<p>Do you remember the days when you used to lie down, shut your eyes, and simply drift off to sleep? Remember those blissful Saturdays when you could sleep in without a care in the world? And can you recall a time when your wake-up call was the sound of an alarm clock, not the cries of a baby?</p>

<p>When your baby struggles with sleep, it affects the entire household. While it&#39;s natural for young infants to wake frequently during the night, an older baby who remains awake all night can exhaust even the most resilient parents. If your baby is struggling to sleep through the night, you&#39;re likely feeling desperate for answers. You want to understand why your baby won&#39;t sleep and, most importantly, how to help them sleep better.</p>

<p>There are several reasons why a baby may have difficulty sleeping, and when your baby is visually impaired, additional factors come into play. In this article, we&#39;ve gathered five common reasons why babies face sleep challenges. Some of these issues apply to all babies, while others are specific to blind babies. After each sleep problem, we provide a potential solution, offering ideas to help you overcome your baby&#39;s sleep hurdles.</p>

<p>Remember, every baby is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Choose a solution that seems suitable for your situation and give it a week-long trial. If it doesn&#39;t yield the desired results, you can move on to another option. Rest assured, with patience and persistence, you&#39;ll discover the approach that works best for your little one.</p>

<h2><strong>Sleep Problem #1: </strong></h2>

<h3><strong>Your baby easily falls asleep while being rocked and sung to, but they wake up frequently throughout the night, requiring the same soothing routine to fall back asleep. </strong></h3>

<p><strong>Solution:</strong> Your baby needs to learn the skill of self-soothing and putting themselves back to sleep. While falling asleep comes naturally to babies, it&#39;s important to teach them how to do it independently. You can start by introducing a soft toy or blanket during cuddle time. Later, place the toy or blanket in the crib when you put your baby to sleep. The familiar object will remind them of pleasant times with you, and when they wake up, they can find comfort in the toy and easily drift back to sleep.</p>

<p>Another technique is to lie down with your baby on a larger bed that accommodates both of you. Your baby can snuggle up to you and eventually fall asleep on their own, allowing you to get up afterward. Gradually, you can try getting up just before they fall asleep. Then, lay them down, give them a kiss, and sit next to the bed. With time, you should be able to lay your child down and leave the room.</p>

<p>Also read:<a href="https://mylofamily.com/article/six-sleep-mistakes-parents-make-and-how-to-avoid-them-13127"> Six Sleep Mistakes Parents Make and How to Avoid Them</a></p>

<h2><strong>Sleep Problem #2: </strong></h2>

<h3><strong>Sometimes your baby takes long naps during the day and struggles to wake up, while other times they remain awake and playful throughout the night. </strong></h3>

<p><strong>Solution: </strong>It&#39;s crucial to teach your blind baby the cues that distinguish between day and night. Establish a consistent nighttime routine so that your baby understands when the evening hours begin. Alongside following a simple schedule involving dinner, bath, and a bedtime story, incorporate specific nighttime songs, storybooks, and toys that are only introduced during the evening. When you start singing a nighttime song, for instance, your baby will recognize that it&#39;s getting late and almost time for bed.</p>

<p>Another helpful practice is to point out nighttime sounds to your baby. Taking them outside in the early evening to listen to the chirping crickets, for example, can be soothing and aid in their transition to the nighttime routine. As your baby grows older, they will associate the sound of crickets with evening time.</p>

<p>You may also like: <a href="https://mylofamily.com/article/establishing-good-sleep-habits-3-to-6-months-13112">Establishing good sleep habits: 3 to 6 months</a></p>

<h2><strong>Sleep Problem #3: </strong></h2>

<h3><strong>Your baby is either very calm throughout the day or has delays in their gross motor skills, which can affect their readiness for bedtime. </strong></h3>

<p><strong>Solution:</strong> Encourage your child&#39;s activity during the day. Stay active, visit the park, and provide ample opportunities for vestibular stimulation (such as swinging, sliding, or engaging in playful activities with your baby). In other words, aim to tire your little one out throughout the day!</p>

