#asktheexperts Hello Doctor, These days my baby is not taking feed properly and sleep has reduced, she hardly sleep for 30 mins and gets up, again after 1 hr she sleeps and again gets up. At night she takes feed by 10.30 and sleeps. Around 2.30 we feed her and she sleeps.Her sleep pattern has gone for a toss

Question

#asktheexperts Hello Doctor, These days my baby is not taking feed properly and sleep has reduced, she hardly sleep for 30 mins and gets up, again after 1 hr  she sleeps and again gets up. At night she takes feed by 10.30 and sleeps. Around 2.30 we feed her and she sleeps.Her sleep pattern has gone for a toss

Accepted Answer

It sounds like your baby is going through a phase where her sleep patterns and feeding habits have changed, which is quite common around 6 months. This could be due to several reasons like developmental milestones, growth spurts, or even the introduction of solids. Here are some possible explanations and tips to help you manage:

Possible Reasons:

1. Growth Spurts:

Around 6 months, babies often experience growth spurts, which can disrupt their sleep and feeding routines. They may feel hungrier and more restless.

2. Teething:

Teething can cause discomfort, leading to interrupted sleep. Your baby might be waking up more frequently due to gum pain or irritation.

3. Developmental Milestones:

Babies at this age start learning new skills like rolling, sitting, and babbling, which can make them more restless, affecting their sleep.

4. Separation Anxiety:

Around this time, babies can develop a sense of separation anxiety, making them wake up more often to check if you’re there.

5. Hunger or Fullness:

With the introduction of solids, your baby’s digestive system is adjusting. If she's not eating enough during the day or feeling too full, it might impact her night sleep.

Tips to Improve Sleep and Feeding:

1. Establish a Routine:

Create a calming bedtime routine (bath, massage, story, or lullaby) to signal it’s time for sleep. Consistency helps babies know when to sleep.

2. Feeding Before Sleep:

Ensure your baby is well-fed before bed. Offer a good feed before sleep time to reduce hunger-related wakeups. You can try cluster feeding in the evening if she’s willing.

3. Check for Teething Symptoms:

If teething seems to be the cause, try teething toys, a cold washcloth, or consult your pediatrician about safe remedies to ease discomfort.

4. Encourage Daytime Naps:

While night sleep is important, daytime naps are equally crucial. A baby who is overtired may struggle to sleep well at night. Try to encourage more frequent naps, even if they are short.

5. Keep a Calm Environment:

Ensure the sleep environment is conducive to rest: dim lights, soft sounds, and comfortable clothing. Sometimes small changes can make a big difference.

6. Monitor Sleep Cues:

Watch for signs of tiredness (rubbing eyes, yawning) and put your baby to sleep before she becomes overtired, as that can make it harder for her to settle.

7. Sleep Training:

If the disrupted sleep continues, you might consider gentle sleep training methods, like the "Ferber" method or "No Tears" method, to encourage longer stretches of sleep. However, it’s important to start slowly and with patience.

When to Seek Help:

If your baby seems uncomfortable, is not feeding well, or shows other signs of distress (e.g., fever, rashes, or continuous irritability), it might be good to consult your pediatrician to rule out any underlying issues.

This phase is challenging, but it’s usually temporary. With a bit of patience and consistency, your baby’s sleep should improve soon!