“Over exhaustion, for both baby and parents, plus being new to having a child, can create anxiety when it comes to babies who do not sleep well,” explains Bronwyn Ragavan, Brand Manager for Karvol. “It can leave many parents feeling as though they are not able to cope. Having children, whether it is your first or last, comes with a learning curve, and the best place to start is to first eliminate why the child is not sleeping.”
The most common reasons and possible solutions
1. Babies have small stomachs and need to eat frequently, especially during the early months. If a baby is waking up frequently and showing signs of hunger, they may need to be fed more often or have larger feeds before bedtime to reduce the likelihood of hunger interrupting their sleep.
2. When a baby is uncomfortable due to reasons such as a wet or soiled diaper, feeling too hot or cold, or being in an uncomfortable sleeping position this can affect their sleep, and should be addressed before falling asleep. Decongestion can also create discomfort and keep a baby up and miserable. Dropping Karvol onto baby’s pillow at night will help with the decongestion and allow them to have a better night’s sleep. The trusted Karvol formula includes a combination of aromatic oils such as eucalyptus and menthol that when dropped on baby’s pillow or a handkerchief and inhaled helps them to breathe easily. (Ed’s Note: Please read information leaflet such as age restriction etc. prior to using Karvol.)
3. Babies can develop associations between certain actions or objects and falling asleep, such as being rocked or using a pacifier. If they wake up during the night and these associations are not present, they may have trouble falling back asleep. You can try reducing their dependency on these items by slowly withdrawing them once your baby is drowsy but awake, helping them to learn that they can fall asleep without assistance.
4. Before bedtime, try to limit the amount of stimulation your baby experiences. Babies can become overstimulated from their surroundings, which can make it difficult for them to settle down and sleep. Creating a calming bedtime routine in a soothing environment can help baby relax. This can include a warm bath, a lullaby, and a story. A warm, dimly lit room is the perfect setting for baby.
5. It is important to know that babies often go through sleep regressions, which are temporary periods when their sleep patterns are disrupted. These regressions can occur around developmental milestones, teething, or changes in routine. Patience and consistent bedtime routines can help them adjust during these phases.
6. If a baby is unwell or experiencing discomfort due to teething, colic, or other health issues, it can disrupt their sleep patterns. Consulting with a paediatrician can help determine if there’s an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.
The challenges of a baby not sleeping at night can take its toll on the parents, leaving them feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.
“It is essential to remember that this phase is temporary and part of a child’s natural development. By understanding the different factors that can disrupt a baby’s sleep and by finding ways to overcome them, parents can create a nurturing environment that promotes better sleep habits over time. Remember, every baby is unique, and finding the right solutions may take time, but with dedication it can be achieved” comments Ragavan.