<p>Infants who don&#39;t engage in sufficient physical activity may experience muscle discomfort at night, similar to the sensation of &quot;restless leg syndrome,&quot; due to inadequate muscle usage during the day. Consider massaging your baby&#39;s legs and arms before bedtime. A cozy moment after bath time, wrapped in warm, dry towels, can be a perfect opportunity to gently massage your baby, promoting relaxation and serving as a seamless transition to bedtime.</p>

<p style="text-align:center"><iframe frameborder="0" height="167" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/j0awOR56zXc" title="YouTube video player" width="315"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>Sleep Challenge #4: </strong></h2>

<h3><strong>Regardless of how tired she may be, your baby seems eager to engage in play! The issue here might be that your baby craves interaction and finds nighttime to be a fun time. </strong></h3>

<p>Sleep Strategies: Many of the aforementioned solutions can be helpful in this situation, such as establishing a consistent bedtime routine and relaxing your baby before sleep with a soothing massage. However, the most crucial aspect when dealing with an overly interactive baby is to remain consistent! Resist the urge to engage in play with your baby and ensure that all caregivers are on the same page. It can be difficult to resist those adorable smiles and infectious laughter at 2 am, but whatever you do, avoid playing. This reinforces the notion that being cute enough will lead to playtime with mom and dad during the night.</p>

<p>Moreover, if your child has limited or no perception of light, nighttime play can cause confusion regarding day and night. It is important to consistently create an atmosphere of nighttime, even if everyone in the household is awake. This entails keeping the lights dim, speaking softly, and singing specific songs reserved for the nighttime routine. While it may feel challenging, maintaining consistency will eventually help your baby understand that no matter how adorable they are, playtime is not permitted during the night.</p>

<p>You may also read: <a href="https://mylofamily.com/article/baby-sleep-facts-and-myths-every-parent-should-know-12934">Baby sleep facts and myths every parent should know</a></p>

<h2><strong>Sleep Challenge #5</strong></h2>

<h3><strong>When people inquire about your baby&#39;s sleep, you find yourself explaining that they sleep soundly at 1 pm but struggle at 1 am. If your baby takes lengthy afternoon naps but experiences difficulty sleeping at night, you may need to consider taking drastic measures. </strong></h3>

<p>Sleep Strategies: I understand that long afternoon naps provide an opportunity to accomplish household tasks, but many blind babies simply cannot nap during the day. Period. It came as a surprise when our Vision Specialist informed us that she had never encountered a blind toddler who could manage daytime napping and still sleep well at night. Aren&#39;t babies supposed to nap? While napping is beneficial, considering that your baby only sleeps for a maximum of four hours at night, even a two-hour nap during the day would result in a total of six hours of sleep within a twenty-four hour period, which is insufficient for proper brain development. If skipping the nap allows for ten hours of sleep at night, it is necessary to do so.</p>

<p style="text-align:center"><iframe frameborder="0" height="167" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LNOH_4XHwf0" title="YouTube video player" width="315"></iframe></p>

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<p>Following this advice, Ivan experienced a significant improvement in his sleep patterns. In less than a week, Ivan transitioned from four to six interrupted hours of sleep at night to ten to twelve uninterrupted hours. We experimented with new sleep schedules and discovered that Ivan can manage a half-hour nap around 2 pm. He wakes up cheerful and ready for the remainder of the day, subsequently sleeping well at night. While we have also incorporated various other sleep strategies into our routine (Ivan particularly enjoys the massage), reducing the daytime nap has undeniably had the most significant impact.</p>

<p> </p>

<p> </p>


Dr. Sameer Awadhiya

There are several reasons why a baby may have difficulty sleeping, and when your baby is visually impaired, additional factors come into play. In this article, we've gathered five common reasons why babies face sleep challenges. Some of these issues 

Learn more about some baby sleep problems and their solutions

Help! My Baby Does Not Sleep! Learn More About Baby Sleep Issues and Their Solutions

