferber, babies should be able to put themselves to sleep in about a week’s time. It is believed that this technique works because a lot of older babies smartly make the most of the situation when they realise that crying will result in them being held or fed. So, this technique conveys the message that their crying game no longer has any takers. On realising this, they are likely to stop crying without reason.
However, this method has had plenty of criticism coming its way as well. The process of letting a helpless baby cry seems almost traumatising to parents, which is why they tend to give up on the method on the second or third night, which is when the baby’s crying gets truly worse. Referred to as the extinction burst, it is at this point that there can be some improvement expected (after around 3 or 4 days), provided parents do not tend to their baby’s cries.
Gradual Distance Technique for Your Crying Baby
The gradual distancing technique is one of the methods suggested to help stop a baby from crying at night for no reason. Instead of severing your role in the baby’s get-back-to-sleep routine in one go, this method advocates doing it in a phased manner. Here is how you can go about this:
For the first couple of days, you can wait in the baby’s room till he’s asleep, before stepping out.
Then, gradually start leaving the room before he is fully asleep.
If he cries out on seeing you leave, come back and reassure him in a gentle voice without picking him up. Leave when he’s calm.
This can happen quite a few times in the first few days and you may have to keep leaving and coming back till he falls asleep.
Then, start putting him in the crib or cot at bedtime while he is awake and sit nearby till he starts drifting off.
Every day, increase the distance between you and your baby till you reach the doorway.
Go out of the doorway but remain close so you know if baby calls out or cries.
With this method, in about a few weeks, you should be able to put down your baby in the crib at bedtime and walk out while he falls asleep on his own. Also, remember the following tips to make the most of this technique:
It is best to try this only when you feel your baby can handle it. Four months is the suggested age.
Try not to take a step back when using this method as it can undo all that has been achieved.
When Should You Consult a Doctor?
In most cases, your crying baby can be calmed once his needs are met or through your comforting physical presence. But at times, excessive crying in babies at night can be indicative of a more serious cause, such as an illness. You should contact the paediatrician if your baby won’t stop crying at night and one of the following is evident:
Physical discomfort or signs of illness, such as high fever, rashes and the like
Signs of fear or stress in your baby
Remedial measures do not bring about even the slightest change in your child’s behaviour in two weeks
FAQs
1. At What Age Do Babies Cry At Night?
Until your baby turns 6 months old, it is likely that he will cry and wake up during the night. During this time, you can try various methods to put him back to sleep, but do not fret. Instances of crying at night are quite common between 4-6 months.
2. What Are The Types Of Baby Cry?
There are many reasons for your baby crying, and over time, you will be able to identify exactly what is making your baby cry at night. Some of these reasons are hunger, pain, discomfort, colic, being upset, and more.
Each baby has his own timeline for meeting milestones of physical and emotional growth. It is no different when it comes to sleep schedules. Also, sleep routines can go off track when the baby is sick or if he is on the verge of achieving some milestone. Thus, it is important to remember that when it comes to babies – time, patience, and a lot of effort are required to get the needed results.
References/Resources:
1. Frequent Night Awakenings: Why Is My Baby Crying During Sleep?; Children’s Hospital Colorado; https://www.childrenscolorado.org/conditions-and-advice/parenting/parenting-articles/baby-crying-sleep/
2. Soothing a crying baby; NHS; https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/caring-for-a-newborn/soothing-a-crying-baby/; August 2022
3. Crying baby: What to do when your newborn cries; Mayo Clinic; https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/healthy-baby/art-20043859; December 2022
4. Sánchez. C, Cubero. J, Sánchez. J, et al.; The possible role of human milk nucleotides as sleep inducers; Nutritional Neuroscience; https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1179/147683009X388922; July 2013
5. Colic; Mayo Clinic; https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colic/symptoms-causes/syc-20371074; April 2022
Also Read:
Baby Crying while Breastfeeding
How to Stop Your Baby From Crying?
Your Baby’s First Cry – What Does It Signify?
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4 Baby Sleep-Related Questions All New Parents Have Answered by a Paediatrician!
Bringing a new life into the world is a life-changing event for every new parent, and as new parents, you want to ensure that you get everything right! From feeding habits to cleanliness to health and comfort, following best practices is essential to ensuring your baby’s health and happiness!
