Why do babies resist sleep, even though it is a basic need? What causes sleep disorders? All in this episode.
Expert Mom & Baby Coach
Hello, I am Sevim Kuruçay Çam. I graduated as a midwife in 1987. I worked in infant and infant intensive care units in A-class hospitals for about twenty years. I also worked as a hospital manager for four years. Then, I visited mothers who gave birth in their homes for ten years as a gift from private insurance companies and provided postpartum education.
For the last six years, I have been providing online and individual training on preparation for birth, baby care, first aid, sleep and many other subjects.
The behavior of resisting sleep in babies is a situation that parents often face, and it can arise for many different reasons, sometimes causing difficult moments for parents. In fact, babies may experience some difficulties in transitioning to sleep because they are still in the early stages of emotional and physical development. Resisting sleep can be a natural response for babies, and this situation may stem from various environmental, psychological, or physical factors. So, how can you understand the reason why your baby is resisting sleep, and what should you do to maintain your baby's sleep routine? Before we dive into these questions, let's quickly review the reasons why babies resist sleep and then look at potential solutions:
Babies need to be fed frequently during their growth periods. Especially newborns and babies between 3-6 months may feel hungry before going to sleep. Since a baby’s stomach is small, they need to be fed more often, which can make the transition to sleep difficult. If you notice your baby feeling restless during the transition to sleep, it may be time to consider whether it’s time for a feeding.
Since babies' digestive systems are not fully developed, they may experience problems like gas discomfort or colic. These issues can prevent your baby from sleeping comfortably. Gas pains can also frequently disrupt your baby’s sleep, causing restlessness throughout the night. Therefore, if your baby has difficulty falling asleep, you should also consider digestive problems and track their bathroom habits.
During the first year, when growth is very rapid, babies go through several growth spurts and may also experience other physical discomforts. Teething, colds, ear infections, or other issues can cause changes in the baby’s sleep routine and resistance to sleep.
Babies are highly sensitive to environmental factors. Light, sound, temperature, and other environmental stimuli can make it harder for your baby to fall asleep. If there is too much light in the room, a noisy environment, or the room is too hot, the baby may struggle to fall asleep. Creating a comfortable environment with soothing music and paying attention to sleep hygiene rules are crucial for easing your baby into sleep. Therefore, to make the transition to sleep easier and help your baby develop a healthy sleep routine, you must pay attention to baby sleep hygiene.
Babies, who are still getting used to the outside world and encountering new experiences or stimuli every day, can sometimes become overstimulated. Babies exposed to excessive stimuli, sounds, lights, or interactions throughout the day may find it difficult to fall asleep. Overstimulation can prevent your baby from relaxing mentally, which in turn can hinder their transition to sleep. Ensuring that your baby falls asleep in a calm environment or using calming nature sounds can be very helpful during this process.
Babies, especially after the 3rd month, may seek more security. Physical contact with their parents can be comforting for the baby. Additionally, separation anxiety, which arises around the age of 1, can also trigger sleep resistance in babies. Babies who experience separation anxiety may feel anxious about being apart from their parents or not seeing them at night, which in turn can trigger resistance to sleep. If your baby wakes up crying during the night and persistently wants you near them, it could be a sign of their need for security.
Some babies, particularly after the 6th month, may develop certain sleep habits. For example, babies may prefer to be rocked in their mother's arms or breastfed before falling asleep. These types of habits can make it more difficult for your baby to transition to sleep because they associate the process of falling asleep with specific actions. Replacing these habits with the right sleep routines can not only make it easier for your baby to fall asleep but also help them have a more restful sleep.
As we’ve explained above, there can be various reasons and needs behind a baby’s resistance to sleep. It’s essential to first determine whether these reasons are physical or emotional and then develop solutions that are tailored to your baby's sleep routine and needs. For this reason, Expert Baby Nurse Sevim Kuruçay Çam shares her experiences and solutions regarding sleep resistance in babies on the Budizzz App.
If your baby is resisting sleep, refusing to sleep, or you’re facing difficulties in establishing a sleep routine, and you need support, you can download the Budizzz App and benefit from Sevim Kuruçay Çam’s expertise. Additionally, on the Budizzz App, you can find hundreds of white noise sounds, calming nature sounds, and even sleep stories to help your baby fall asleep faster. All of our content and training are carefully designed by Budizzz Experts, considering the developmental stages and needs of babies and children in different age groups.
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