Some Baby Sleep Myths And Realities Busted

As a new mother you might find that there are as many advices as well-wishers; however some of the well meant advices about a baby’s sleep may just be myths rather than realities. Here are some truths by experts about the best way a child can sleep soundly.  

Myth 1: You need to be very quiet when a baby is sleeping.

Reality: Most babies sleep better during the night time than the day, though it is not necessary to tiptoe when he/she is sleeping. Your baby would have experienced most of these noises while in womb and feels some of them soothing. In fact, white noise or soft music may help lull your baby to sleep, but do not get your baby used to the sound machine and instead get him/her accustomed to everyday sounds that he will learn to sleep through. 

Myth 2: Adding cereal to your baby's bottle will help him/her stay asleep.

Reality: It has been proved that it is undesirable to fill your baby’s belly with cereal at bedtime to avoid night feedings as it is undesirable to start on cereal foods till the baby is 4 to 6 months and ready for it. The baby gets all its nutrition from breast milk or the formula, with this leading to an overweight baby. A healthy baby eating a regular diet should be able to sleep through the night on his/her own by about 6 months. 

Myth 3: It's perfectly fine to put your baby to sleep on his side.

Reality: Healthy babies should be always put to sleep on the back and not on the side or stomach to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Though pediatricians are still divided on the opinion it is best to put your baby to sleep on the back.

Myth 4: You can control the time and duration of a newborn’s sleep.

Reality: Most newborns fall asleep when they are ready and wake up when they are hungry, wet, upset or uncomfortable. It is not possible to set a schedule when babies are young and most parents have to respond to the cues of the baby.

Myth 5: Babies that sleep late at night would wake up later. 

Reality: A corollary to the previous myth, it is not easy to change the internal clock of a baby, with some babies born early risers. As a baby grows older his/her body is often already on a set sleep schedule and putting him/her to sleep later at night may deprive the baby of quality sleep time. Note the sleep cues like as eye-rubbing and yawning and start bedtime half an hour before next night to ensure your baby is getting the sleep he/she needs.

Myth 6: A nap in a car seat or stroller doesn't count.

Reality: Sleep anywhere counts provided the baby is sleeping soundly; babies are versatile regarding where they sleep and there is no need to transfer him/her to a crib. It is also best to remember that while beautiful nurseries might be created with the best intentions, crib bumpers, mobiles, and other decorations can pose a safety risk to infants. 

Myth 7: Swaddling is an outdated method for comforting a fussy baby.

Reality: Swaddling can be a very soothing and effective technique when properly done; there is no need to worry about overheating if the baby is properly dressed. You only need to learn the right positioning from a pediatrician or someone who is experienced.

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