If you’ve ever struggled to create the perfect sleep routine for your baby, the internet can be your secret weapon as long as medical professionals and experts verify the information you get.
Enter renowned paediatrician and sleep expert Dr. Rajiv Chhabra who answers some of the most searched baby sleep-related questions! This article takes his expert advice and provides valuable tips to ensure your baby enjoys deep sleep every night!
4 Top Baby Sleep-Related Questions and Most Searched Tips
How Can I Make My Baby Sleep Better?
Solution:
As Dr Chhabra attests, understanding your baby’s sleep patterns and creating a nightly routine is key to ensuring your baby gets a good night’s sleep! But how can you do that? Some ways in which you can do this include:
1. Note Down Sleep Patterns
Record your baby’s sleep patterns over a week and see what times of day they fall asleep and when they have the deepest sleep.
2. Soothing Signals
Read sweet bedtime stories to your little one, sing them a lullaby or song, or rock them to sleep. These are called soothing signals and help put your baby to sleep.
3. Swaddling:
Swaddling is another comforting method that helps put your baby to sleep. This is a practice where a blanket is wrapped around the baby to resemble a womb, putting them at ease in their new surroundings and coaxing them to sleep (1).
4. Comfortable Clothing
Ensure your baby is dressed in clothing that is appropriate for the region and its weather. Breathable clothing is key, especially with the diapers you choose. Ensure they have a protective layer with natural extracts like coconut to soothe your baby’s skin and prevent rashes and irritation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hElIY6IwSXE
How Do I Get My Baby to Stay Sleeping?
Solution:
Dr Chhabra states that comfort is key to ensuring your baby is undisturbed while sleeping. Additionally, the sleeping environment is essential in soothing the baby and putting them to sleep. Here’s what you can do:
1. Comfort
Choosing the right clothes for your baby is vital to providing comfort. As mentioned earlier, they must be breathable and soft. Baby diapers with soothing properties are also an important factor to consider. In addition, the diaper’s design is essential to your baby’s comfort. Ordinary diapers have elastic bands that chafe, cause friction, and leave red marks. Additionally, they have low absorption, leading to sogginess, which can cause a diaper rash and other skin irritation.
Conversely, diapers like MamyPoko Pants Extra Absorb have deep, strong absorption properties with 60% more absorption up to 12 hours, preventing sogginess and allowing babies to enjoy deep sleep. Additionally, the diaper comes with the innovative Flexi Fit that enables it to expand gently, relieving pressure off the baby’s tummy and back. This in turn avoids any kind of rashes or irritation, skin troubles against the baby’s skin.
2. Sleep-Friendly Environment
Using dim lighting in the nursery and playing soft, soothing music can put your baby at ease and aid them in falling asleep and continuing to sleep uninterrupted.
What Are the Three Tips to Make a Newborn Sleep?
Solution:
Dr Chhabra has three invaluable tips to help you put your newborn baby to sleep:
1. Read Your Baby’s Sleep Ques
Understand tiny signs and signals your baby sends indicating they are tired and ready to go to bed! This includes simple signs like yawning, rubbing their eyes, and getting quiet, or more complex cues like kicking about, clenched fists, crying, making fussing sounds, or pulling odd faces (2).
2. Place Your Baby in the Crib
Place your baby in the crib while they are still awake. This helps them learn to fall asleep on their own and removes the fear of falling asleep in your arms only to wake up in an unknown setting like the crib (3).
3. Keep Them Comfortable Through the Night
Keep toys and plushies out of the crib, and ensure the surface is flat with the sheets tucked in snugly. Ensure they are dressed appropriately, are kept in a cool room, and have diapers with deep absorption. The Mamy Poko Pants Extra Absorb is suggested, which provides up to 60% more deep absorption for up to 12 hours without sogginess and ensures 2X protection from thigh leakage. This deep absorption is critical to ensuring your baby’s deep sleep.
What Is the Best Sleeping Method for Babies?
Solution:
A baby’s posture is vital to providing comfortable sleep, and Dr Chhabra reiterates this. According to him, the best position to lay your baby is on their back during naps or sleep. But while doing so, it is vital to ensure they have minimal to no pressure on their back and tummy. Indian babies have wider bellies, so it is essential to pick comfortable, flexible and absorbent diapers that consider their anatomy and self-adjust to relieve pressure on the baby’s tummy and back. The Innovative Flexi-fit of the MamyPoko Pants Extra Absorb diapers has been created keeping in mind an Indian baby’s anatomy and adjusts gently while spreading pressure evenly on the baby’s tummy and back, preventing any kind of discomfort while they sleep.
