If you’re a parent, you’ve probably noticed that your baby seems to fight sleep more than anything else. It might look like they don’t want to go to bed, despite how tired they are and how important sleep is for them. But why do babies fight sleep? And what can parents do to help them feel comfortable enough to drift off?
Let’s take a closer look at why babies fight sleeping and some tips you can use to encourage them to rest.
Why do babies fight sleep?
Babies between the ages of three months and 12 months old have difficulty transitioning from being awake to asleep because of their developing brains, which is why babies do fight sleep.
During this period of development, infants are learning how to regulate their emotions, learn new skills, explore the world around them, and develop their sense of independence.
All of these factors contribute to why they may be resistant when it comes time for bed.
Another factor is that newborns and young babies need more frequent feedings than older children or adults—and if your little one hasn’t had enough food, then it may be difficult for them to fall asleep or stay asleep for long periods of time without waking up hungry.
In addition, infants may become over-stimulated during the day if they aren’t getting enough restorative sleep at night—which can make it even harder for them to settle down in the evenings.
Tips for encouraging sleep
Fortunately, there are steps parents can take in order to help encourage better sleep habits in their babies.
Creating a consistent nighttime routine helps set expectations so that your baby knows when it’s time for bed every night.
Incorporating calming activities such as reading stories or playing soft music can also help relax your little one before bedtime so that they’re more likely to drift off into dreamland quickly.
Making sure that your baby has had enough food throughout the day will also help ensure that they are well-fed and less likely to wake up due to hunger in the middle of the night.
Finally, keeping noise levels low in your home during nap times or bedtimes will help ensure that your baby gets adequate rest without any distractions keeping them awake!
It’s normal for babies between three months and 12 months old to experience difficulty settling down for naps or bedtime due to their rapidly developing brains—but with some simple strategies such as creating a consistent routine before bedtime and making sure they’ve had enough food during the day, parents can help create an environment where their baby feels safe and secure enough that drifting off into dreamland is no longer a struggle! With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to get your little one settled down easily so everyone in your family gets plenty of restful sleep each night!
