Reasons why babies do not sleep
It is considered quite normal for babies to cry during the day between 0-12 months, known as the initial period when they open their eyes to the world. Babies whose vocabulary has not yet formed can express their needs during this period through hand gestures, eye contact, facial expressions, and the familiar method of crying. So, what are the reasons why babies do not sleep? Here is the answer...
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Sleep and development are known as two inseparable elements. During infancy, sufficient sleep is important for supporting physical, cognitive, and emotional development.
It is necessary for sleep, an important part of healthy development, to occur sufficiently.
Adequate nutrition and sleep will support the baby's intelligence development. At the same time, sleep problems that arise in a baby negatively affect not only the baby but also the parents. In this process, parents who are restless may try some herbal methods or medications to establish a sleep routine, which can lead to negative results.
Such medications should not be taken based on personal recommendations outside of a physician's advice. The most important step here is to find the underlying cause of the baby's sleep problem. Proceeding with problem-focused solutions will also help in establishing a healthy sleep routine.
The reason or reasons for a baby not sleeping can be listed as follows:
Teething: Since babies start teething gradually from the 6th month onwards, they may be irritable and restless during this period. Drooling and trying to scratch their mouth are among the symptoms of teething. Diarrhea, decreased desire to suckle, not sleeping, or waking up crying from sleep are common symptoms during this period.
In addition to physician-approved fever-reducing medications, it is recommended to reduce pain by brushing the itchy areas with baby toothbrushes that fit on the finger. Soothing the itchy gums with the help of a cold cloth or a teething toy will reduce pain and discomfort.
Desire to eat: Some babies refuse to breastfeed or consume complementary foods. In some babies, a desire for frequent, small feedings and a desire to eat may be observed. Especially in the first months, insomnia due to hunger can be seen in almost all babies. These babies, who do not like to sleep on an empty stomach, can get hungry as quickly as they get full, and they may wake up, especially at night, with a desire to suckle.
They may not sleep even after being fed upon waking. In this process, it is very important to be patient, meet the baby's needs, and remain calm to overcome the process easily and for the baby to be peaceful. The more tense and uncomfortable the mother is, the more tense the baby will be.
Sleep routine: It may not be much of a problem for parents if babies who do not distinguish between day and night are awake during the day. However, a baby who does not sleep at all at night and cries constantly can challenge parents during this period.
If there is no other accompanying health problem, it is recommended that the baby does not sleep completely during the day to establish a sleep routine, and that this duration is gradually reduced in the first period after birth, starting with 6 hours during the day, and added to night sleep.
Wet diaper: Babies become uncomfortable when their diaper is not clean or when it is time for a change. This discomfort results in sleep deprivation and crying spells. A persistent wetness and the coldness it brings not only cause discomfort but also result in diseases caused by bacteria and harmful microorganisms in feces or urine.
The diaper should be checked for a clean and uninterrupted sleep.
Room temperature: Your baby, who cannot perceive or explain the concept of cold and heat, finds the solution by trying to explain it by crying or staying awake. Just as adults dress, the way babies are dressed should be close to them.