When Baby's Sleep is Disrupted

Most infants don't have a difficult time sleeping at all. You tuck them into their baby blankets, give them a kiss, and almost before you're out the door they're asleep. Children under a year old generally have no problems getting to sleep, once a bedtime routine has been established.

However, babies and infants can suffer from sleep disorders. In early childhood, sleep disorders fall into one of two classes: parasomnias, which interrupt sleep, such as nightmares or sleepwalking; and dyssomnias, which include waking up but being unable to fall back asleep, having restless sleep, or having extreme difficulty falling asleep.

Sleep Disorders are Temporary

Most sleep disorders in infants crop up during the time that they're transitioning - either from a bassinette to a cot, or from a cot to a toddler bed. As such, they're largely related to the baby's confidence and security in this new sleeping arrangement, and problems will decrease or disappear as they adjust.

One way to ease the transition is to continue using bedding such as baby blankets that were used in the previous sleeping arrangement. For example, if your baby always slept with the same two or three baby blankets in the bassinette, be sure to carry those over to the cot so that she recognizes this as a new place to sleep.

Easing the Transition

A few drops of lavender oil, chamomile oil, or Mom's perfume will also help make baby blankets a soothing tool for bedtime. The scent should be very light, as an infant's sense of smell is strong and they're likely to spend a good deal of time tucked under those baby blankets. As a general rule of thumb, if you take the baby out of the baby blankets and notice your infant retains the scent of the baby blankets, there's too much scent added. Toss those baby blankets in the wash and start again.

More important than baby blankets is parental reaction to these sleep disturbances. While they may be frustrating, try to remember they're temporary and are only a sign that your baby needs your comfort and love. Sometimes just going into the nursery, speaking softly, and getting them comfortable in their baby blankets is all they need to drift off once again. You might want to make sure the baby blankets are not getting pulled into the area of their face, or remove the baby blankets from the cot entirely if they're proving to be a distraction. Most babies just need a little attention in order to get cozy and drift off to dreamland once again.

Getting Everyone to Sleep

Sleep in a family home is a precious commodity, and it's often interrupted. Your baby can and will learn to sleep for eight to twelve hours at a stretch, but your patience, consistency, and constant support will help him learn much faster. If you're consistent in your bedtime routine but still suspect your baby may have a sleep disorder, consult with a pediatrician. Sleep disorders can be treated through changes in routine, diet, or medication - and the sooner you get help, the sooner everyone gets some sleep.