Help needed! My baby sleeps restlessly
As parents you’re likely familiar with nights where your baby sleeps restlessly. First and foremost, we want to reassure you this is completely normal, even though it can be tough – especially if one of you have work in the morning.
But what causes a baby to sleep restlessly? And are there ways to alleviate restless sleep? In this blog post, we’ll provide insight into restless sleep and share tips on how to help your baby sleep peacefully.
What causes restless sleep in babies?
Just when you thought your baby had developed a somewhat stable sleep routine, it can suddenly change, making nights more unsettled. Restless sleep can present itself as arms and legs moving restlessly, kicking, the head tossing from side to side, or your baby rubbing their face. More frequent awakenings during the night than usual can disrupt sleep for the entire family.
If you’re familiar with Mental Leaps, you’ve likely heard about periods where babies become more unsettled, especially in the evenings, struggling to settle down and stay asleep. There will be times where your baby’s development and impression processing can lead to restless sleep.
It’s also worth checking if your baby is dealing with an upset stomach or tension. Constipation can cause stomach pain, which can be very uncomfortable.
Tension can also be the reason for arestless baby. For instance, if the neck is bothering them, it can be hard for the baby to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Is your 4-week-old baby restless in the evening?
In the first month, everything is new. Both baby, mom, and dad need to get to know each other and establish new routines, figuring out what works and what doesn’t. The restless nights are likely due to overstimulation and processing the sensory experiences of the day. In other words, it doesn’t take much for the tiny infant to start crying and seeking comfort from mom and dad.
Is your 6-week-old baby restless?
Around 6 weeks, it’s common for babies to become more restless and prone to crying, especially in the evening. Your baby is likely more alert in the afternoon and evening, and you might have
noticed changes in feeding patterns. Your baby may seek the breast more often, wanting to eat to be full enough for the night.
Baby sleeping restlessly at 3 months
Babies at this age tend to have more shallow sleep at night. Typically, nighttime sleep consists of 2-3 deep sleep cycles where the baby sleeps deeply for 1-2 hours. They may have 5-6 brief
awakenings, and the rest of the night is spent in lighter sleep, often accompanied by more physical activity. You might be worried whether your baby is getting enough sleep at night – but don’t worry, your baby will get the sleep they need.
Baby sleeping restlessly at 7 months
When your 7-month-old baby sleeps restlessly at night, it could be due to major developmental milestones, as they become more aware of the world around them. The many sensory impressions and experiences from the day are processed during the night, which may lead to
frequent awakenings and motor restlessness.
When your 10-month-old baby sleeps restlessly
At 10 months, it’s not uncommon for babies to be more restless during bedtime and at night. The physical and mental development is demanding, making it harder for them to settle down. You might have noticed your baby waking up during the night, tumbling in the bed, whimpering, or holding onto the crib bars.
This is also the time when the separation phase begins to show. Your baby might struggle to let go of you, wondering if you’ll still be there when they wake up.
Tips to alleviate restless sleep
First and foremost, it’s important to establish consistent bedtime routines so your baby becomes familiar with what happens in the evening leading up to bedtime. During the first few months, it’s completely normal to have irregular bedtimes and routines – babies don’t have a sleep pattern yet. Around 4 months, things begin to stabilize, and from this point, you can gradually introduce regular bedtimes and rituals.
Here are a few tips to help reduce restlessness in your baby. Remember all babies are different, so it’s important to try different approaches to find the most effective solution.
Prolong sleep with a baby hammock
If your baby struggles to fall asleep, you might want to try a baby hammock. A motorized baby hammock can rock the baby on its own, giving mom and dad some much-needed rest. The rocking motion mimics the feeling of being in the womb, creating a sense of security and promoting sleep.
Create calm with a weighted blanket
Motor restlessness can disrupt sleep – not just for the baby but for the entire family, who may be woken by the baby’s restless movements. A weighted blanket can help reduce restlessness in the body. The blanket wraps around the body, providing a calming effect by simulating the feeling of being in a parent's safe embrace. Make sure to choose a weighted blanket that’s appropriate for your baby’s size and weight.
Check the room temperature
We all know how a wrong room temperature can affect our sleep. If the room is too hot, you tend to wake up frequently and struggle to fall back asleep. As parents, it’s important to make sure your baby doesn’t get too warm during sleep. The ideal bedroom temperature is 18-20°C (64-68°F).
Treatment by a chiropractor
As mentioned earlier, restless sleep can also be caused by tension. If you suspect your baby has tension, for instance in the neck, you can consult a chiropractor who will examine the baby’s body, muscles, reflexes, and skeleton. Make sure to choose someone experienced in treating infants.
Remember, everything takes time
Becoming a parent is the greatest gift in life. Even though it can be tough in the beginning, things will work out in the end. Some are fortunate to have babies who sleep well, while others must cope with a constantly changing sleep pattern until the baby reaches a certain age.
It’s important to be patient and give yourself time to try out different methods for alleviating your baby’s restless sleep. Help from your partner and family is invaluable, but if you’re feeling overwhelmed and nothing seems to work, we recommend contacting a health visitor or your family doctor.