Does your child sleep peacefully? Or does he wake up every hour, cry, and struggle to fall asleep at night? Do you ever wonder if this is still "normal" or if you're doing something wrong?
If you're wondering these questions, you're not alone. And most importantly: you're not a bad parent .
I recently met up with a friend for coffee after a year. She came with dark circles under her eyes.
"Why do they say someone sleeps like a baby? The baby is awake every half hour!" she sat down and ordered a double espresso.
I thought about it. Where did that saying come from, when it has little to do with reality? Can a child even sleep peacefully and give himself and his parents a rest?
I also have a toddler at home, so I don't take this question lightly. Let's take a look at what we know about children's sleep and how we can help them and ourselves when a good night's sleep seems to be in short supply.
How baby sleep works
Baby sleep is fundamentally different from adult sleep. Children have shorter sleep cycles - approximately 40 to 60 minutes and often wake up naturally between stages. Initially, so-called active sleep (light, with eye movements and frequent awakenings) predominates, only later does calm, deeper sleep increase.
Parents are often surprised by the so-called four-month sleep regression - a period when a previously calm baby begins to wake up frequently again. This is not a problem, but a natural developmental phase. The child gradually establishes a sleep-wake rhythm, which can stabilize around one year.
This is where pressure and doubt often arise. However, frequent awakenings are a part of healthy development, not a sign of parental failure.
What affects children's sleep?
A child's healthy sleep pattern depends on several factors that we can influence, and which often intersect.
Feeling safe
A child doesn't fall asleep just because they're tired. They fall asleep when they feel safe. If the day was full of changes, emotions, or new stimuli, the child's nervous system can remain "on alert" even in the evening. Sleep then doesn't come easily.
Emotional overload
Children are not good at putting emotions aside for later. What they haven't had time to process during the day often comes out in the evening - in crying, restlessness, or frequent waking up.
Parental Attitude
Children are very sensitive to the emotions of adults. If we are in a hurry, stressed or irritated in the evening, the child can take over. Not because they are "being naughty", but because they are trying to respond to their surroundings.
Overstimulation
Noise, bright light, screens, or too much stimulation right before bedtime can prevent natural calming.
Immature nervous system
And sometimes the reason is quite simple: the child's nervous system has not yet had time to calm down. And this is something that cannot be rushed by any method.
Environment and sleep hygiene for children
The room should be quiet, well ventilated and rather cool, the ideal temperature for sleeping is 18 - 20 ° C. Dimmed light, no sharp sounds and a safe, simple bed without unnecessary toys or pillows are also beneficial.
Bedtime rituals
Children love predictability. A child's evening ritual helps their body and mind understand that it is time for quiet.
It can be a bath, dimming the lights, reading a story, gently stroking or a short lullaby. It is important that the rituals are similar every day and that the parents appear calm, the baby easily takes on their mood.
Daytime sleep in children
It is important to create a routine even during the day. Paradoxically, an overworked and tired child has a harder time falling asleep and wakes up more often at night. Therefore, monitor the need for sleep according to age - a newborn sleeps most of the day, a toddler only once or twice.
Breastfeeding, night waking and co-sleeping
Many parents deal with nighttime breastfeeding and sleep. In addition to nutrition, breastfeeding also has a calming effect - the baby often falls asleep while breastfeeding. If he wakes up at night, it is usually not a "bad habit" but a need for contact, closeness or security.
The topic of co-sleeping with your baby is often discussed. It can help with frequent waking and strengthen bonding, but it requires following safety guidelines. Every family has a different rhythm, it is important that everyone sleeps safely and peacefully.
When to be careful and seek help
If your child has long-term sleep problems, cries frequently, is not doing well, or seems extremely irritable, it is a good idea to consult a pediatrician. This will rule out possible medical causes (e.g. reflux, breathing problems, allergies). Sometimes a pediatric sleep consultant can also help, setting up a regimen, environment, and rituals individually.
Natural sleep support
Some natural substances can help calm and help children and parents who often sleep through the night. Chamomile, lemon balm, or lavender are suitable, for example, in the form of teas, baths, or gentle aromatherapy in the child's room. There are also gentle natural supplements on the market designed to promote sleep.
TIP: You can also try:MEG Bio Bachovky for children - Peaceful sleep
In conclusion
Children's sleep is variable, just like their development. It's not about perfection, but about finding a balance between the child's needs and the parents' possibilities.
Remember: frequent waking of your baby or sleep problems in children is not a sign of your failure or poor care, it is a natural part of the development of a young organism. Coping with sleep deprivation during the first year of a child's life is extremely challenging, but you are not alone. Help is available and this condition does not last forever. There is always someone who has at least as many dark circles under your eyes as you.
Dietary supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease. They are not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before use.