Why Is My Baby Fighting Sleep?
When it comes to getting your baby to sleep, you may find yourself wondering why on earth your little one is fighting it. Many new parents find themselves exhausted and desperate to get their baby’s sleeping patterns to normalize. Luckily, there are quite a few potential reasons your baby might be fighting sleep:
1. Overstimulation
Your baby’s daily life in their early infancy might look quite different than you expected. From the bright lights and noise of the hospital to the sudden influx of visitors that come in and out, the demands on their time can be overwhelming. As a result, babies may start to get overstimulated and then refuse to sleep.
2. Baby Is Not Ready
Your baby may not be ready for sleep yet. Little ones might struggle to settle down because their internal clocks aren’t properly developed. If they become overtired, their sleep cycle can be disrupted and they’ll become even more unwilling to drift off.
3. Colic
All infants are affected by colic from time to time, and this condition can make it much harder for your baby to relax and fall asleep. Babies with colic might be in pain when they try to settle down, and the discomfort can be so strong that they’ll refuse to sleep.
4. Hunger or Thirst
When babies are hungry or thirsty, they might fight sleep because they are trying to tell you that they need to be fed. Make sure to feed your baby regularly and to pay attention to their cues when it comes to when they need to be fed.
5. Your Baby Just Wants to Play
Sometimes your baby may just be eager to play and have fun. If your baby is overtired, they may try to resist sleep because they want to stay awake and explore the world.
6. Bedtime Is Too Rigid
When your baby’s bedtime routine is too rigid, they might start to associate it with punishment. This can create a negative association with sleep and make your baby less willing to drift off.
To make sure that your baby is receiving all of the sleep they need to be alert and healthy, it’s important to be aware of why your baby might be fighting sleep. If you can identify and address the root of the issue, you’ll be able to better help your baby fall asleep and stay asleep.
Tips for Helping Your Baby Sleep Better:
- Create a consistent and calming bedtime routine.
- Make sure your baby isn’t hungry or thirsty.
- Soothe your baby with soft music or white noise.
- Reduce stimulation in their sleeping area.
- Cover their eyes with a sleep mask.