MamyPoko Pants Extra Absorb diapers ensure deep absorption, with 60% more absorption without becoming soggy! This allows babies to enjoy their deep sleep and comfortable nights. If you want more details on the above queries, here’s what Dr. Chabbra had to say:
We know that figuring out your newborn’s sleep routine is an exhausting journey, but its rewards are many! Try out these tips to ensure deep sleep and a happy baby!
References:
1. Swaddling: Is It Safe For Your Baby?; Healthy Children; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/diapers-clothing/Pages/Swaddling-Is-it-Safe.aspx
2. Sleep 0-3 Months; Government of Western Australia Department of Health; https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/S_T/Sleep-0-3-months
3. Sleep and Your 1-3 Month Old; Nemours Kid’s Health; https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/sleep13m.html
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Baby Sleeping On Parents Chest – Is It Safe?
Decision-making is a crucial aspect of becoming a parent. New parents have to deal with numerous tough decisions, and one of them would be whether or not to let their baby sleep with them. You might have already decided on your baby’s place of sleep, but some babies might insist on sleeping with you!
My parents insist that the baby will only sleep on my chest. But the safety of a baby sleeping on a parent’s chest is a topic of concern for many caregivers. While this practice may offer comfort and bonding, understanding its potential risks and benefits is crucial to ensure the well-being of the infant.
Should Infants Be Allowed to Sleep on Your Chest?
Newborn babies should not be allowed to sleep on your chest because this increases the chances of tragedies like SIDS. It is best to establish a rule of not letting your baby sleep on your chest. Letting your baby sleep on your chest, or co-sleeping might seem like a very good way for you to bond with your child, but it can be dangerous. You might be rocking the baby to sleep, but as soon as you lay him, he might wake up. This is why many people let them fall asleep on their chest or co-sleep, but it can be really dangerous for the baby. Apart from increasing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), it also increases the risk of accidents or suffocation.
Why Do Babies Love to Sleep on Your Chest?
Babies love to sleep on your chest because of the following reasons:
1. Comfort and Security
The parent’s familiar heartbeat, warmth, and scent provide a sense of security, replicating the womb environment.
2. Bonding
Skin-to-skin contact during chest sleep fosters emotional attachment between the baby and the parent.
3. Regulation of Body Temperature
The caregiver’s body helps regulate the baby’s temperature, ensuring optimal comfort.
4. Soothing Sounds
The parent’s breathing and heartbeat create calming sounds that mimic the sounds the baby heard in the womb.
5. Sensory Stimulation
The tactile and auditory sensations of being close to a parent can be soothing and reassuring for babies.
6. Feeding Connection
Close proximity facilitates easier breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, promoting a strong feeding routine.
7. Reduced Stress
Being near a caregiver’s chest can decrease the baby’s stress levels and promote relaxation.
8. Sleep Patterns
Chest sleeping might help regulate the baby’s sleep patterns and improve overall sleep quality.
How Long Can My Baby Sleep on My Chest?
Found the answer to can my newborn sleep on my chest, but don’t know for how long!
Well, you must safely transition them to their own sleep space, such as a crib or bassinet, once they have fallen asleep. This will help to reduce the risk of accidental suffocation and promotes independent sleep habits in babies.
Benefits of Infant Sleeping on Your Chest
Here are the benefits of a baby sleeping on the tummy on my chest.
1. Bonding and Attachment
Placing your infant on your chest fosters a strong emotional connection between you and your baby, enhancing the sense of security and trust.
2. Regulation of Vital Signs
Skin-to-skin contact helps regulate the baby’s body temperature, heart rate, and breathing, promoting overall physiological stability.
3. Improved Sleep Patterns
Chest sleeping can encourage longer and more restful sleep for the baby, possibly due to your body’s soothing sounds and sensations.
Risks of Baby Sleeping on Parent’s Chest
Following are the risks associated with a baby sleeping on a parent’s chest.
1. Suffocation and SIDS
Co-sleeping on a parent’s chest increases the risk of accidental suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), especially if the baby’s airway becomes obstructed.
