Why Nasal Congestion Disrupts Baby Sleep Infants have small nasal passages, and their nasal breathing pattern makes obstruction more consequential than it may be for an older child or adult. Mucosal swelling and thicker secretions can increase airway resistance. A…

The essential contents of a safe crib For routine infant sleep, the essential contents are limited to three compatible components: a safety-compliant crib or bassinet, a firm and flat mattress designed for that product, and one fitted sheet made for…

Teething and the perception of poor sleep Teething is a normal developmental process in which primary teeth move through the gingiva. Local inflammation may cause tender gums, increased chewing, drooling, irritability, and a temporary preference for softer or cooler foods.…

Understand what normal infant sleep looks like Infant sleep is distributed differently from adult sleep. Babies move through shorter sleep cycles and may partially awaken between them. A young infant may wake to feed several times overnight, while older babies…

What back sleeping means Back sleeping means placing an infant in a supine position, lying flat on the back with the face and airway unobstructed. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Institutes of Health recommend this position for…

Typical nap duration by age Nap duration changes as the infant nervous system matures. In the newborn period, sleep is distributed across the entire day and night rather than organized into a stable pattern. Mayo Clinic notes that newborn naps…

What it means when a baby drops a nap Dropping a nap means that one daytime sleep episode is no longer consistently necessary for your child to remain well rested. The transition is usually gradual. A baby may sleep during…

What determines a baby’s nap needs? Nap needs are part of a baby's total sleep requirement over a 24-hour period. Some infants obtain more sleep at night, while others distribute a larger proportion of their sleep across daytime naps. For…

What a split night means A split night is an extended period of wakefulness in the middle of the biological night, often lasting roughly one to several hours. The baby may babble, roll, feed intermittently, cry, or lie quietly while…

Why early waking happens Babies do not begin life with a mature biological clock. Their circadian rhythm, the approximately 24-hour timing system that coordinates sleep, alertness, body temperature, and hormone secretion, develops gradually after birth. Light exposure and repeated patterns…