5 myths about baby sleep new parents should be aware of

If your baby is asleep, they should be woken up gently using a technique called “wake and sleep” (Image: Pexels)

• Daytime naps may not improve night sleep for babies.
• Babies don't need a silent room to sleep well.
• Frequent night wakings can signal health issues in infants.

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Embracing parenthood can be an exciting yet terrifying time. While there’s a ton of useful information on the internet about child development, there are also misconceptions that are far from the truth.

Some of them are about baby sleep and include ideas that range from babies sleeping through the night to the belief that daytime naps can improve night sleep. Here are five common myths about infant sleep you should know.

Myth 1: Afternoon naps imply better sleep at night

Many believe that afternoon naps can help children sleep better at night, but this is not what research says. While it is true that an exhausted child can get cranky at night and struggle to sleep, the idea that more sleep during the day improves night slumber doesn’t work as well.

Also read | Baby care tips: 7 signs your toddler is happy and healthy 

Studies show that children who nap during the day often struggle to fall asleep at night or wake up more in the middle of the night. For newborn babies, however, daytime naps may not have that significant an impact at night. This could be due to growth spurts.

Myth 2: You should never wake a sleeping baby

Waking a sleeping baby is considered a wrong practice, while in truth it isn’t. If your baby is asleep, they should be woken up gently using a technique called “wake and sleep.” This teaches the baby self-soothing and how to return to sleep. This should be practiced early on, as soon as the baby falls asleep, by tickling the neck or feet.

The baby may wake up drowsily but fall asleep again in a matter of seconds. The technique is considered the first step in helping the child sleep through the night.

Myth 3: You need a silent room for the baby to fall sleep

Most parents forget that a child is used to the noise of the womb. It is louder than a vacuum cleaner. Babies are used to the constant rushing sound of blood flowing through the placenta, so they don’t need the room to be completely silent.

Also read | Paediatrician tells you why 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding is the healthiest start for your newborn

In fact, a silent room can be disturbing, and any loud noise can wake them up. Babies sleep well if there is loud, rumbly noise played while they are sleeping.

Myth 4: Most babies sleep through the night

Not all infants or toddlers are going to sleep through the night, as much as parents would desire. Studies show that babies normally wake up one to three times per night. However, the frequency can vary greatly.

Research using objective measures of sleep (unlike parental reports in earlier studies) indicates that babies actually wake more often. However, once they complete a year, their awakenings decrease automatically.

Myth 5: All night wakes are normal

Not all night wakings should be considered normal, as there may be underlying health conditions that demand attention. Iron deficiency is one of them. This can often impact sleep, cause frequent night wakings and restlessness, and make it difficult for the baby to fall asleep. Other conditions include food allergies, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and ear infections. Children can also suffer from sleep disorders.

FAQs on Baby's Sleep

1. Do afternoon naps improve night sleep for babies?

No, afternoon naps don’t necessarily lead to better night sleep. While an overtired baby can struggle to sleep at night, daytime naps often make it harder for babies to fall asleep or stay asleep through the night.

2. Is it true you should never wake a sleeping baby?

It’s okay to wake a sleeping baby gently to help them learn self-soothing. Techniques like “wake and sleep” can teach babies to fall back asleep on their own, which is crucial for sleeping through the night.

3. Does a baby need a silent room to sleep?

Babies don’t need a silent room to sleep. They are used to the noise from the womb, so a completely silent room can be unsettling. A consistent, soft noise may actually help them sleep better.

4. Do most babies sleep through the night?

No, most babies wake up one to three times per night. While the frequency decreases as they age, it's normal for babies to wake often in their first year.

5. Are all night wakings normal for babies?

Not all night wakings are normal. Some could indicate health issues like iron deficiency, food allergies, GERD, or ear infections. Persistent night wakings should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.