<>Mylo Editor

4-in-1 Soft & Snuggly Baby Sleeping Bag - Kids Car

<p>Although most women feel a lot better during the second trimester with the decrease in nausea and fatigue, you may suffer from a few minor sleep issues. These include cramps in the legs, sleep apnea, snoring, congestion, indigestion, heartburn, vivid dreams, and restless leg syndrome.</p>

<h2><strong>Tips to Sleep Better During Pregnancy</strong></h2>

<p>While it is not necessary that you may experience sleep problems during the second trimester, here are some tips that may help you sleep better at this time:</p>

<h3><strong>1. Have a Set Bedtime and Routine</strong></h3>

<p>Make sure that you go to bed at the same time each day. It helps to rejuvenate your body and good baby growth. You can listen to some soothing music, try relaxation techniques or take a warm bath. This will help your body relax and get you a sound sleep.</p>

<h3><strong>2. Avoid Watching TV Right Before Sleep</strong></h3>

<p>Studies have found that watching TV just before going to sleep interferes with your sleep schedules and make you more likely to be affected by sleeping problems, especially insomnia.</p>

<h3><strong>3. Avoid Spicy Foods</strong></h3>

<p>Eating spicy food at night can increase the chances of getting heartburn. Heartburn and acidity can affect your sleep. Always eat a light meal. Consuming a light meal at night is the key to a good night&rsquo;s sleep. Pregnant women should always avoid fatty and fried foods at night and never overeat. You may sip a cup of herbal tea or warm milk before going to bed.</p>

<h3><strong>4. Sleep on a Clean Bed</strong></h3>

<p>Research has shown that sleeping on a clean bed helps to improve the quality of one&rsquo;s sleep and makes it easier to doze off. Ensure that your bed is neat and comfortable and your room is free of clutter.</p>

<p><img alt="" src="https://images.myloapp.in/webP_images/article_1684153740_364778118.webp" style="height:203px; width:350px" /></p>

<h3><strong>5. Use a pregnancy pillow</strong></h3>

<p>Make use of a pregnancy pillow to provide your body with the much-needed support and get a good night&#39;s sleep. A pregnancy pillow helps to support your growing tummy and helps relieve back pain.</p>

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Read this article to know top 5 useful tips that may help you sleep better during pregnancy.

How to Sleep Better During Pregnancy?

Top 5 Useful Tips to Help You Sleep Better During Pregnancy

<p>A baby&#39;s sleep is a significant issue for new parents because sleep plays a vital role in a baby&#39;s physical and cognitive development. Newborns typically sleep between 16-17 hours a day, but they do not sleep for long stretches at a time and wake up frequently to feed and get their diapers changed.  </p>

<p>This disrupted sleep pattern can be exhausting for new parents who also need to get enough sleep to function properly. Lack of sleep can affect a parent&#39;s physical and mental health, leading to fatigue, stress, and anxiety.  Moreover, sleep-deprived parents may find it difficult to focus on their baby&#39;s needs and miss important cues, leading to further sleep problems for their baby.  Additionally, when a baby does not sleep well, it can cause them to become fussy and irritable, making it harder for parents to soothe them.  </p>

<p>For all these reasons, new parents often find it challenging to manage their baby&#39;s sleep and establish a consistent sleep routine, which can lead to a stressful and exhausting experience. In the process of achieving a full night&#39;s sleep for the baby, parents encounter several myths and assumptions. Here are the basic myths and facts about babies&rsquo; sleep that every parent should know.   </p>

<h2><strong>Myth 1: Babies should sleep through the night by three months</strong></h2>

<p><strong>Fact:</strong> Some babies accustom to this three-month schedule easily, while others find it difficult. But there is nothing wrong if they do not sleep through the night until they are six months or older.    </p>

<h2><strong>Myth 2: Feeding a heavy meal before bedtime:   </strong></h2>

<p><strong>Fact: </strong>Parents add a bit of rice cereal into the last bottle feed, before bedtime. By this method, the baby can sleep better as he will not feel hungry. Though this idea sounds logical, there is no evidence that this trick works. Also, including rice cereal for babies younger than four months is not safe and can result in gastric problems and food allergies.   </p>

