Sleeping Problem In Infants Or Toddlers And What Can The Family Do
Sleeping difficulty may be due to number of reasons. Sometimes it is because your infant is hungry or has soiled his/her diaper and is uncomfortable. Occasionally, during the first three month, it is a sign of colic. Some children need less sleep than others. Though young children fall into a routine that gives them a lot of sleep, the amount of sleep can vary just as your sleep pattern varies. However, it is not uncommon for your child’s pattern to be different from yours. The only cause of your child’s sleep problem may be the difference between his/her sleep pattern and your sleep pattern.
When your child reaches the age, usually around six month, when he/she recognizes being alone from being with mother or other , then bedtime may become a trying period. This separation anxiety is a normal feeling that he/she will learn to accept. This is a normal part of development. These feelings are different from those that occur with fright. At this age it is difficult for your child to communicate his/her thoughts.
Thus “bad dreams” may occurs and cause sleep disturbance. The most common age is from 2,5 to 3 years, when the child becomes aware of parents’ night time activities and interaction.
Thus “bad dreams” may occurs and cause sleep disturbance. The most common age is from 2,5 to 3 years, when the child becomes aware of parents’ night time activities and interaction.
Sleep problems may also begin after an illness when awakening brought pleasant attention and pampering. Then, when well, your child still desires this attention.
HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?
Sleep problems are usually temporary
HOW COMMON IS IT?
Most children experience temporary sleep disturbances from one cause or another
WHAT CAN THE FAMILY DO?
Your doctor recognizes and you must recognize that your child’s sleep problems are both emotionally and physically disturbing to you and the rest of the family. Try to remain calm, be understanding and patient with your child.
For the infant, you must check to see if the diaper needs changing or you child is hungry. Remember, at first infants may feed every two to four hours. It is normal for them to awaken to be fed. Some infants, particularly ones that started unswaddled, in an incubator situation, may awaken in the night during the first year for brief holding. Often you may find that neither is the problem. If there is no other problem evident, briefly comfort your infant and return him/her to the crib.
Try not toallow the child to sleep in your bed. You will still have the problem of returning the baby to his/her own crib. It is important to try not to reinforce the behaviour of awakening by responding to the slightest whimper or brief cry and then being too comforting or too rewarding. If awakening seems to be occurring with regular frequency, one method for limiting this behaviour is to not respond immediately to his/her cry. This is particularly useful if your child is testing the bedtime schedule. Your new tactic of not responding may make things worse for several nights until the child learns you are not coming.
It is best to estabilish a bedtime routine. This includes trying to put your child to sleep at a regular hour with a kiss, hug and reassuring word. Try to keep the routine simple and unhurried. With the older child incorporate some hygienic measures such as going to the toilet, washing and brushing his/her teeth. Incorporate a bedtime story or reading. The consistency of your behaviour will be reassuring to your child. If your child is experiencing difficulty at bedtime it may help if he/she has a night light or a favorite object, such as a blanket or toy. Children find it reassuring to open the door a crack allowing light in.