2. Overheating
The baby’s body temperature may elevate when sleeping on a parent’s chest, potentially leading to overheating and discomfort.
3. Rolling Over
As babies grow and become more mobile, there’s a risk of them rolling off the parent’s chest, which could result in injury if they fall from a height.
What Can You Do If Your Baby Wants to Sleep on Your Chest?
Here are a bunch of things that you can do if your baby wants to sleep on your chest:
1. Swaddling
You should definitely try swaddling your baby if you had not already done this before. He was living in your womb for so many months that he is used to the snug and comforting feeling. Wrapping your baby or swaddling him will help replicate that amazing feeling, which will help your baby sleep well.
2. Dock-a-Tot
Some babies find the crib to be ‘vast’ to sleep properly. This could be another reason why infants prefer sleeping on their parent’s chest. For many families, bed-sharing or co-sleeping might is an option, and you can use a Dock-A-Tot, an in-bed co-sleeper to help your baby sleep with you safely. This way you will be able to share your bed safely with your baby.
3. Zipadee-Zip
If your baby is more than four months old or if swaddling the baby is not working, then you could try using a swaddle transition product like Zipadee-Zip. This is useful when the baby’s Moro reflex is still strong.
4. Rock-N-Play
Many families try this ‘Rock-N-Play’ method when their babies are really young. If the baby is younger than 4 years old, then this method might be really helpful for you. However, there are chances that your baby might face problems later since he will be accustomed to sleeping using the Rock-N-Play technique. But note that this method is not considered to be the safest of all the other sleep surfaces since it is not flat and firm. You should check with your doctor if you feel like there is not enough space for the baby to sleep.
5. Heartbeat While Noise
The sound of your heartbeat might be one of the reasons your baby might like to sleep on your chest. If it is the mom’s chest the baby is sleeping on, then it was your heartbeat the baby listened to for many months. So, you could consider using the white noise machine that has the heartbeat sound. This might not be the ultimate miracle solution, but it might help to a certain extent.
6. Sleep Training
If your baby is older than 4 months, then you could try sleep training him. You baby will be capable of sleeping on another surface since he does not know the difference or that there is something wrong with it. Many babies need to learn how to sleep well independently in other spaces.
Safety Tips While Baby Sleeping on Your Chest
1. Supervision
Always ensure constant supervision while your baby sleeps on your chest to prevent accidental suffocation or positional changes that could endanger their breathing.
2. Safe Positioning
Position the baby’s head to the side to keep the airway open and avoid any obstruction, ensuring their nose and mouth are clear.
3. No Loose Bedding
Avoid using loose blankets, pillows, or other items that could potentially cover the baby’s face or cause discomfort while they’re sleeping on your chest.
FAQs
1. Where and How Should Baby Sleep?
Babies should sleep on a hard surface in their parent’s bedroom. They should sleep on their backs to lessen the likelihood of sudden infant death syndrome.
2. Can Baby Get Overheated While Sleeping on My Chest?
Yes, babies can overheat while sleeping on your chest due to direct body contact and shared body heat.
It is advised not to co-sleep or let your baby sleep on your chest if either you or your partner smoke or consume alcohol. You should not do it even when you are extremely tired or if the baby was born prematurely. It is best to make him sleep in a crib without any blankets or pillows, so the risk of suffocation is reduced. The best way for parents who want to be with their babies while sleeping is to sleep in the same room with them. Place the crib beside you so that he is near you, and this way, you are also decreasing the chances of SIDS.
References/Resources:
1. Is Sleeping With Your Baby As Dangerous As Doctors Say?; npr.org; https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2018/05/21/601289695/is-sleeping-with-your-baby-as-dangerous-as-doctors-say
2. Baby Sleeping On My Chest – All You Need to Know; sleepadvisor.org; https://www.sleepadvisor.org/baby-sleeping-on-my-chest/
3. Co-sleeping or bed sharing with your baby: risks and benefits; nct.org.uk/; https://www.nct.org.uk/baby-toddler/sleep/co-sleeping-or-bed-sharing-your-baby-risks-and-benefits
4. Can My Baby Sleep on My Chest: Is It Safe?; superheroesforkids.org; https://superheroesforkids.org/can-my-baby-sleep-on-my-chest-is-it-safe/
5. Swaddling: Is it Safe for Your Baby?; healthychildren.org; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/diapers-clothing/Pages/Swaddling-Is-it-Safe.aspx
Also Read:
Baby Sleep Training Methods
Tips to Get Your Baby to Sleep Through the Night
Bad Sleeping Habits That Can Harm Your Baby
Read more
How Much Sleep Does a Baby Need (Newborn to 12 Months Old)
Sleep is an important component of a baby’s life, especially during the initial months. Babies spend close to 70% of their time sleeping during the first three months after birth. All infants are different, and so is their sleeping pattern. Thus, there is no fixed answer to the question of how long do newborns sleep. It is important to observe and understand your child’s sleeping pattern and then see if they are getting sufficient sleep.