<h2><strong>Myth 3: Parents should not stay in the same room while sleep training the child</strong></h2>

<p><strong>Fact:</strong> It is completely fine to share the room with the child while sleep training. It will also help reassure the mother that the baby is well and will help her feed the baby in between. But the sleep location of the baby should be different and separate from the parents.   </p>

<h2><strong>Myth 4: Daytime activities promote better sleep at night</strong></h2>

<p><strong>Fact: </strong>This myth is true and involving the baby in daytime activities can promote better sleep along with strengthening the muscles of the babies. But over-tired children have difficulty falling asleep.   </p>

<h2><strong>Myth 5: Parents should never wake a sleeping baby</strong></h2>

<p><strong>Fact: </strong>This old advice is a clear myth. While focusing on bedtimes, parents should focus on wake times as well. They should limit daytime naps so that the baby enjoys long hours of sleep at night.    </p>

<p>Having a clear understanding of the myths and facts about children&rsquo;s sleep cycle helps parents sleep-train their children appropriately and raise a healthy child.  </p>

<h2><strong>Myth 6: You should feed your baby every time they wake up at night</strong></h2>

<p><strong>Fact: </strong>Breastfeeding can help babies sleep better. Breastmilk contains sleep-inducing hormones, and the act of breastfeeding can be calming and soothing for babies. While newborns need to eat frequently, after a few weeks, they may start waking up out of habit rather than hunger. If your baby is not hungry, it&#39;s okay to try to soothe them back to sleep without feeding them.  </p>

<h2><strong>Myth 7: You should keep your baby warm at all times</strong></h2>

<p><strong>Fact: </strong>Room sharing can help reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents share a room with their baby for at least the first 6 months to a year of life. While it&#39;s important to keep your baby warm, overheating can be dangerous and increase the risk of SIDS. A good rule of thumb is to dress your baby in one extra layer than you&#39;re wearing and keep the room at a comfortable temperature (between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit).  </p>

<h2><strong>Conclusion  </strong></h2>

<p>In conclusion, understanding the myths and facts about baby sleep is essential for new parents. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing a baby&#39;s sleep, knowing the facts can help parents establish healthy sleep habits and reduce stress and exhaustion for both the baby and the parents.  By understanding these baby sleep myths and facts, parents can create a sleep environment that is safe and healthy for their baby, while also ensuring that they get the rest they need to provide the best possible care.  </p>

<p> </p>

<p> </p>


Kusum Sabharwal

The article throws light on various challenges faced by new parents to make their baby sleep and it has given rise to many myths. All the common baby sleep myths and facts are compiled in this write-up

Common Myths and Facts related to Baby's Sleep 

Baby sleep facts and myths every parent should know

4-in-1 Soft & Snuggly Baby Sleeping Bag - Magical Rainbow

The Best Sleeping Position For Pregnancy | Pregnancy Sleeping Tips | Safe Sleeping Positions

<p>You are in your second trimester now. It&#39;s time to relish your baby bump. Isn&rsquo;t it? But there are certain doubts always in mind that often leave an expecting mom worried. And, with the growing belly week-by-week choosing the right position to sleep steps up the list of concerns. Common doubts that most pregnant women have: Can I lay on my back to sleep while pregnant? Do I hurt my baby when I sleep on my right side? Is sleeping on the left side the safest position for my baby? Let&rsquo;s discuss this in detail and clarify your doubts as far as possible.</p>

<p>As pregnancy progresses, the size of the uterus increases. During this period, you might find yourself in distress sleep. In the early stages of pregnancy, you can lie down as you like. Eventually, it becomes difficult with growing weeks.  </p>

