Infant sleep training: Gentle alternatives to “cry it out”
When parents hear about infant sleep training, they often think of babies left alone in their cribs to cry themselves to sleep. But there are alternatives to such an approach.
Baby sleep
Melatonin, breast pumps, and breast milk: How the timing of milk production affects infant sleep
Morning breast milk is high in cortisol. Night milk is higher in melatonin. So feeding babies “mistimed” milk might cause sleep trouble.
How to reset your child’s internal clock for an earlier bedtime: A comprehensive, troubleshooting guide
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 television affects sleep — and what we can do to sleep better
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.
Baby sleep patterns : References
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
Baby sleep requirements: How much sleep do babies really need?
A critical look at what scientific studies say about baby sleep requirements. How to determine your baby’s personal sleep needs.