Sleep disorders such as falling asleep late, having short naps during the day, waking up frequently in the middle of the night can be seen in infants and children. Pointing out that mothers and fathers can overcome sleep problems in babies aged 0-3 with a careful and patient process, Anadolu Medical Center Pediatrics Specialist Dr. Esra Kutlu said, “When teaching babies to sleep on their own, we should not forget that crying is a very natural reaction. However, if we stand by them and support them while they cry, the bond of trust and love we will establish will not be harmed," he said.
Emphasizing that the causes of sleep disorders may be environmental or infant-related factors, Anadolu Health Center Pediatrics Specialist Dr. Esra Kutlu, “The temperature of the room (should be 16-22 degrees), humidity (should be between 40-60 percent), light (must be dark or dim), folding the sheets, overfeeding the child before sleep, some medications (antihistamines, cold medicines) The reasons such as the inconsistency of the sleep practices of the caregivers, the stress level of the mother and the depression during pregnancy are environmental factors. Factors related to the baby are; dry skin (stretchy and itchy), reflux, allergic rhinitis, colic, teething, adenoid enlargement, sleep apnea, attention deficit, hyperactivity disorder, asthma, autism, obesity and iron deficiency anemia may occur.
Daily sleep patterns in babies vary by month and age.
Reminding that the daily sleeping time of a baby varies according to the month and age range, Child Health and Diseases Specialist Dr. Esra Kutlu said, “In the newborn period, if the baby does not have a physical problem, it is expected that their sleep will be regular. Between 5 and 8 months, babies usually sleep 3 days a week and sleep for a total of 3 to 3.5 hours. Nighttime sleep is 10-11 hours. Between 9-14 months, most babies sleep 2 times a day, 2.5-3.5 hours in total. They can sleep 10-11 hours uninterrupted at night. The 15-18 month range is the only daytime sleep transition period for babies. They can sleep an average of 2.5-3 hours. If the night sleep is 10-11 hours, it means that an ideal sleep pattern has been formed. After 24 months, the average daytime sleep is 2 hours. The duration of sleep at the age of 2.5 is 1.5-2 hours during the day and 10-11 hours at night without interruption.
Sleep training should be started in the evening.
Saying that it is very valuable to be in contact with the baby during the first 4 months, Dr. Esra Kutlu said, “However, it is not right to put the baby to sleep with support after the 4th month. This makes it difficult for the baby to fall asleep on his own and to sleep uninterruptedly. Babies can wake up every 60-90 minutes. A baby who is accustomed to being put to sleep with support, that is, by shaking, nursing, sleeping together, sneezing and similar methods, will need the same support in every sleep cycle. Of course, the stress that occurs in babies who are left to cry alone in a room or forced to sleep on their own makes it difficult to fall asleep. It is very important that; The baby should not feel for a moment that his mother has abandoned him. Sleep training at the earliest 4-6. After a month, the mother should give. After the first 3-5 days are over, the father or other people who will help take care of the baby can continue. Training should definitely start in the evening and an appropriate bedtime and departure time should be determined.
Child Health and Diseases Specialist Dr. Esra Kutlu made suggestions for establishing a healthy sleep pattern:
After 18.00:08.00, instead of exciting, lively games, bright lights; Try to create a sleep ritual such as bathing, massaging, creaming, putting on pajamas and reading a book. However, to make it easier for him to go to bed early at night, open the curtains and wake him up at 2:3 am at the latest. The baby's bed should not contain anything, including a pillow. You can use the pillow after 1-XNUMX years of age, and instead of covering it with a quilt or blanket, you can choose a sleeping bag. It is important to ventilate the room for XNUMX hour during the day. If you cannot find a firm spring mattress for a newborn, you can use a latex mattress. Stretch the sheet to cover it or use fitted sheets to prevent movement gathering.
Make sure that the environment where you put your baby to sleep is close to pitch dark at night and dim during the day.
Take your baby to his room 15-20 minutes before daytime naps and 30-40 minutes before night naps. Your baby should always sleep in the same environment during the day and at night. You can separate the room after the 5th month. Don't forget to get a sleep partner right at this time. Sleeping companion is a soft, washable, lint-free, not too big toy that we try to give babies when they go to sleep, and that we want them to identify with sleep.
After the age of 1, you should finish the solid food feeding 1 hour before you put your baby to bed.
Prepare your child for sleep by talking. They understand us.
Wait an average of 40-50 minutes. A consistent attitude for 3-7 days with determination will give results.
Don't run to your baby at the slightest noise, because you're taking away your baby's chance to learn to fall asleep on their own.
Tiny sounds, small cries, and rapid turns to and fro are common in babies as they go through their sleep cycles. If your baby wakes up crying during the daytime naps, it means he is still sleepy, don't get him out of bed right away. After the daytime naps are settled, you should wait 3 hours after the last daytime nap for night sleep.
It may be beneficial to give a massage before sleeping, to put pillows on the bed that they can touch, to encourage them to have a sleeping partner and to use heavy blankets for babies who are constantly turning around in the bed before falling asleep and needing to touch someone. However, babies with tactile sensitivity are uncomfortable with quilts and blankets. You can also use a sleeping bag for them, where they can move their legs easily.
The only point to be considered while giving sleep training in premature babies should be planning according to their corrected age.
Do not neglect to consult your doctor when you do not get effective results from sleep training.
DON'T:
- Sensual touches that do not allow babies to fall asleep on their own
- shake to sleep
- Breastfeeding or bottle feeding while falling asleep
- To sleep in the lap, in the stroller
- sleeping in a warm environment
- Overdressing the baby
- Thinking that it will be easy to fall asleep by tiring the baby before sleep
- Tiring the baby too much during the day
- Sleeping in front of the TV (Children sleeping in front of the TV get used to the sound and fall asleep without realizing it).
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