Parenting Insights
When I became a first-time parent, I shared the common wish of many. I longed for my baby to sleep soundly through the night. Miraculously, my little one did reach that milestone just before her three-month birthday. I naively attributed her good sleep to my nurturing and structured approach, as we adhered to the eat-sleep-play routine. I was convinced I had a “good” baby. (Of course, the anxiety of new motherhood had me worrying that she might stop breathing during the night.) My blissful sleep routine soon unraveled with the arrival of my next three children, who were far less predictable than my first.
The truth is, sleep deprivation is a challenge nearly every parent faces. It’s time we stop assuming that babies should automatically sleep through the night; if they don’t, it doesn’t mean something is wrong with them or our parenting skills. A recent study shows that it’s entirely normal for babies to wake during the night.
Researchers at McGill University tracked 44 infants over two weeks and discovered that new parents often anticipate their baby will sleep through the night by six months. However, the study suggests that sleep consolidation should be viewed as an ongoing process, rather than a milestone to be reached by a specific age. Furthermore, sleep patterns can vary significantly—not just between different infants, but even for the same infant from night to night. So, just because your baby sleeps through one night doesn’t guarantee it will happen again.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies don’t establish regular sleep cycles until about six months of age. While newborns may sleep 16 to 17 hours a day, they often do so in one- to two-hour increments. As they grow, their sleep needs typically decrease, but every baby is unique. It’s essential to remember that it’s perfectly normal for a six-month-old to wake up during the night.
Why can’t babies just sleep peacefully, allowing their parents to rest? Experienced parents will tell you there are countless reasons why a baby won’t simply fall asleep at 8 p.m. and wake up twelve hours later, ready to take on the day. The Guardian highlights that a baby’s “need to feed” is paramount, and feeding can be exhausting work for them. This fatigue leads to sleep, but just a few hours later (or even sooner during growth spurts), they’re ready to eat again.
Another factor is that babies don’t have a 24-hour cycle like adults. Essentially, babies run the show, while parents scramble to meet their every need. Many parents lament that their infants confuse day and night. Research indicates that until babies are between two and six months old, they won’t have a consistent sleep pattern. The conclusion is clear: babies don’t sleep through the night simply because they’re not capable of it yet.
The researchers also noted that certain parenting practices, like breastfeeding and co-sleeping, influenced variability in sleep patterns. However, this doesn’t mean you need to switch to formula if you’re breastfeeding, unless you choose to. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that breastfeeding can lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
There are numerous books claiming to offer foolproof methods to ensure your baby sleeps through the night so you can binge-watch your favorite shows. Don’t be fooled! Avoid drastic measures like adding rice cereal to bottles, letting your baby cry for extended periods, or trying to stretch their feeding intervals. Always ensure your baby sleeps safely on their back, on a sturdy surface, and without any potential hazards nearby.
While some techniques, such as swaddling, white noise machines, or infant massage, may work for certain babies, it’s crucial to remember that if these methods don’t yield results, it doesn’t reflect on your parenting. Many parents expect their baby to begin regulating their sleep patterns around the six-month mark. If your baby hasn’t reached this milestone by then, consult your pediatrician and discuss strategies with fellow parents. Remember, every child is different, and almost every parent I know is tired.
Unfortunately, the fatigue often extends well beyond infancy and toddlerhood. I thought that once my children’s teeth emerged and they transitioned from cribs, the sleepless nights would cease. But each stage of childhood brings new sleep challenges for both kids and parents.
The key takeaway? It’s completely normal for infants under six months not to sleep through the night. I empathize with exhausted parents of young babies, but resist the temptation of “desperate times call for desperate measures” that could lead to unsafe or unreasonable practices to get your baby to sleep.
For further insights into this topic, check out one of our other blog posts here. Also, if you’re looking for more information, Intracervical Insemination offers excellent resources on parenting and sleep patterns, and the CDC provides valuable data regarding pregnancy and home insemination.
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Summary:
The article discusses the misconceptions surrounding infant sleep patterns, emphasizing that it’s normal for babies under six months to wake during the night. It highlights the variability in sleep habits among infants and reassures parents that sleep consolidation is a gradual process rather than a strict milestone. The piece advises against unsafe sleep practices and underscores the importance of individualized parenting approaches.