<h2><strong>Issues faced by pregnant women face while sleeping</strong></h2>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p>In the 3rd trimester, the belly grows a bit bigger than earlier. It makes the mom-to-be grumpier while sleeping</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>It is common to experience backache during pregnancy. The back bears the weight of a growing stomach. Hence, the pressure on your back causes backache. </p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>Leg syndrome is another general issue in pregnancy. Most women experience uneasiness around the legs. Due to leg pain, you might constantly move your legs and desire to roll on the bed.</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>Most women are in a habit of sleeping sideways with their legs bent towards the tummy which gradually becomes difficult as the pregnancy progresses.</p>
	</li>
</ul>

<p>Zeroing down to a comfortable &amp; safe sleeping position can be quite challenging. Here&rsquo;s what you shouldn&rsquo;t be doing while you are pregnant:</p>

<h2><strong>What happens if you accidentally sleep on your stomach while pregnant?</strong></h2>

<p>Most people sleep on their stomachs. But all through pregnancy, the woman might be afraid as she may hurt the baby. Though in case, you sleep mistakenly on your stomach, avoid panic and anxiety. In prenatal, the uterus becomes thick and protects the fetus from external pressure. </p>

<p>Stomach sleeping is fine till the time you hit week 16. This is the turning point in your pregnancy that starts to deal with the growing bump making sleeping on your stomach a big No. Even if you try, you will feel the discomfort and would not be able to stretch it for long.</p>

<p>Sleeping position during pregnancy for the first 3 months differ a lot and should be changed to side sleeping for upcoming months.</p>

<h2><strong>Why is Back Sleeping not recommended?</strong></h2>

<p>Again, sleeping on your back is safe until you are in your first trimester. Studies suggest that sleeping on your back may lead to sleep apnea or might be a cause of stillbirth. Apart from these, other health problems that might erupt are back pain, digestive issues or haemorrhoids. This happens as sleeping on one&rsquo;s back puts all the weight of the uterus &amp; fetus on your back and intestines. The main vein carrying blood upwards back to the heart also compresses. Poor blood circulation might leave you to feel dizzy.</p>

<p>But that doesn&rsquo;t mean that sleeping on your back even for a while is risky. The best thing to do is to keep changing positions.</p>

<h2><strong>Left Side Sleeping: The most appropriate position to sleep during pregnancy</strong></h2>

<p>The healthcare providers suggest the expectant mom sleep sidewise. The veins supply blood to the heart located on the right side. Therefore, sleeping on the left side is more recommendable. This position is also beneficial for your baby as it supplies more nutrients to the placenta keeping minimum stress on the Vena Cava. Sleeping on the left side has another benefit of easy digestion and enhancing kidney function. Hence, always try to hold your body to the left side to eliminate the chances of swelling in your feet, ankles or hands. Sleep with knees bent and place a pillow between the legs.</p>

<h2><strong>Why can&#39;t I sleep on my right side while pregnant?</strong></h2>

<p>There is no hard-core restriction for sleeping on the right side. It is not considered a wrong sleeping position during pregnancy. Still, some studies associate the right side with reduced fetal growth, preeclampsia and low birth weight.</p>

<p>For choosing your second-trimester sleeping position, remember that as long as you are flipping sides and giving chance to your veins to relax, sleeping on the right side is not life-threatening.</p>

<h3><strong>Closing thoughts</strong></h3>

<p>So, don&rsquo;t panic about choosing your sleeping position. It is common to go through a few distress moments during pregnancy. You require to relax often for the healthy growth of the baby. Sleep on a soft mattress that offers comfort. </p>

<h3><strong>References</strong></h3>

<p>1. Al-Musharaf, S. (2022). Changes in Sleep Patterns during Pregnancy and Predictive Factors: A Longitudinal Study in Saudi Women. <em>Nutrients</em>, <em>14</em>(13), 2633.</p>

<p>2. Silvestri, R., &amp; Aric&ograve;, I. (2019). Sleep disorders in pregnancy. <em>Sleep Science</em>, <em>12</em>(3).</p>

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Pregnant women are often confused about best sleeping position that can give comfort to them and be safe for the child in the womb as well. Read on to know about various do's and don'ts while sleeping in pregnancy.

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