© 2021 Gwen Dewar, Ph.D., all rights reserved Studies suggest that most babies begin to “sleep through the night” (at least 5-6 hours without parental intervention) by 3-6 months of age. But some infants take longer, and the road to progress can be bumpy. Even after babies experience their first, long episodes of nighttime sleep, … Continue reading
How can we help kids adapt to an earlier schedule? Morning sunlight, exercise, and other environmental cues can help reset a child’s internal clock. But to make sure kids feel physiologically drowsy at bedtime, we need to use additional strategies. Understanding the big picture: How circadian rhythms, daytime naps, and social factors impact your child’s … Continue reading
How does television affect sleep? In adults, it can push back bedtimes and disrupt sleep patterns. In young children, even more can go wrong. Here’s what to look out for.
These evidence-based baby sleep tips can make bedtime easier, and help speed up the development of mature sleep patterns. From blue light filters to white noise, from dream feeding to bedtime routines, learn what works — and what pitfalls to avoid.
These are the references cited in my article “Baby sleep patterns: A guide for the science-minded parent.” For related articles, see “Newborn sleep,”“Baby sleep requirements,” and “Infant sleep problems.” Akerstedt T, Billiard M, Bonnet M, Ficca G, Garma L, Mariotti M, Salzarulo P, Schulz H. 2002. Awakening from sleep. Sleep Med Rev.6(4):267-86. Anders TF. 1979. … Continue reading
A critical look at what scientific studies say about baby sleep requirements. How to determine your baby’s personal sleep needs.