By Triad Moms on Main Guest Blogger, Dr. Meggan Hartman, PhD

There are many different factors that may influence the development of sleep during a baby’s first six months of life. By giving parents knowledge on these factors, they can have a better idea when to be more present with their baby in the evenings, and when they should instead use gentle sleep methods to help encourage the baby to sleep.

Factors that affect a baby’s sleep:

1. Development of the Circadian Rhythms:  Circadian rhythms are internal clocks that regulates one’s biological activity throughout the day. These rhythms regulates the sleep/wake cycle, cortisol, secretion of melatonin, bowel movements, and other biological functions.  When babies are born, this internal clock has not been established.  It can take 2 to 4 months to develop this circadian rhythm.
2. Establishing Milk Supply and Breastfeeding:  Mothers are starting to establish and build milk supply during this time and also help little ones learn how to latch. Mothers are also dealing with low or over milk production, sore nipples, plugged ducts, mastitis and more. These hurdles can potentially lead to increased night wakings.
3. Growth Spurts:  During growth spurts, it can feel as though the child needs to eat all the time. This increased need for food can affect sleep. The infant who had recently dropped down to just two feedings at night might need an additional feed during this growth period. These spurts happen roughly at the 7-10 day period, 3 week mark, 3 months, 4 months and 6 months. The growth spurt will typically last two or three days.
4. Developmental Leaps: Developmental leaps are the periods of time where the baby’s brain undergoes significant amounts of growth and learning.  Once the leap has been completed, the baby will process information and perceive their environment in a different way.
5. Movement Milestones: Rolling, learning to crawl, learning to pull up to standing, walking are all movement milestones that can lead to increased night wakings. It can take a couple of days or weeks for a child to incorporate these new skills into their sleep habits.
6. Medical Issues: Teething, colds, ear infections, reflux, and colic all have the potential to impact your child’s ability to sleep at night.

Tips to Help Develop Healthy Sleep Habits for your child:

1. Exposure to Light:  This can help an infant establish their circadian rhythm.  Some ideas can be taking walks, meeting your friends for coffee or lunch, or running errands. Getting out the house and into fresh air can also help create sleepiness in babies, help with colic issues, and also support the mother’s well-being.
2. Establish a Daily Rhythm:  Spend a couple of days paying attention your child’s sleep cues. Most babies will present their rhythm if you watch closely. Strive to obtain a rhythm that is reliable and flexible. Doing the same things, in the same order, can help establish positive sleep associations and maintain the baby’s daily rhythm.
3. Naps:  Daytime naps help tremendously with nighttime sleep. Most newborns need to sleep every 45-90 minutes. Try a couple of the naps on a stationary surface. Other naps can be on the go.
4. Feeds:  Follow your baby’s cues for feeds. Most of the time, your little one should not  go more than three hours without a feeding.  Try to cluster feed in the late afternoons. You can also try to dream feed your little one when you are going to bed. Frequent night waking may indicate there is a feeding issue. Consult with your Lactation Consultant if you have questions and/or concerns.
5. Sleep Environment: Keep the baby’s sleeping room dark, dark, dark.  Whether you are co-sleeping, room sharing, or solitary sleeping, make sure their sleep environment is safe. APA recommends room sharing the first five months. If you are co-sleeping or room sharing, be mindful of the computer screen in the room. The light that emanates from the screen can wake up the baby. Sound machines are often good to help dampen the sudden noises that can occur in the house. Consider keeping the room relaxing and non-stimulating. This means be mindful of mobiles, huge stuffed animals in the corner of the room, and even the printed sheets.

You know your child the best, and sometimes, it just takes some trial and error to figure out what is going to work for your family’s dynamic. Happy, Safe Sleeping!

Triad Moms on Main is a website based in Triad, NC. The website features a daily blog on a variety of parenting topics – from how to find the right school or summer camp for your child, to birthday party ideas and tips on how to raise children. The blogs cover interests of children, battles and struggles of every day life as a mom, as well as the ultimate joys of motherhood.  The site also publishes local directories (on such topics as summer camps, private schools, tutors, and birthday parties), hosts a detailed local events calendar and runs contests and giveaways.