#asktheexpert
my son is 1 yr old now and he still doesn't sleep throughout night continuosly.He ask for feeding every 1 hrly or sometimes every 30 min.He beats slaps everyone doesn't listen at all ik hes too young to differentiate between right or wrong but still will his behaviour change any soon ..any tips for his sleeping schedule

Question

#asktheexpert 
my son is 1 yr old now and he still doesn't sleep throughout night continuosly.He ask for feeding every 1 hrly or sometimes every 30 min.He beats slaps everyone doesn't listen at all ik hes too young to differentiate between right or wrong but still will his behaviour change any soon ..any tips for his sleeping schedule

Accepted Answer

It's common for a 1-year-old to still wake up during the night, but since your son is frequently waking up for feeding and seems to be agitated or beating, there could be a few factors contributing to this behavior. Here are some possible reasons and suggestions to help improve his sleep patterns:

1. Hunger or Comfort:

At 1 year, many babies still wake up during the night due to hunger or the need for comfort. While some babies transition to sleeping through the night without needing feeding, others still rely on that comfort.

What you can do:

Gradually reduce night feedings: If you feel your baby is waking up due to hunger, you can slowly reduce the amount of milk given during night wakings. Gradually substitute shorter feeds or water during these times.

Offer a solid meal before bed: Ensure he has a good, filling meal before going to bed. Foods with a combination of protein, carbs, and healthy fats (like oatmeal, mashed vegetables, or a small piece of cheese) can help him stay fuller longer.

2. Sleep Associations:

Sometimes, babies associate feeding or being held with falling asleep. If he's used to being fed or rocked to sleep, he may wake up during the night and need the same comfort to go back to sleep.

What you can do:

Create a consistent bedtime routine: A calming routine before bed (like a warm bath, reading a book, or soft music) can help signal to your baby that it's time to sleep.

Encourage self-soothing: If he is waking up frequently, allow him some time to self-soothe. This could mean gently comforting him without picking him up immediately or offering milk every time he cries.

3. Teething or Discomfort:

At around 1 year, many babies are teething, which can make them uncomfortable during the night and cause frequent waking.

What you can do:

Check for teething signs: If he is teething, offer a teething ring or chilled washcloth to help soothe his gums.

Use pain relief if needed: Consult your pediatrician about safe pain relief options like infant pain medication (e.g., paracetamol) if you think teething is causing discomfort.

4. Sleep Environment:

Sometimes, babies have trouble sleeping through the night because they’re uncomfortable or distracted by things in their environment.

What you can do:

Maintain a comfortable sleep environment: Make sure the room is at a comfortable temperature, dark, and quiet. A white noise machine or a soft nightlight can help, depending on his preferences.

Dress him appropriately: Ensure he’s dressed comfortably for sleep, not too hot or too cold.

5. Separation Anxiety:

At this age, some babies experience separation anxiety, especially if there are changes in their routine or environment. This can make them more likely to wake up and seek reassurance from you.

What you can do:

Provide comfort and reassurance: Comfort him when he wakes up, but try to avoid picking him up immediately if you believe he can fall back asleep on his own. Gradually, you can reduce your involvement in helping him fall asleep.

Avoid overstimulation: Too much interaction during the night (like playing or picking him up often) can make it harder for him to settle down.

6. Check for any underlying issues:

If the behavior is new or has worsened over time, there might be an underlying issue, such as ear infections, allergies, or digestive discomfort, which could be causing him to wake up.

What you can do:

Consult your pediatrician: If you suspect there’s something more than just sleep habits causing the issue (like discomfort or pain), it's a good idea to speak with your doctor to rule out any health concerns.

7. Developmental Milestones:

At this age, your baby is also going through many developmental milestones (like walking, talking, or cognitive changes) that could disrupt his sleep.

What you can do:

Be patient with the changes: As your child goes through these developmental stages, sleep disturbances can happen. Keep offering comfort, but maintain a consistent sleep routine.

Final Tips:

Be consistent with bedtime routines: Babies thrive on consistency, so establish a calming pre-bedtime routine and stick to it.

Consider sleep training: Some families find that gentle sleep training methods (like the "Ferber method" or "chair method") help babies learn to self-soothe and sleep through the night. However, these methods require patience and consistency.

If his sleep disturbances continue despite your efforts, or if you're feeling concerned, it's always a good idea to consult with your pediatrician to rule out any medical issues and get more personalized advice.