The 8 Most Common Causes of Baby Sleep Problems
Important Notice
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On baby sleep problems
Like almost everything in life, sleeping must be learned. In the beginning, a baby can wake up even 3-4 times to eat in the night. At the age of six months this may be reduced to 1-2 times per night. This is of course an average number, concrete cases can deviate either upwards or downwards. In certain life stages the baby's developement implies more superficial or uneasy sleep. We can call it a sleep problem * if s/he wakes up much more frequently, * if s/he wakes up for other reasons than eating, * or has difficulty to fall asleep after eating. This may be due to several causes: * certain illnesses, * too much or too few daytime naps, * developing bad sleep habits, * poop in diapers, * excessive tiredness, * separation anxiety,
On baby sleep problems
* too much stimuli, e. g. * travel, * guests, * music, * loud speech * changing lifestyles, e. g. * change in feeding, * moving, even only to another room, The best thing to do is to prevent sleep problems by developing appropriate sleep habits. The next few pages show the most common causes of sleep problems. .
Stomach ache
Phenomenon: From 2 weeks to 2-3 months the most common cause for waking up are stomach aches. Can't or hardly can fall asleep again after breast-feeding, raises his/her legs or arms, cries, groans. If cries often and the belly feels hard to the touch, you should pay attention. Cause: Babies' digestive system isn't fully developed, they are unpractised in eating. For example, they swallow much air which will cause pressure in the stomach. Still they may have difficulties with digesting lactose. Too much or too fast eating also can be the cause.
Stomach ache
Solution: His/her stomach should be empty before eating (it takes 2-3 hours). This is important for  prevention. Also provide sufficient amount of fresh air. You can cure the existing ache by * burping, * laying your hand on his/her stomach, * stomach massage, * letting the baby lying on tummy (tiger in the tree hold), * warming the stomach (fomentation, possibly with hair dryer), * vertical positioning, * possibly 1-2 small spoon of fennel tea.
If the problem persists, by * lactase enzyme supplement, * probiotics, * homeopathic medicine, * herbal infusions, * food supplements, * medicine (by a doctor's prescription only).
Reflux
Phenomenon: In the first months, even until the 10th month, after feeding baby often spits up some of the milk or other food. This can cause discomfort or even coughs. It can harden when baby starts to move and crawl. This is to be comsidered as natural, if * baby is healthy otherwise, * only spits up a small amount, * develops normally, * it takes only about 10 minuites after feeding. Reflux disease (GERD): Otherwise if * causes frequent wake-ups in the night, * baby vomits greater amounts, * comes with strong coughs, * comes with stomach ache, * takes a long time after feeding, * development is lagging substantially then it can be gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Reflux
Cause: Babies' digestive system and sphincter is not strong at the beginning. Swallowing air, eating too eagerly and undeveloped brestfeeding technique also can contribute to the problem. Solution (for normal reflux): * Don't panic, it's not a disease * Treat him/her with care, don't put suddenly into vertcal position * 5-10 minutesa of burping after feeding is really important, also to avoid vomiting and stomach ache * This is especially true if you can hear him/her drinking too fast * Changing the diapers after feeding  also helps burping by making the baby moving
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Colds & Flu
Phenomenon: * Coughs * Snuffles * Fever * Sore throat and/or earaches
It's no joy if the baby is sick, but still not a disaster. Don't panic! Cause: Babies' immune system is not as effective as an adult’s or even an older child’s. Solution: * If possible, until 1-2 months restrain the baby from people, especially if they have the flue * Wash out his/her nose with a small amount of Íbreastmilk * Increase the humidity of the air * Possibly use homeopathic medicines or herbal infusions instead of prescription drugs. This holds true for all illnesses * Suck snot from baby's nose before sleeping * If the illness persists, see a doctor
Fever
Phenomenon: Fever is the natural defensive mechanism of the body, so basically you should not suppress it. But babies' tolerance differs. If your baby suffers then treat it. Don't use, however, wet blankets or cold bath. Cause: Infection, colds, teething etc. Solution: * Antipyretic (recommended by a physician) * Gentle cold water wash, compress (wrist, forehead) More info: * Perform fever testing gently * Watch the baby because fever can go up suddenly * As long as you don't know the kid's reaction, be especially careful * If baby feels bad or the fever is to go up fast, start treatment early
Food allergy
Phenomenon: * Problems to fall asleep * Restless sleep * Frequent awakenings * Restlessness * Abdominal pain * Diarrhea * Gas pain, bad gas * Vomiting * Swelling * Itching * Sneezing * Runny nose * Skin rashes Cause: Most common foods that cause allergies or sensitivities: * Lactose * Milk protein (in case of feeding cows' milk) * Spicy meals * Eggs * Gluten * Certain fruits
Food allergy
Solution: * Find out what's causing trouble. * Sometimes you need to keep a diary, as the symptoms may appear even days after the food have been consumed * Stop giving what has caused the problem * Add hypoallergenic (HA) formulas instead of a milk-based formula * In case of lactose intolerance lactase enzyme replacement can help * In serious cases seek medical attention
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Skin conditions
Phenomenon: * Allergy * Eczema * Urticaria * Dry skin * Bruises * Stuffy nose * Eye tingling, redness * Sneezing * Cough * Inflammation of the ear * etc. Cause: * Personal care and cleaning products * Synthetic fibers * Dust mile * Animal hair, feather * Chemicals * Pollens * Medicines * Heavy metal residues
Skin conditions
Solution: * Avoid contact with allergenic substances * Wash the baby's clothes separately, rinse thoroughly so no residues remain in them * Disinfect dishes, cutlery, and what s/he takes in the mouth * Aanti-inflammatory and itch-soothing ointments * Light treatment * Medicines (per medical advice) * Moisturizing the skin * Gentle skin care, short, gentle bathing * Skin-friendly, antiallergic, odorless cosmetics * In case of lasting problems consult a physician
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Unsuitable environment
The ideal environment: * No rotating, musical toys hanging over the bed, which are disturbing, not for rest / sleep * Have a separate bed, own corner, the "designated" place for sleep * Free airflow: ventilate often, do not cover the side of the bed * Treat the night separately from daylight (dark, silence, whispering, etc.) * Don't expose the baby to strong stimuli during the day (music, strong tones, harsh lights, toys) * Communication with parents and body contact are important * Stick to a schedule, ensure predictability * 68-70 ºF (20-21 ºC) temperature, 72 ºF (22 °C) for newborns * Neither too dry nor too humid air * Trust, love * Touch him/her with care, move him/her slowly Correcting non-ideal states: * If the night (or daytime) environment is loud, you may want to try some calming sound. Many of such recordings can be downloaded from the Internet, for example. small whine, rain, sea waves or socalled "White noise" * If the baby have been sleeping so far with parents, you can teach to sleep in his/her own bed step by step
Teething
Phenomenon: * Excessive drool * Tries to chew everything * Puts fingers in mouth * Diarrhea because of the salivation Starts in the 6th-10th month. In the beginning, nothing can be seen on the gums. Sleep problems usually take only 1-2 weeks for each group of teeth until the teeth come in. Solution: * Any clean textiles or toys the baby can chew, but can't swallow. Even a cold spoon will help * Teethers (normal or coolable) * Pain relievers (use only by a doctor's prescription) * Rosehip, chamomile, catnip, clove * Homeopathic remedies
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