As parents, you may be troubled by various sleep problems with your little ones, and the various sayings about baby sleep are making you increasingly anxious. Now we have compiled some common misconceptions about baby sleep to help you solve typical problems with your baby's sleep.
1. It doesn't matter what time the baby goes to sleep, as long as they get enough total sleep.
Sufficient sleep is crucial for the growth and development of babies, as the growth hormone released by the endocrine system during sleep is three times more than usual. However, the quality of baby's sleep is also important. The proportion of deep sleep and light sleep will change depending on the time of falling asleep. The later the baby falls asleep, the more proportion of light sleep and less proportion of deep sleep. Deep sleep is directly related to the growth and development of the baby, as growth hormone is mainly secreted during deep sleep. Light sleep is closely related to the development of baby's memory. So, try to make your "night owl" fall asleep earlier.
2. If the baby's sleep time does not meet the standard, it will definitely affect their growth and development.
In fact, although babies of each age have their specific sleep requirements, there are also individual differences among babies. For example, some babies may naturally sleep less due to their temperament. In principle, as long as the baby has good mental state, normal appetite, no digestive problems, and good weight gain, it is fine. However, if the deviation is too large, such as newborns needing to sleep for 16-18 hours a day, and your baby only sleeps for 12 hours, it may be necessary to consult a doctor for monitoring of growth and development.
3. It is necessary to make the baby develop a good habit of taking naps.
For babies over 3 years old, they have a lot of energy during the day, and playing and continuous activities can consume their energy, ensuring that they sleep well at night. As long as the baby's nighttime sleep is sufficient and of good quality, it can meet their growth and development needs. So, if the baby does not have the need for napping, parents do not need to force it.
4. Holding the baby to sleep can give them a sense of security and help them fall asleep faster.
Indeed, holding the baby to sleep can give them a sense of security, but it can also make them dependent. When the baby grows older, it can be difficult to change this habit. This dependence can also prolong the baby's sleep time and lead to difficulty falling asleep. Moreover, if the baby wakes up at night and parents cannot provide timely comfort, it will be difficult for them to fall back to sleep on their own. This will have a negative impact on cultivating the baby's habit of independent sleep and the natural transition between deep sleep and light sleep at night. It is recommended to gradually let the baby sleep in the crib and gradually cultivate the ability to fall asleep independently.
5. When the baby makes a sound or moves, gently patting them can help them continue to sleep.
The baby's sleep is divided into deep sleep and light sleep.
For newborns, especially newborns, deep sleep and light sleep each account for about 50% and alternate constantly. During deep sleep, the baby is in a completely resting state, with occasional startles and very slight mouth movements, but no other activities; during light sleep, the baby's arms, legs, and entire body may move frequently, and they may make strange faces, frown, smile, etc. These are normal manifestations during the light sleep period.
So, if the baby cries or moves slightly, do not rush to pat them, hold them, or feed them. Observe them at the bedside for a while to see if they can continue sleeping. Otherwise, excessive intervention will artificially disrupt the natural alternation between deep sleep and light sleep, and disrupt the baby's sleep pattern. If the baby shows more signs of crying or agitation, then we can take appropriate actions.
6. Snoring means the baby is sleeping soundly.
Occasionally, the baby may snore due to a cold, and the snoring symptoms will disappear after the cold is cured. However, if the baby snores frequently, it may be due to adenoid hypertrophy, tonsil hypertrophy, or other reasons, which affects the ventilation of the nasopharynx. In this case, some babies may also experience nasal congestion and mouth breathing when awake. Over time, it can cause certain harm to the baby's brain development. If your baby indeed has snoring during sleep and mouth breathing, it is best to take them to the hospital's otolaryngology department for examination.
7. When the child is young, it is not necessary to emphasize their sleep habits. It can be adjusted two to three months before entering kindergarten.
In fact, the period from 0 to 1 year old is a critical period for the formation of baby's sleep behavior, and the 24-hour circadian rhythm is generally established before the age of 1. However, many parents only think about adjusting their children's sleep habits when they themselves need to go to work or when their children need to go to kindergarten. Once the baby's sleep habits are formed, it becomes a bit difficult to correct them. Therefore, it is best to consciously cultivate good sleep habits for the baby when they are around four to five months old.