Video: How Much Sleep Do Babies Need (Also Tips to Put Your Child to Sleep )
How Many Hours of Sleep Does a Baby Actually Need?
Most babies sleep throughout the day during the first few weeks after birth and wake up only for short periods, mostly when they are hungry. Different infants have different sleeping and feeding patterns, and it is very likely that you will have to keep your guard up even during the night hours.
Given below is a table that shows the average newborn baby sleeping hours during the first twelve months after birth:
Age of the baby
Sleep hours during the day (Hours)
Sleep hours during the night (Hours)
Total sleep hours (Hours)
Newborn
8
8 to 9
16 to 17
One month old
6 to 7
8 to 9
14 to 16
Three months old
4 to 5
10 to 11
14 to 16
Six months old
3
11
14
Nine months old
2 to 3
11
13 to 14
Twelve months old
2 to 3
11
13 to 14
During the initial three months, it is possible that the baby will wake up frequently in order to satiate hunger, and might not sleep for more than three hours at a stretch. This will change slowly, and they will have longer sleeping hours as they grow. Once the baby is three months old, you will be able to see a pattern in their sleep, and you can form a routine which will help the baby to sleep early during the night and for a longer period of time.
Sleep Tips
Here are some tips which may help you put your baby to sleep easily, based on their age bracket.
1. Sleep for 0 to 2-Month-Old Babies
In the initial months, a baby might twitch arms and legs, smile or frown and make sucking noises. This is due to reflexes which they can’t yet control. Newborns do not know how to soothe themselves and will need the parents to do it for them. Using a pacifier, rocking, cuddling, and breastfeeding are some ways in which the baby can be put to sleep.
2. Sleep for 2 to 4-Month-Old Babies
This is the time period when infants start to settle into a nap routine. Expose the baby to a lot of morning sunlight and allow him to play during the daytime. Initiate a pre-bed-time routine, such as shower, narrating a story, or feeding before putting the baby to sleep. This will create a pattern for the child and indicate to them that it is now time to sleep.
3. Sleep for 4 to 6-Month-Old Babies
During this period, the baby will start to quit night-time feeding and sleep throughout the night at a stretch. At this stage, most babies will not wake up during the night, and even if they do, they will be able to put themselves back to sleep. A little cuddling or patting will be helpful.
4. Sleep for 6 to 12-Month-Old Babies
As babies start recognising people and understanding things, they develop separation anxiety. You child will know when you are not around, and this may cause him to wake up at night and cry. A little bit of pacifying will help calm the baby, and he will go back to sleep once he realises you are around.
Sleeping patterns of all babies are different, and there is no fixed answer to the question ‘how many hours do newborns sleep?’ as it will differ from one child to the other. However, it is important to know the range of hours which the babies usually sleep for and observe their sleeping patterns. This will let you take corrective action if you observe any abnormality in their sleeping pattern.
Also Read: Baby Sleeping Position – What Is Safe?
Read more
4 to 6 Months Old Baby Sleep
Getting adequate sleep is very crucial for a baby as all their vital organs and bodily functions require a good amount of rest in order to develop. As a parent, it is important that you ensure your child gets a good amount of sleep by observing their sleep patterns and ensuring they do not stray from a regular routine.
There are ways in which a parent can establish good baby sleeping habits and it will require some effort on your part to identify these patterns in your child.
Video: 4 to 6 Month Old Baby’s Sleep Pattern
What Is My Baby’s Sleep Pattern?
Every baby is different and you need to be sensitive to your baby’s needs and patterns so that both of you get the rest that you deserve. The good thing is, you can try and teach your baby how to achieve a proper sleep pattern, which will take care of your baby’s complete sleep requirements for the day and also give you much-needed rest.
