One of the most common challenges that mothers, especially first-time ones, face is the problem of their baby waking up at night and crying for extended periods without obvious reasons. This situation can be exhausting, as the mother may feel overwhelmed, not knowing how to get the baby back to sleep. Moreover, there are many mistakes that mothers make during this time, which may further hinder their efforts to get the baby back to sleep. In an exclusive interview with Sidiati & Children, Dr. Abdel-Hai Moussa, pediatrician and neonatologist, shared the mistakes that mothers should avoid and provided proper methods to handle night-time sleep disturbances for babies.
1. Turning on the Bedroom Lights
One of the common mistakes that can make it harder to get the baby back to sleep is turning on bright lights in the bedroom. Bright lighting signals to the baby that it’s time to wake up, which disrupts their ability to fall back asleep. Solution: Keep the lighting dim or use a low, nightlight to maintain a sense of calm in the room. You should also keep all necessary baby supplies, such as diapers and clothes, close by to save time, avoiding the need to turn on full lighting.
2. Playing with the Baby During the Night
When the baby wakes up and cries, some mothers might be tempted to engage with the baby by playing or talking to them. This increases the baby's alertness and makes it harder for them to go back to sleep. Solution: Quickly return the baby to sleep by gently rocking them or singing in a low voice. You can also try softly patting their stomach using your fingertips to relieve any gas or discomfort, which may be causing the crying. This technique is effective for calming the baby without over-stimulating them.
3. Taking the Baby Out of the Room
A common mistake is taking the baby out of their room when they wake up in the middle of the night. This disrupts the baby's sleep routine and can be inconvenient for other family members. Moreover, moving the baby to a different room, especially in cold weather, may expose them to temperature changes, which could make them uncomfortable. Solution: Keep the baby in the same room as much as possible, even if they’re crying. If you must take the baby out for a short period, such as for a car ride, always return them to their crib afterward. This helps maintain consistent sleep habits.
4. Neglecting Night-Time Feedings
Some mothers may neglect night-time feedings due to tiredness or convenience, which can affect the baby's weight gain and overall growth. Night feedings are essential for the baby's development because the milk produced at night is richer in fats and nutrients. Solution: Continue with night feedings as necessary. The milk at night helps the baby gain weight and supports their overall growth. Additionally, night-time feedings stimulate the mother’s milk production, ensuring an adequate milk supply during the day.
5. Changing the Diaper Every Time the Baby Wakes Up
Changing the baby’s diaper every time they wake up can interrupt their sleep and result in extended periods of crying. This makes it harder to get the baby back to sleep quickly. Solution: Check the diaper before changing it. Only change it if it’s necessary, such as when it’s wet or soiled. Try to change the diaper before the baby’s first sleep of the night to avoid frequent awakenings for diaper changes.
Conclusion
Mothers can successfully handle their baby's night-time waking by avoiding these common mistakes. The key is to quickly calm the baby and help them return to sleep without disturbing their routine or making them overly alert. By establishing a consistent sleep environment and using simple, effective techniques, mothers can ensure that both they and their baby get the rest they need. Following these guidelines will help create healthy sleep habits for the baby, which will, in turn, benefit the overall well-being of both mother and child.
Post a Comment