Baby sleep myths are parents' biggest worry. Parents sometimes accept crazy claims. Many 1960s doctors believed infants didn't feel pain (even after circumcision) and that their wailing helped grow lung tissue. Doctors treated newborn colic with opium drops. Scary!
Many infant sleep misconceptions exist today, somewhat similar to crazy claims.
Some "Myths" & "Facts" Regarding Baby Sleep
Myth 1: Keeping newborns awake during the day can help them sleep better at night.
Fact: Not true. Tired babies become irritable, tired, and may have difficulty sleeping. Naps during the day can help babies fall asleep faster and improve emotional stability.
Myth 2: Babies can't learn to sleep well at night until they've been doing it for months.
Fact: False. The right sleep signals can help babies learn to sleep well in just a few weeks. Swaddling and soothing sounds can help babies fall asleep faster.
Myth 3: Putting your baby to sleep every night by rocking or nursing them makes them more dependent.
Fact: Everyone has sleep associations that help them fall asleep. Rocking and feeding infants to sleep are common sleep associations. However, it is challenging to wean from these habits, and reducing their frequency can negatively impact a baby's ability to self-soothe. The wake-and-sleep technique can help babies learn to calm themselves.
Myth 4: Babies need complete silence to sleep.
Fact: Not true. Babies are used to constant noise in the womb, and a peaceful environment may not be ideal for them.
Myth 5: Some infants must stretch out their arms to sleep.
Fact: False. Swaddling can reduce startles and mimic the womb, even if a baby initially resists it.
Myth 6: Never Wake a Sleeping Infant.
Fact: False. Waking a baby before placing them in a sleeper can teach them to self-soothe if they wake up.
Myth 7: Most babies can sleep through the night by six months.
Fact: False. 50% of infants still wake up at least once at six months, and natural sleep cycles involve light sleep awakenings. Babies who can self-soothe can go back to sleep on their own.
Myth 8: Swaddling should be stopped after the baby turns two months old.
Fact: False. Swaddling can ease crying and overnight waking between 2 and 4 months and reduce the risk of rolling over. Low-frequency white noise can help if a baby starts to roll over.
Myth 9: Swaddling interferes with breastfeeding babies.
Fact: False. Swaddling prevents babies from placing their hands in their mouths, but feeding cues should not be ignored, and babies should be fed within 30 minutes of showing hunger cues.
Get expert medical advice from our team of experienced pediatricians within 15 minutes or emergency-consultation for your child's health and development. Sign up for Babynama's care plans today to get unlimited access to chat with a pediatrician directly on WhatsApp to get answers to your child's health-related queries and the best possible care. Babynama's aim is to provide fast, reliable, and quality healthcare support to parents. Be a part of Babynama today!