A 4 month old baby sleep pattern can differ from a baby who is slightly older, say, a 10-11-month-old baby, so watch out for this.
By around 4-6 months, your baby will begin getting used to a regular sleep pattern. There are instances where some infants might require breast-feeding at night, but the frequency of this happening tends to reduce.
How Much Sleep Does My Baby Need? (4-6 Months)
Babies at this stage and age, generally sleep around twelve to sixteen hours a day. This includes the longer night-time sleep, with two naps in the day.
During the Day:
On an average, daytime sleep is around three to four hours, spread throughout the day. The need for naps during the day may reduce as your baby grows older and her sleep regularises.
During the Night:
At night, babies typically log around 10 hours of sleep. By the time babies are 6 months old, most of them sleep through the night for 9 hours, or maybe even longer.
How to Establish Good Baby Sleeping Habits
You can start any bedtime routine which works in order to get your baby to sleep. A few soothing activities and actions that lead to drowsiness always work. You can also give your baby a nice warm bath after which some singing or stories can signal the end of the day. These activities could be utilised as a bedtime ritual for many years, even as your child grows up.
In time, you would prefer that your baby falls asleep on their own. That would require you to complete any night-time routine you have before placing the baby inside the crib when they’re drowsy. If they do cry, it is better to move away for a few minutes and allow them to settle and fall asleep on their own. Resist the urge to cuddle them, especially if you want them to learn to fall asleep on their own. If the crying continues, you may consider holding the baby a bit longer..
Are There Any Sleep Problems at This Age?
There are a few 4 to 6 month old baby sleep problems that need to be addressed if they are recurring, but with practice and time, your baby will start getting used to sleeping on their own. Babies can suffer from separation anxiety also, so make sure you watch out for the signs.
Baby Sleep and Development
Having adequate sleep is necessary to prevent a baby from being cranky all the time and also keep them healthy and free from illnesses. As their bodies are still developing, getting enough sleep puts babies in a position of adequate rest, ensuring all body functions are carried out at optimum levels. Development of the immune system is an especially energy-consuming developmental milestone, along with brain development. Both require the baby to be well-fed and well as well-rested.
Sleep Tips for 4 to 6 Months Old Baby
Indeed sleeping is an important aspect of baby development. It is also one that is relatively easy to manage, as compared to having to deal with an illness or nutrition problems, etc.
Following are a few simple tips that can be followed to ensure your baby gets good sleep.
If your 4 month old naps on their back, change this habit. Ensure that they nap on either side or their stomachs.
Provide them a surface that is firm and cover the mattress with a sheet that is snug.
Do not put other stuff – like pillows, soft-toys, etc. – inside the bassinet or crib. If required, place a baby monitor. It can be used as an effective sleep solutions for babies as you can try and listen for cues of your baby waking up in the middle of the night when you’re not in the same room.
Avoid overheating of the room and of your baby too. Ensure the baby always feels cool (but not cold), and is sleeping in ambient environment. Try to avoid over bundling.
Try giving them a pacifier to suck on while asleep. If the baby seems unwilling to accept it however, then don’t try to force it on them.
Watch out for any hazards like cords, wires or ties that can affect the baby. Ensure that their sleeping environment is safe and sound.
What if baby wakes at night? Do not worry. This might be because they are distracted or need some pacifying before sleeping. Ensure that they are completely asleep when you place them back in the crib.
Signs of a Sleeping Baby
A few months post your baby’s arrival, you will notice sleep patterns and signs emerging. A 5 month old baby sleeping a lot is a good sign as they need a lot of rest. As a parent, you just need to ensure that they are not sleeping more than the normal number of hours they do.
Often new mothers may have trouble identifying signs of sleepiness. Here are a few signs of a sleeping baby:
Their facial expressions can go from being relaxed to grimacing
They can start looking away from you and stare into space
They rub their eyes and ears
Heavy yawning
Clenching their fists
Some babies have their own idiosyncrasies when it comes to sleeping, so the faster you can identify them, the better.
Always ensure your babies get good sleep and have a peaceful early childhood. This is because the amount of nutrition and rest they get in their first few years plays a major role in their development later on.
Also Read:
7 to 9 months Old Baby Sleep
Tips to Make Your Baby Sleep
Read more
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